Discover Beinwil (Freiamt)

Beinwil (Freiamt) lies on the eastern slope of Lindenberg in the upper Bünztal, in the Freiamt region and the Muri district of the canton of Aargau. The municipality comprises five villages. Hills, meadows, forests and farmland shape its rural natural and cultural landscape. This makes the landscape around Lindenberg and the historic buildings two distinct focal points for planning your visit.

Landscape and trails on Lindenberg

Hiking trails and cycling routes start right in the village of Beinwil and lead across Lindenberg. They offer two ways to experience the hilly landscape: on foot or by bike. One specific option for a short loop is the St. Burkard pilgrimage trail, established in 2004. It is about 800 metres long, starts at the church and follows a well-maintained natural path through the outlying village, south of the pilgrimage church. Along the way, it runs beside a quiet stream; to the north, it loops back to the church.

Four stations invite visitors to reflect on “Rest and Reflection”, “Dialogue with St. Burkard”, “Encounter” and “Nature”. The trail can be used by families, older people, and pilgrims using wheelchairs. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

Churches and chapels

The parish and pilgrimage church of St. Burkard stands on a natural moraine hill in the eastern part of the village of Beinwil. Its distinctive tower is visible from far away and is a landmark of the area. The church was first mentioned in a document in 1239. The healing spring of St. Burkard’s Fountain lies to the southeast. The present spring house is designed as a wayside chapel and bears the date 1757.

In Wallenschwil, the feast day of the chapel of St. Lawrence is celebrated in the chapel every year on 10 August. St. Lawrence is also associated with the mention of a church in Walenswil, dated 1064 in the Acta Murensia. In 1745, by order of Prince Abbot Gerold I Haimb, an altar in the chapel was renovated and rebuilt.

Cultural heritage in Horben and Eichmühle

Horben Castle is located in Horben, southwest of Beinwil, and is a fully protected cultural property of national importance. It was built in 1700/1701 under Abbot Plazidus Zurlauben as a retreat for the conventuals of Muri Abbey. Mason Hans Rey and carpenter Hans Mäder built it. South of the castle stands the chapel of St. Wendelin in Horben. It is fully protected and classified as a cultural property of regional importance. Its bell was cast by Keiser in Zug in 1782 and weighs 60 kilograms.

The Eichmühle sawmill is part of the area’s architectural and industrial history. It was built in 1862 to replace an older, dilapidated predecessor. The waterwheel drive, drive mechanism and sawing equipment are largely preserved in their entirety, giving the complex significant value as evidence of architectural and industrial history.

More things to do during your stay

The Horben Alpine farm can be reached by car. The restaurant and hall are wheelchair-accessible from the level car park via a gentle ramp. If accessibility is essential for your visit, please confirm the current situation in advance.

Islandpferde Wallenschwil offers riding lessons on school horses or your own horse. Private, semi-private and group lessons are available; prior arrangements may be required. If you plan to include riding lessons in your stay, arrange a time in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sins, Aristau, Abtwil, Muri, Bünzen, Besenbüren, Mühlau

Return to the parent travel overview: Muri.