Discover Nunningen

Nunningen is in the Thierstein district of the canton of Solothurn in northwestern Switzerland. The municipality lies in a longitudinal hollow in the northern Solothurn Folded Jura and in the source area of the Chastelbach, which flows into the Birs. The municipal area includes a rugged and scenic section of the northern Jura; to the south, the longitudinal hollow is flanked by Riedberg and Portiflue. The landscape, trails and culture offer different ways to help you choose where to stay.

Jura Landscapes and Nature

The hike over Nunningerberg and Stierenberg offers views across hills and valleys; on clear days, the view extends to the Alps. The landscape along this hike includes extensive, species-rich nutrient-poor pastures and striking mountain forests. Nunningen is also part of the Belchen–Passwang area, listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance under number 1012.

The Riedberg-Chäppeli–Nunningerberg protected area lies along the mountain trail connecting Nunningen with the Passwang road and has both cantonal and national protection status. In the Folded Jura, the area is characterised by diverse forest communities, dry meadows and pastures, and a striking rock formation. The St. Fridli waterfall can also be reached via Nunninger Berg. There, the Siggbach plunges around 20 metres over a curved rock face.

Trails and Activities

The forest nature trail near Nunningen starts at the Nunningerberghütte; walking it takes about an hour. The area around Nunningen is suitable for longer mountain bike and cycling tours. The Vitaparcours is in the Chilchberg area: it is 2.7 kilometres long, covers 3.5 performance kilometres and has an elevation gain of 80 metres. These three figures describe different aspects of the route. Nunningen also has two e-bike charging stations. As availability may change, check before your trip.

Another hike leads through the Kaltbrunnental valley, following the forest along the Ibach from Meltingerbrücke to Grellingen. Near the end, it reaches the Wappenfelsen at Chessiloch, a military history monument. The route is rated easy, is 8.3 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It includes 366 metres of ascent and 109 metres of descent; the stated season is March to November. Compared with the forest nature trail, which takes about an hour, this is the longer hike. Check the latest route information before setting out.

Village History and Museums

The Nunningen Village Museum features a permanent exhibition of historical objects, most of which come from the village and its immediate surroundings. Collections commemorate Bishop Dr. Anton Hänggi, Bishop of Basel, and local poet Dr. h. c. Albin Fringeli. Nunningen was first mentioned in a document dated 29 July 1152.

The wheelchair-accessible bicycle museum displays 40 bicycles from important periods in the history of bicycle development. Exhibits include a replica of Karl Drais’s 1817 running machine, a high-wheel bicycle by Kirk-Patrick Macmillan from 1878, an Indian rickshaw and a tandem bicycle from 1920. During a walk in Nunningen, you can also visit various wayside crosses and protected sites, including the Chapel of St. Wendelin with its statues.

Traditions and Autumn Market

Nunningen’s Alemannic traditions, which are still alive today, include Fasnacht, disc throwing and Kätheriejagen. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular event, check its date in advance.

The Nunningen Autumn Market has been held every year since 1987 on the Saturday before the Day of Prayer and Repentance. It offers handmade food products, as well as a raclette stand and a grill stand; many vendors come from Nunningen or the surrounding area. The offerings may vary from one year to the next. If you are planning your trip around the market, check the specific date and what will be on offer.

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

Return to the main travel guide: Thierstein.