ViaSurprise circular route: Zwingen - Mariastein

From Zwingen, the path leads over the Birs and Laufenstrasse, past sunny single-family houses into the forest. A short and steep ascent follows, taking you to the "sun terrace" of Strängenfeld. The village of Blauen lies enviably beautifully on the southern slope of the fifth Jura chain. Its church also features an ornate baroque altar from 1745. At the upper edge of the village, there is a mighty, wide-spreading oak to admire. Leaving the village, you encounter an artistically restored stone cross made of Jura limestone with the year 1840 inscribed. Opposite is the information board "Blauenweide Nature Reserve" with map and explanations. A few steps further there are impressive large lindens grouped around a square at the western end of Blauenweide. Like a string of pearls, these nutrient-poor pastures line the southern Blauen slope. They are notable for their size, scenic beauty, and great biodiversity. They form a paradise for butterflies, impress with distinctive pasture trees and numerous thorn bushes, including many rose species. The view into the distance is also magnificent here. The path leads down into the forest and along the slope of the Ottmart to the Stelli pond, located at the southern end of a clearing. From there it goes up to the Bergmattenhof restaurant. Afterwards, it is only a few steps to the Metzerlen cross. It stands in the middle of a large, shady, forest-surrounded area on the Blauen ridge. Its pedestal bears the plea: "Protect, oh God, your people through the sign of the holy cross". Next to it is the associated stone viewing bench. The nearby border stone, dated 1753, bears the coats of arms of Solothurn and the Prince-Bishopric. The path now goes over pastureland and then steeply down through the forest to the fork at Vorhollen. Leaving the forest but continuing along it, you walk to Rotberg Castle. The castle today is a youth hostel and is much visited by groups and school classes. The route follows the path down to the junction where the paths from Mariastein, Metzerlen, and Hofstetten meet. Following the left riverbank towards Mariastein, you reach the path between the road and the hazel shrub-lined hedge leading to the western monastery wall. The last stretch is quickly done, and the impressive Benedictine Mariastein Monastery invites reflection and rest. Various overnight options are available here.