Sankt Niklaus: Church, Verena Gorge and Megalith Trail

Sankt Niklaus is one of the two districts of the municipality of Feldbrunnen-Sankt Niklaus in the Lebern district of the Canton of Solothurn. At 466 metres above sea level, the village lies where the Verenabach stream emerges from Verena Gorge. The village’s history, church and landscape offer practical ways to shape your stay, from sacred architecture to a circular route lasting several hours.

Location and landscape

The municipality of Feldbrunnen-Sankt Niklaus lies about two kilometres in a straight line northeast of Solothurn. It is situated on a terrace north of the Aare, at the southern foot of the Jura and east of the Verenabach. The wider municipal area also includes the wooded heights of the Verenakette, the dry valley of Chalchgraben and farmland. Sankt Niklaus itself lies on a terminal moraine deposited by the Rhône Glacier.

Glacial landscape and early traces of settlement

Numerous erratic boulders in the forest north of Sankt Niklaus are visible traces of the Rhône Glacier’s retreat. Finds of weapons and stone tools point to earlier settlement around the boulders left behind, particularly in the area of Verena Gorge. It is believed that people lived in these areas during the Neolithic period.

Church and meditation trail

The parish church of St. Niklaus stands at the lower entrance to Verena Gorge. It was rebuilt in 1683/1684 to replace a medieval predecessor. This single-nave church has a flat wooden ceiling and a vaulted polygonal choir. During the interior restoration in 2021, conservation measures were taken to safeguard the historic church interior and its furnishings.

The meditation garden beside the church is a peaceful place to linger throughout the year. From the church, the meditation trail leads to Kreuzen: the Way of the Cross, laid out in 1613, was extensively restored in 2000 and now runs past 14 stations.

Verena Gorge and hermitage

Verena Gorge and the Hermitage of St. Verena are located in a cantonal nature reserve. Bus number 4 runs from Solothurn main station to the southern entrance of the gorge, to the St. Niklaus stop. From there, the gorge path leads to the hermitage in about a 15-minute walk. Check the timetable before travelling; the walking time is an estimate.

Waldegg Castle and the Solothurn Megalith Trail

Johann Viktor von Besenval had Waldegg Castle built between 1682 and 1686 as a summer residence. With its avenues and gardens, it was designed as a unified Baroque work of art. Since 1991, Waldegg Castle has been open to the public as a museum and meeting centre. The museum features richly decorated salons, an extensive collection of paintings and original castle furniture. The furnishings illustrate the Solothurn patriciate’s French-inspired way of life.

The gardens include an avenue about 500 metres long, planted with summer lime trees. The gardens are mainly home to old ProSpecieRara varieties that were already known in the area around 150 years ago.

The Solothurn Megalith Trail leads to a selection of 13 particularly impressive megaliths. From Waldegg Castle, it runs through forests over two hills and then through Verena Gorge back to the castle. Allow about four hours for the entire circular route from the Waldegg Castle car park and back; walking time may vary. The route can be divided into two sections, each starting and ending at Waldegg Castle.

Discover more destinations: Niederwil, Bettlach, Balm Bei Günsberg, Riedholz, Rüttenen, Langendorf, Grenchen.

Return to the main travel overview: Lebern.