Castles and palaces near Aesch (BL)

The Basel region is one of the regions with the most castles in Switzerland: around 80 castles, palaces and ruins bear witness to an eventful history. Scattered on hilltops, rocky outcrops and at the bottom of valleys, they invite not only archaeologists, history buffs and castle enthusiasts, but also hikers to discover them. The past can be experienced in a particularly impressive way along the ViaJura - a cultural trail that stretches from Roman antiquity to the present day. Since the Middle Ages, it has been the lifeline of the Prince-Bishopric of Basel and later served as a route for countless travelers through the hilly landscape of the Jura.

A varied circular hike begins at Aesch railroad station and follows the ViaJura to the ruins of Pfeffingen Castle, which was extensively renovated between 2013 and 2017. From there, the trail leads along a historic route to the Glögglifelspass, a medieval rocky outcrop above the Birs. The subsequent ridge path over the Eggflue offers a magnificent panoramic view over the Basel region.

The route continues over the Plattenpass, which the Romans used as the shortest route from Basel to western Switzerland. Below the Aescher Klus, the ruins of Frohberg, Schalberg, Engenstein and Münchsberg are lined up along the Burgengratweg, which finally leads back to the ruins of Pfeffingen.

The successful combination of nature, history and culture makes this circular trail a special experience in the canton of Baselland.

Original of the tour: www.schwarzwaldverein-tourenportal.de/de/tour/808370132