Hemmiken: Hiking and Historic Architecture

Hemmiken lies north of Wischberg on the Hemmikerbach in a side valley of the Ergolz Valley. The municipality in the Sissach district combines a distinctive architectural history with several documented hiking routes. One notable destination is Farnsburg Castle ruins, which are partly located in Hemmiken and offer views as far as the Alps in good weather.

Farnsburg and Hemmiken’s Architectural History

Farnsburg Castle was built around 1330 by the Counts of Thierstein. Hemmiken itself was first mentioned in a document in 1255 as “Enninchon”. Older houses feature decorated door supports from the stoneworking trade of the 18th and 19th centuries. This craft tradition can also be seen on specific buildings: the protected farmhouse at Ausserdorfstrasse 1 was rebuilt in 1815. Its lintel bears a cartouche with the year 1815 and the initials HICASP. The door frame and cartouche were made by a stonemason from Hemmiken and are associated with the flourishing folk stone-carving tradition in Hemmiken at the time.

The schoolhouse, built in 1825, also showcases the local use of stone. Its window and door surrounds are richly decorated and made of Hemmiken reed sandstone. The main entrance has a richly decorated lintel with a console cornice. The grey to greenish reed sandstone was quarried in Steingraben, which is designated a nature reserve. A small population of midwife toads lives in the “Maiberg” area. The castle ruins, historic houses and stonework offer visitors different points of interest, from medieval architectural history to local crafts.

Choose Hiking Routes by Time and Distance

The pass hike above the Ergolz Valley begins in Hemmiken and ends at Sissacher Fluh in Sissach. It is described as a moderately difficult hike covering 11.1 kilometres, with a stated duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. On this route, you reach Farnsburg Castle ruins from Hemmiken after 1 hour and 30 minutes; actual walking time may vary depending on conditions. Another option is the castle tour to Farnsburg Castle ruins: this 4.4-kilometre hike is also listed as taking 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The same duration therefore refers to different things on the two hikes: on the pass hike, it indicates the walk from Hemmiken to the castle ruins; on the castle tour, it is the stated duration of the hike. The total duration of the pass hike is also useful for planning. Seasonal conditions can affect the walking time; check trail conditions before setting out, too.

Hiking Tip 88, published in July 2021, leads from Rothenfluh through Asp and Hemmiken to Ormalingen, and via Maiberg and Mooshof. The details state a distance of about 7.9 kilometres, around 230 metres of ascent and 235 metres of descent, and a walking time of approximately two and a half hours. As the route details come from this older hiking tip, check local trail markers before setting out. The different details allow you to compare distance, elevation gain and stated walking time without treating the hikes as equivalent.

Getting There and the Surrounding Area

Hemmiken can be reached by postbus from Gelterkinden. As connections and timetables can change, it is worth checking the current timetable before travelling. If you want to combine your stay with a hike, you can factor the stated walking times into your day’s plans, taking into account whether the route starts in Hemmiken or passes the castle ruins along the way.

Nearby, the Farnsburg farm estate lies directly below the castle ruins and outside Ormalingen. It can be reached on foot with a short walk or by car. The estate operates its own farm butchery, where fresh meat specialities are sold directly from the farm. As visiting and sales arrangements may change, check the current options before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Ormalingen, Thürnen, Rünenberg, Kilchberg, Sissach, Maisprach, Wintersingen, Buckten.

Go to the main travel overview: Sissach.