Stüsslingen: Village History and Jura Trails

Stüsslingen lies in a valley basin at the foot of the Jura, on both sides of the Stüsslinger Bach and around seven kilometres northeast of Olten. The visible structures of this farming village give the place its rural character; Stüsslingen is a popular local recreation area between Olten and Aarau. For your stay, the village combines nature experiences with easily accessible village and architectural history.

Hiking trails, woodland and cycle route

A circular hike leads from Stüsslingen via Aelpli, Gugen, Kiesgrube, Gugenfeld and Gugenhof back to the starting point. Further circular hikes are listed in the Buerwald. One route leads via Schafmatt, Naturfreundehaus, Rohrerplatte, Geissflue, Geissacher and Rotholz to Salhöhe; on some sections, you continue by bus. Those seeking a particularly challenging hike will find a route via Hüttenhöf, Rebenflue, Reitiflue, Bad Lostorf, Schloss Wartenfels, Sunnenweid and Froburg towards Trimbach or Winznau. The municipality describes this hike as very challenging.

Side roads, as well as field and forest tracks, are also suitable for walking, Nordic walking and jogging. The foothills of the Jura around Stüsslingen offer challenging terrain for mountain bikers and hikers. The forest is freely accessible for recreation and offers a natural setting. When on foot or by bicycle, stay on the signposted hiking trails or forest roads and do not venture off them.

For cycling, a cycle path away from the main road leads from Stüsslingen past the Mittelgösgen District School to Olten. Bus services also run to Olten and Aarau. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Golf in Heidental

The 18-hole Heidental golf course lies on the outskirts of Stüsslingen. Its first nine holes cross gently rolling, undulating terrain, while the second nine are mostly flat. The round thus takes you across two different types of terrain. The course is open to all golfers from March to November. In good conditions, members can play on summer greens year-round. A handicap of 36 is required to play a round; players with course eligibility may play when accompanied by members. Visitors are welcome. Check the playing and booking conditions before your visit.

Chapels and village history

The cemetery church was consecrated on 11 July 1635 by Johann Heinrich Ostein von der Bechburg, Bishop of Basel. Together with the cemetery, it forms a valuable part of the village’s townscape. Both are protected heritage sites under cantonal regulations.

The Chapel of St Ulrich stands in Rohr. It was probably built by Einsiedeln Abbey in the 13th or 14th century, destroyed by fire before 1600 and rebuilt around 1600. On 4 July, women from Rohr bring a pot of milk to the chapel on Sant Uelitag to have it blessed.

Another distinctive building is the thatched-roof house at Meiermattweg 17 in Rohr: it is the only thatched-roof house still preserved in the canton of Solothurn. The house was built in 1786/87 and extended in the farm building section in 1812/13. Its roof is made of reeds.

A Middle Bronze Age settlement stood on the main road. It was located at one of the main access routes to Schafmatt; its position indicates that this Jura crossing had been used since prehistoric times. The old Fluechrütz plague cross is also part of the village’s history: it remained in place when the village road was given a bend here.

A journey through Stüsslingen’s past

The Stüsslinger Zeitreise themed trail connects ten stops over around four kilometres. It begins at the protected cemetery church, passes through the village and ends at the chapel in Rohr. The route is suitable for families, school classes and history enthusiasts, offering a unique way to explore the village’s historic sites.

Various farm products can be bought directly from farms in Stüsslingen. The selection at individual farms may vary.

Discover more destinations: Kienberg, Hauenstein-Ifenthal, Lostorf, Trimbach, Erlinsbach, Wisen

Return to the main travel overview: Gösgen.