Discover Balsthal

Balsthal is the largest municipality in the Thal region and lies right at the entrance to the Klus gorge. Two castles and a 3,000-year history shape the town. For planning your trip, there are several specific highlights to consider: the local history museum in Alt-Falkenstein, hiking trails with different themes, a viewpoint, and the Märet nature market in spring and autumn.

Castle Museum and Historic Traces

Alt-Falkenstein Castle is now home to a local history museum. Its permanent exhibits include archaeological finds, fossils, weapons and military memorabilia, ceramics, combs, engravings, and a domestic life exhibit. There are also masterpieces of comb-making from Mümliswil, representing the craft traditions of the Balsthal area. The exhibition thus spans finds, objects and domestic life.

Balsthal's earlier history has also left tangible traces: there is evidence of Celtic settlement, including the Balsthal hoard. Under Roman rule, Balsthal lay on a road connecting Aventicum with Augusta Raurica via the Oberer Hauenstein. Its historical connections thus reach from Celtic traces to Roman times.

Hiking Trails and Views

The Thal Three Castles Hike is a day trip exploring culture and nature in the Solothurn Jura. It leads from Alt-Falkenstein via Alt-Bechburg to the ruins of Neu-Falkenstein. The sequence of castles gives the route a clear historical focus and makes it a day-long excursion.

The Holzweg Thal trail has a different focus: it runs through Thal Nature Park in the municipalities of Balsthal and Holderbank SO. Along this discovery trail, you can explore wooden installations by artist Sammy Deichmann. While the named castles provide the thread connecting the Three Castles Hike, the artistic wooden installations take centre stage on the Holzweg trail.

The Holzfluh viewpoint is accessible year-round. From there, you can take in Balsthal and the Klus gorge from a bird's-eye view. The broad view of the town and gorge complements the themes of the two hiking trails.

A Puzzle Adventure and the Märet Nature Market

The Balsthal Detective Trail is a puzzle adventure that starts at Balsthal railway station and leads to a treasure chest via puzzle stations. Its sequence of starting point, puzzle stations and destination offers a different focus from the castles along the hike or the view from Holzfluh. If you would like to include puzzles in your trip plans, the trail offers a clearly defined format.

The Märet nature market in Balsthal takes place in spring and autumn. There, you can discover certified Nature Park products made with the region's finest ingredients. If you want the Märet to be a fixed part of your trip, check the specific dates in advance.

Plan Your Travel Dates and Stay

The timing differs: the Three Castles Hike is a day trip, Holzfluh is accessible year-round, and the Märet nature market takes place in spring and autumn. Comparing these options can help you plan your travel dates around the activities you want to enjoy. If you're looking for a hotel in Balsthal, you can first tailor your stay to your planned activities and the season.

Discover more destinations: Welschenrohr, Gänsbrunnen.

View the broader travel guide: Thal.