ViaSurprise circular route: Beinwil - Zwingen

After an overnight stay at the Beinwil monastery, the path leads to Zwingen. Through the Hexengraben, the route goes up past the farms Grosser Kasten and Kleiner Kasten, around the Chastenchöpfli and across the meadow plain to the restaurant Meltingerberg. A large terrace offers space to linger, and the menu includes options for both large and small appetites. Through the village of Meltingen and over Meltingen bridge, past the Mühlematt farm, you reach a stony nature trail that leads upwards over small bridges and walkways across the stream. Along the Ibach, the route leads through the Chaltbrunnental. The area Zwingen-Brislachallmet-Kaltbrunnental is excellent for gaining insight into karst formations. The nature trail, opened in 2013, informs hikers with clear display boards about the characteristics of the underground landscape and cave research. Where the Ibach flows into the Birs, the path continues parallel to the Birs river up to Zwingen with its water castle. Overnight accommodation is available at an original guest studio (Kuhstahl) or in the town of Laufen, easily reachable on foot or by public transport (post bus, train).