Solothurn Megalith Trail

Megaliths are mysterious giants and traces of the Ice Age. The circular hike starts at Waldegg Castle, leads through the Martinsflue area, and ends after the idyllic Verena Gorge. The route is fully marked with white direction signs, yet you need to watch carefully not to miss the many small forest branching paths. The stones are not on a usual hiking route and the shape of the circular walk resembles an adventurous treasure hunt. A selection from the extensive range of objects and the route through the disordered remnants of the Rhone glacier, which retreated long ago into the Valais region, have therefore been carefully and expertly chosen. The details are marked on the map in the brochure.

The first block is called "Rütschelistein". According to legend, it had something to do with fertility rituals of young women. Soon several striking objects follow in close proximity. Foremost is the "Schildchrott", which sits on its erosion-protected limestone base. Its size and elevated position are impressive. Soon we encounter notable names like "Pyramid", "Chli Matterhorn", "Gnapp-" and "Frog Stone". Block number 7 and further boulders in the area are still unnamed and await correct identification. Suggestions are welcomed by the Solothurn Stone Friends Association. Some objects are even said to have astronomical alignments. Who knows?

The last information board, number 13, is at the hermitage. Then follows a pleasant finale through the Verena Gorge, and in 15 minutes you are back at the bus stop. Hans-Peter Kleiner