Wasserfallen circular hiking trail 470

On the ridge paths around Wasserfallen, the view dominates in all directions: to the northwest greet the Black Forest and the Vosges, to the south the Alps – on clear days, the view extends from the Allgäu to Mont Blanc. Another highlight: the highest point in Baselbiet – the “hinteri Egg.”

The Baselbiet Jura powerfully blocks the way between the Basel region and the Swiss Plateau. One of the best places to overlook both landscapes is Wasserfallen. The gondola leads from picturesque Reigoldswil into a nationally protected mountain area with narrow ridge paths where nature is dominant. Those who want to see a waterfall at Wasserfallen have to look carefully: the place name originally referred only to a small rock cirque near “Säuschwänki,” where the headwaters of the back Frenke rush down. Later, the whole area around today's Wasserfallen gondola was called this. The closest thing to a waterfall is seen in winter when the fog of the plateau rises precisely over the saddle at Wasserfallenweid, and the fog rolls down waterfall-like into the sun-soaked Baselbiet – a natural spectacle! The hike around Wasserfallen is worthwhile in every season: in spring, wild garlic lines the paths; in summer, the mountain air cools. Autumn offers unmatched color splendor, and on clear winter days, the Alps seem within reach. The circular route starts at the mountain station and initially leads to the Hinteri Egg barbecue area. Just above is the highest point of the Basel-Landschaft canton. A limestone rock with a plaque marks the spot. Then follow the best viewpoints on the route, including Chellenchöpfli (1156 m above sea level) and Passwang (1204 m above sea level). By the way: this can be shortened by either hiking directly back to the mountain station from the Rochus chapel or hiking from the mountain station directly towards Passwang.