ViaSurprise circular route: Dornach - Seewen

The ViaSurprise circular route begins in Dornach with its world-famous Goetheanum, the center of anthroposophy. The founder of this spiritual worldview was Rudolf Steiner, one of the great intellectual pioneers of our time. The path starts at Dornach-Arlesheim train station. Directly opposite is the Capuchin monastery, where you can stay overnight in the original monastery cells with a view of the park-like garden. Soon you reach the impressive cathedral, completed in 1681, surrounded by the former canon houses. The hike continues in the direction of the Ermitage, the largest English landscape garden in Switzerland, an enchanted landscape full of mysterious places and moods. At the "back entrance" to the Ermitage there is a cozy picnic area with a grill, benches, and another information board. At the shooting range on Gobenmatt, an information board provides details about the rich fauna and flora of this nature reserve. Soon you reach the Schönmatt farm. Fine regional products are sold in the farm shop. From here, the route continues to Stollenhäuser, a picturesque hamlet with many well-tended fruit trees. The path leads through the forest up to the Schartenfluh. From this cliff, colloquially called Gempenstollen, located at 700 m above sea level, the view extends far over Schwarzbubenland, beyond cantonal and national borders, to France and Germany. From the iron tower, the Alps can even be seen on clear days. For food and rest, visit the mountain tavern Gempenturm. From here, follow the path through the forest down to Gempen. Passing through the detached house district "Zwäracher," you reach the gently rising hill at the eastern tip of the Buchholzwald forest. The hike crosses the Tannmatt along the forest edge of the upper Chälen to a historic stone cross flanked by two lindens. Diagonally opposite it, an ideal picnic spot invites you to linger. Over the Gempen plateau, follow the "Hobler circular path." The stage ends with the last section crossing the Nättenberg past impressive villas, surrounded by vast garden and park landscapes, finally concluding in Seewen.