The path of the foundry workers near Oensingen

When the Von Roll company built its foundry in the Klus of Balsthal in 1828, workers were soon needed. People were recruited from the surrounding villages who made a great effort for the opportunity to earn a living. Thus, people from the villages of the Oberaargau Jura also laboriously commuted daily to the Klus and back.

The hike gives an impression and connects all the villages of the Oberaargau Jura. The starting point is Oensingen train station. Follow the hiking trail towards Waldenalp. After the ascent along the flank of Lehnberg, you cross a narrow ridge and reach Waldenalp. Here once ran the "Giesserwägli" from the Klus, the path once used by the workers of the Oberaargau Jura villages to go to the Von Roll foundry in the Klus. The access to the "Giesserwägli" is somewhat hidden at the edge of the forest northeast of Waldenalp. The path still exists but is not part of the official hiking trail network. The hike now pleasantly follows the mountain flank from Waldenalp to Walden. From there, follow a small road to Wolfisberg, walk through the village, and then follow the hiking trail to Rumisberg. On beautiful days, you can enjoy a great view over the Mittelland up to the Alps. In Rumisberg, take the hiking trail towards Farnern through Hasengasse. A short, steep ascent leads to Farnern. The actress Hedda Koppé, known as "Glunggepäuri" from Franz Schnyder's Gotthelf films Ueli the Farmhand and Ueli the Leaseholder, lived here until the end of her life. The house is marked. The descent first goes along a small road, then through the forest down to the pretty village of Attiswil. A village tour is worthwhile here. Simon Johner