Solothurn-Grenchen BSG Aare trail

Solothurn was founded 2000 years ago by the Romans on a narrow part of the Aare. The easy trail connects the canton’s capital with the town of Grenchen, well known for its watch industry. The locals say the river has a typical smell each season of the year – it’s a lifeline. Walk towards the west past the Krummturmschanze (crooked tower) and the pier. You can get a great photo of the old town from the footbridge. Waste from the town was buried underground at TCS Camping. It is now finally being remediated. On reaching the Lehmann shipyard, you leave the banks of the Aare for the first time. The Selzacher Witi is used for agriculture and is home to a growing rabbit population. The new observation tower in front of Altreu invites you to a spot of birdwatching. In the stork village of Altreu, all the nests are occupied in spring. The BSG boats stop here. A ferry crosses the river. Exit Altreu and leave the Aare a second time, on to Bettlach. In the north, the first Jura chain shapes the spectacular horizon. Shortly before your destination, you’ll meet the A5 motorway. The Fischerhaus restaurant will tempt you in for a well-deserved rest. The boat takes you conveniently back to Solothurn.

For train connections, please visit https://www.sbb.ch/en