Kienberg: Hiking Trails, Nature and History

Kienberg lies 550 metres above sea level at the foot of the Saalhöhe, between Frick and Aarau and at the farthest tip of the canton of Solothurn. The Jura heights, forests and farmland around the village provide areas for recreation close to home. There you can hike, cycle, jog, walk and ride horses. Kienberg is a suitable destination for families and for people seeking nature and a rural setting.

Landscape and Protected Gypsum Quarry

A distinctive natural area is the former Kienberg gypsum quarry. Covering around 7 hectares, it is a nature reserve belonging to Pro Natura Solothurn and Aargau and has been listed in the national inventory of dry meadows and pastures since 2010. It is home to numerous rare plant and animal species that thrive in warm, sunny conditions. The protected landscape is also part of Kienberg hiking trail Route 4. This lets you combine a nature-focused visit with a trail that also takes in other viewpoints and historic sites.

Hiking Trails with Different Destinations

Route 1 is a 6.01-kilometre circular trail. It has 208 metres of ascent, 206 metres of descent and an estimated walking time of 1 hour and 46 minutes. There are five fire pits along the route. These specific distance and elevation figures provide a guide for planning how long this trail will take.

Other Kienberg hiking trails focus on their destinations: Route 2 leads from the Saalhöhe via the Burgflue viewpoint to the Jurapark village of Kienberg. Route 4 also leads to the Burgflue, as well as to the ruins of Heidegg and through the nature reserve in the old gypsum quarry. Route 5 passes the Alt Kienberg ruins, which are currently difficult to access, and ends in the village. Check the access conditions before visiting the Alt Kienberg ruins.

The Alt Kienberg ruins are about a 30-minute walk from the Kienberg, Hirschen bus stop. Small archaeological finds indicate that the ruins were inhabited from the early 11th century until around 1200. Remains of a rectangular building and a round tower have been partially preserved. The Kienberg Heidegg ruins preserve a deep moat and traces of a tower, a curtain wall and other buildings. They are freely accessible year-round; check the conditions before your visit.

Church, Castle Ruins and Studio

The Church of the Assumption of Mary at Kirchgasse 32 is listed as a protected site in the cantonal inventory dated 31 October 2020. It was first mentioned in 1276. Between 1627 and 1635, it was largely rebuilt in the Early Baroque style. During restoration in 1972, its earlier Neoclassical interior was reinstated.

Töpferchäller at Anwilerstrasse 53 is a studio and gallery, and includes a sculpture trail. The studio and trail are open on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with some Thursdays excluded. Check before visiting whether your chosen date is affected. The courses also offer practical insights into local work: In the herb course, participants learn to identify, gather and process wild herbs. They make herb pastes to enjoy with fresh bread baked in a pot or with potatoes. In the mustard course, participants use a basic recipe to mix five variations with dried herbs, fruit powder or spices, then fill them into jars. Ask the provider for current course dates.

Plan Your Journey

Regular postbus services connect Kienberg with Gelterkinden, Olten, Basel and Zurich. Check the current timetable before travelling. Kienberg offers a combination of a rural setting, several hiking destinations, and protected and historic sites when choosing a place to stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Trimbach, Stüsslingen, Wisen, Lostorf, Erlinsbach, Hauenstein-Ifenthal.

Return to the main travel overview: Gösgen.