Staad: Chapel, Aare Landscape and Village History
Accommodation in Staad
Staad is a locality in the municipality of Grenchen in the canton of Solothurn. The settlement lies 425 metres above sea level on the northern bank of the Aare, south of Grenchen. For travellers looking for a hotel for a stay in Staad, two themes are easy to distinguish: the village’s rural character and chapel, and the landscape shaped by the course of the Aare, its former river channels and wetlands. You can plan your trip around whether you are more interested in local history, nature or activities on the water.
Chapel and Village History
Staad’s rural village character has largely remained intact; the settlement was first mentioned in 1537. St. Nicholas Chapel was built in 1715, dedicated to Saint Nicholas and extended in 1980/81. Its winged altar contains a Gothic masterpiece by the Bernese artist Peter Kallenberg, dating from 1522. The artwork therefore predates the chapel: the work of art, the settlement’s first mention and the chapel’s construction mark different points in history. Staad Chapel is a cantonally protected cultural monument in Grenchen.
Former River Channels and Plant Life
The Rütisack former river channel is a cantonal nature reserve in the Grenchner Witi. It is home to Switzerland’s last natural occurrence of the tall violet (Viola elatior). The highly endangered giant dock has survived along the Staad Canal; marsh spurge also grows well there. These botanical highlights range from a species with a special occurrence in Switzerland to plant populations along a particular canal. For nature-loving travellers, these plants and their distinct locations are striking features of the local wetlands.
Egelsee near Staad is an old course of the Aare, with open water and fen vegetation. Egelsee SĂĽd lies northwest of Staad and is part of a horseshoe-shaped former course of the Aare. In the past, this area formed a valuable wetland habitat in the Grenchner Witi. The two landscapes have different features: at Egelsee near Staad, open water and fen vegetation take centre stage, while Egelsee SĂĽd is notable for its former wetland habitat.
Swimming, a Circular Walk and Routes along the Aare
The Sandloch on the Aare near Staad is an easily accessible swimming spot. A 5.2-kilometre circular walk to Staad Chapel is described as a route along the river and the water. Staad is also on the Biel–Solothurn cycling and canoe route. These offer different ways to plan your trip: a swimming spot, a measured circular walk to a cultural attraction, and a route for cycling and canoeing.
When roads are temporarily closed to cars, cyclists and skaters use Aarestrasse towards BĂĽren. Check current traffic regulations before setting out. A call bus connects Staad with Grenchen; it is worth checking the current timetable before travelling. Staad also has a small campsite and a restaurant. Confirm that the campsite is currently operating before booking.
For the broader travel overview: Grenchen.
