Himmelried: Jura Landscapes and History

Himmelried lies on the southern Gempen Plateau at the foot of Homberg, on a terrace above the Chastelbach Valley. The municipality is situated 662 metres above sea level in the northern Jura, south of Basel and on the eastern edge of the Laufen Basin. To the north of the village, Homberg rises to 793 metres. The Kastelbach flows through Himmelried from Vorderer Igraben to the Basel-Landschaft cantonal border. The municipal area covers part of the northern Jura and is bounded to the west by the Chastelbach Valley.

Landscape and Hiking Trails

Below Himmelried lies Latschgetweid, a 3.3-hectare dry meadow on a grassy slope. A path leads directly into the area; information boards are provided on site. The area has been protected since 1972 under an agreement between Pro Natura and the municipality of Himmelried, and has also been a cantonal protected area since 1988. Around 50 butterfly species and 16 grasshopper species live here. Latschgetweid thus brings together a distinctive landscape, a diverse insect life and long-standing protection.

The Chastelbach–Chaltbrunnental circular hike initially follows the Chastelbach towards Himmelried. The return route passes through Chaltbrunnental, by moss-covered rocks and through shady stretches of woodland. Parts of the loop follow the informative karst nature trail. It crosses bridges and footbridges, passing waterfalls, narrow gorges, high cliffs and several rest areas. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Cave, Church and Roman Bridge

Kastel Cave takes visitors far back into prehistory: Neanderthals sought shelter here more than 40,000 years ago. The cave was excavated between 1948 and 1950 and is of great importance to Palaeolithic research. This makes Himmelried home to a significant site of early human history, alongside the landscapes of the present-day Jura.

The Church of St. Francis Xavier is a Neoclassical hall church with a steep gabled roof and a tower on its eastern side. It dates from 1807 to 1809 and was consecrated in 1810 by Bishop Franz Xaver von Neveu. The church also houses a historic baptismal font dating from 1513. The building’s history and the older baptismal font give the church interior different historical associations.

The Roman bridge crosses the Chastelbach between Waldeck and the Steffen area. Today it once again serves as a farm and hiking trail; it has been protected as a cantonal monument since 1944. In the area, you can encounter both structures that still serve as routes today and reminders of their long history.

Brewery, Local Products and Getting There

Chastelbach Brewery brews Chastelbach beers using traditional methods and Himmelried spring water. It offers tailored visits for groups, companies and associations of 10 to around 20 people, with freshly tapped beer and a light snack. Arrangements may need to be made in advance. Various residents also sell Himmelried products; a list of the available products can be downloaded.

Postbuses run from Grellingen via Himmelried to Nunningen and back. If you plan to use this connection to reach or continue your journey, check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Nunningen, Bärschwil, Erschwil, Beinwil, Fehren

Go to the main travel overview: Thierstein.