Inns, castle and Roggenflue

When you hear Oensingen, you think of highway and traffic jams. But the village at the southern foot of the Jura is also an ideal transport hub for hikers: the Jura chains can be explored in all directions. This route starts at Oensingen station and in the first part leads through a romantic forest up to the mighty Neu Bechburg Castle. From there, the hiking trail winds through forests and over Jura pastures at almost 1000 meters above sea level to the Roggenflue, the spectacular viewpoint of this hike. The view sweeps over the Central Plateau, the Jura heights, and if visibility is good, the large Alpine panorama of the Central and Bernese Alps can be admired on the horizon. It then continues over the mountain ridge via Hauesteimatt through beautiful forests. After several manageable descents, you reach Oberbuchsiten via Alphöchi.

The castle, built in the 13th century by the Barons of Bechburg, has a eventful history behind it. Today it is owned by a foundation that wants to bring the castle back to life. Also preserved is the legend of the castle ghost "Kuoni." According to it, the evil knight was bricked up alive. In the shadow of the castle, Radio and Television SRF reenacted life from 500 years ago in summer 2017.

The hike over the Roggenflue is doable from spring to autumn. In spring, the tender green of the deciduous trees delights, and the hiker walks over a carpet of wood anemones. In autumn, the autumn crocuses on the Jura pastures herald the approaching snow.

For another reason, the moderately demanding hike along the Jura ridge path is recommended as a “warm-up route” in spring: along the way, several cozy inns invite you to linger. For this reason, the hike is also known as the “Jura Highlands Inns Route.” (Godi Huber)