ViaSurprise feeder: Balsthal - Wasserfallen

By PostBus, you reach Mümliswil in a few minutes from Balsthal until the stop Kammfabrik or Postplatz. On the way, the bus passes the Lobisei, the legendary narrow pass (Klus) of Mümliswil. The path between Holzfluh and Neu-Falkenstein ruins was just a footpath until the early 18th century. Enjoy the view of the imposing rock formations and the historically significant building. The former castle from the early 12th century was strategically located to control the then important passes Wasserfallen and Oberer Hauenstein. Towards Oberer Hauenstein, remains of a stone slab and a hollow path with clear cart tracks testify to the intensive use of this route, the so-called Roman road. If you have enough time, choose the very rewarding two-hour hike from Balsthal over Oberberg to Mümliswil. This summer pasture area offers flowery meadows, charming "Heuschürli" hay sheds, and magnificent views of the Alps. Mümliswil itself tells an exciting story of crafts and industrial history. Unique is the Kammfabrik, founded by Urs Josef Walter. Today it houses the HAARUNDKAMM Museum. This presents attractively the 200-year history of comb manufacturing in Mümliswil. This gem of a museum is definitely worth a visit. In the museum shop, you can buy everything from combs to Solothurn regional products. From Mümliswil, the route leads over "horrible mountains," as the path was described 500 years ago, towards Wasserfallen Pass, once the shortest trade connection to Basel. The city on the Rhine with which Mümliswil tradespeople and farmers conducted lively trade in earlier times. Along the forest trail, the path goes through the Limmern Gorge up to Wasserfallen, the border ridge between Solothurn and Baselland, passing the south portal of the Wasserfallen tunnel. The small detour to the Limmern chapel is worthwhile. From here, the hike passes the Rochus chapel to the mountain inn Hintere Wasserfallen, the Wasserfallen mountain station, and the Wasserfallen hotel.