Discover Kappel

Kappel can be explored through a variety of themes: routes shaped by religion, historic buildings and the landscape along the Mittelgäubach are just some of the highlights, alongside viewpoints and recurring events. If you are considering Kappel as a travel destination, you can tailor your stay to the interests that matter most to you.

Trails and special places

The Station Trail has 14 stations depicting the Passion of Christ and runs from Mittelgäustrasse to the weather cross beside the chapel on the Born. A religious theme is thus at the heart of a route with two named endpoints. The Bänkliweg is laid out differently: it is a short circular walk with plenty of benches for stopping and resting. This comparison can help you choose without assuming a walking time or difficulty level: the Station Trail connects its theme to a specific destination, while the loop and seating are defining features of the Bänkliweg.

At Heideloch, visitors can crawl through a narrow crevice or climb over it using permanently installed iron grips. The Schanze is a preserved remnant of the Hauenstein fortifications and is now a popular barbecue and play area. Important if arriving by car: access to the Schanze car park is permitted only with authorisation.

Landscape on the Born and along the Mittelgäubach

Chessiloch is an 81-metre-long cave system. A different landscape impression awaits along the stretch of the Mittelgäubach from Kappel village to Huppergrub: here, the landscape shows what the Gäu used to look like. The area along the Mittelgäubach provides a habitat for birds and small animals. From Bornchänzeli, the view extends across the Central Plateau and to the Alpine panorama. The cave system, riverside landscape and viewpoint offer different points of interest for visitors interested in nature and the landscape; they should not be considered a single tour.

Buildings and local history

The Born is 719 metres high and forms part of the Vorjurakette. The landmark chapel of the municipality of Kappel, built in 1866, stands on the mountain. Born Chapel initially served as a pilgrimage chapel and, during the First World War, as a guardroom. The Born Cross developed into a much-visited place of pilgrimage. The 1716 weather cross has a different historical background: it was erected to protect against rain, hail and thunderstorms. The Station Trail leads to this cross beside the chapel on the Born.

Kappel Church also tells of different periods: it was built in 1687, and its former altarpiece is by Olten artist Martin Distel (1802–1844), who was also a liberal political caricaturist. The Landgasthof Kreuz building was constructed in 1651 in the Late Gothic style. Since the village fire of 1904, the so-called Allemannen houses have remained only in the lower village. Together, these places offer different ways to explore local history: through building dates, art, former uses and the consequences of a major event.

Events and planning your stay

An annual motorcycle blessing takes place at Born Chapel. Another recurring event is the village fair: local associations organise it once a year on the first weekend of September, with many attractions. If you would like to plan your stay around one of these events, check the dates before travelling. In winter, a sledging trail passes by the Telefonhüüsli; this seasonal offering is clearly distinct from the year-round local and landscape attractions described above.

For public transport, a bus service connects Kappel with Olten every half hour. The neighbouring municipality of Hägendorf also has a Swiss Federal Railways station. Check the relevant timetable for your travel dates. Discover more destinations: Hägendorf, Schönenwerd, Gretzenbach, Olten.

Back to the main travel overview: Olten.