Canton of Solothurn walks

The Swiss Jura Belchen, the Alsatian Belchen (Ballon d'Alsace) and the Black Forest Belchen all form the peaks of a right-angle triangle, mystical sunrise observation point dating back to Celtic times (Belchen comes from "Belenus" the celtic god of sun). You'll gain access to this exceptional viewpoint through the "Devil's" gorges lined with steep walls, waterfalls, caves and caverns. The way back, along the "military path" is full of vestiges and ends with typical Jura landscapes.

If you're looking for a quiet, cool spot (don't forget your long sleeves, even in summer), you've come to the right place... It's a fairly steep climb, but it's really pretty and peaceful. At the bottom of the gorges, you'll enjoy the cool air...

Stage 13 – From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. This demanding stage takes us over five successive passes: after Hauenstein come Schafmatt, Salhöhe, Bänkerjoch and finally the Staffelegg Pass. Between these passes, the terrain becomes more intense with the ascent of the Geissfluh, a steep peak marking the border of the canton of Basel-Landschaft. The route alternates between dense Jura forests, peaceful clearings and a few open pastures, offering a beautiful variety of landscapes and atmospheres.

Twelfth stage From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. From Balsthal, the route begins with a steady climb to Roggenflue (998 m), offering a breathtaking view of the Swiss Plateau and two giants of the Jura: Mont Tendre and La Dôle. The hike continues through a majestic Jura beech forest, nestled between 600 and 900 metres above sea level, where the tranquillity of the forest accompanies your steps to Roggenschnarz. There, a spectacular descent awaits you: hundreds of steps carved into the slope lead you to the Wishöchi Pass. After this passage, a new ascent guides you to the picturesque hamlet of Bärenwil, before reaching the highest point of the stage: the Belchenflue (1,099 metres). The descent to the southern slope of the Solothurn Jura reveals a landscape steeped in history, dotted with concrete blocks, anti-tank obstacles and bunkers, silent witnesses to Switzerland's fortifications during the two world wars.

Stage 11 From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. On this mainly downhill stage, you leave the green pastures of the Weissenstein and descend towards the Balmberg winter ski area before reaching Bättlerchuchi, a small panoramic plateau offering unobstructed views of the surrounding ridges. You then continue along an old mule track, probably used since Roman times, which leads you to the Schattenberg ridge. This historic passage immerses you in an almost timeless atmosphere. The descent continues along sometimes steep paths, winding through the Jura mountains to Balsthal, nestled on the banks of the Dünnern. This village is a strategic crossroads at the foot of three iconic passes in the Jura mountain range: the Upper Hauenstein, the Passwang and the Scheulte.