Lostorf: Cultural History, Trails and Nature

Lostorf lies between Olten and Aarau at the southern foot of the Jura Mountains, in a picturesque landscape and away from busy transport routes. There are various ways to shape a stay here: explore local architectural and religious history, enjoy the trails and nature, or attend seasonal events. Wartenfels Castle is a landmark of Lostorf.

Cultural Sites and Local History

The Mahrer Cross, now standing on the edge of Balmiswald forest, is an exact copy of the original cross, erected in 1958. The original was probably built around 1620 as a plague cross. The Mahrer Cross became a well-known pilgrimage site, visited especially by thousands of sick people from the regions of Solothurn, Aargau and Basel. Here, its likely original purpose meets its history as a pilgrimage site.

The Antonius Chapel in Mahren was built in 1950 as a simple wayside chapel, based on plans by Werner Guldimann. Its colourful stained-glass windows depict the Creator amid the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. The Reformed Church of Lostorf represents a different period of construction: it was built in 1967/68 to plans by the Solothurn architect Bader. The Bad Chapel is a small sanctuary in the immediate vicinity of the spa.

The Lostorf Village Museum is housed in a former farm labourer's house, built between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In its renovated rooms on three floors, visitors can see how families lived in the past. The focus here is on everyday family life in earlier times, while the chapels and churches reveal other aspects of local history. Wartenfels Castle complements these historic sites as a landmark of the municipality.

Trails, Cycling Route and Activities

There is an easy 1.3 km nature trail in the Schlossgasse area. Several hiking routes also start in Lostorf; check route conditions before setting out. National Cycle Route 5, the Mittelland Route, passes through the Lostorf area. Check the signs and route details before your ride. The options offer different ways to get active: a measured, easy trail, hiking routes starting in Lostorf, and a national cycling route.

Another activity is the Heidental Golf Course, an 18-hole course in beautiful surroundings. When planning a trip to Lostorf, you can choose activities to suit your interests: a nature trail, a hiking route, a cycling route or golf. The information available for each type of route differs: the nature trail has a specified length and difficulty, while several hiking routes are known to start in Lostorf.

Forest Reserves and Nature

The Lostorf Citizens' Municipality has concluded four long-term forest reserve agreements with the Canton of Solothurn, covering a total area of 66 hectares. In the forest reserves, trees can grow old, die and decay without human intervention. This creates an undisturbed habitat for plants and animals. The agreements therefore describe not only an area, but also a specific form of nature conservation: the natural process, right through to the decay of the trees, remains part of the habitat's development.

Seasonal Events and Planning Your Visit

The Buechehof's large organic seedling market takes place in spring and offers vegetables, salads, flowers and many rarities. The Buechehof Whitsun matinée includes a generous brunch and the chance to explore the Buechehof grounds on a guided walk. The events have different focuses: the market is all about seedlings and the plants on offer, while the matinée combines brunch with a walk around the grounds. If you plan to include one of these events in your trip, check the dates for the event in question.

Wartenfels Castle has specific opening hours in 2026: the castle courtyard and museum are open on Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm, from 3 May to 18 October. For visits outside this period, check the opening hours in effect at the time.

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

Return to the broader travel overview: Gösgen.