Discover Horriwil

Horriwil can be explored through two themes: the landscape along the former course of the Ösch and its rural architectural heritage. The pedunculate oaks and nature reserve offer insights into the area’s natural environment; farmsteads, a striking house on the main road and a chapel complete the village scene. You can tailor your stay to what interests you most: nature or rural architecture.

Landscape and nature

Horriwil’s two large pedunculate oaks stand on the site of a former floodplain. During snowmelt and heavy rain, it was regularly flooded by the nearby Ösch. The trees began to grow around 1860. This brings together the history of the former floodplain and the approximate age of the oaks at this location.

The soil conditions also form part of this landscape: near the pedunculate oaks, the soil repeatedly becomes waterlogged after heavy rain because groundwater rises to the surface. These conditions favour pedunculate oaks. The former flooding of the floodplain and the recurring soil moisture are distinct aspects of the landscape that you can take into account as you look around.

The cantonal Öschmatt Altlauf nature reserve includes plots in Horriwil and preserves remnants of the old Ösch course across eight sub-areas. In the wider surroundings, you can observe water frogs in the reserve’s waters in summer. The area also provides habitat for the brown hawker and the banded demoiselle. The water frogs are a seasonal sign of nature; the two dragonfly species add to the picture of the region’s habitats.

Village history and architecture

A rural district lies on a slope and includes multi-purpose buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Wil farmstead group consists mainly of 19th-century multi-purpose buildings arranged around a road junction. The information highlights two different periods: the district’s architectural history spans both centuries, while the farmstead group dates predominantly from the 19th century.

Horriwil also has a chapel housed in a former barracks building, with a freestanding bell tower. The residence of the former smithy at Hauptstrasse 25 occupies a central position in the village scene and is considered worthy of preservation. Its north and west façades are clad in wooden shingles; the windows have surrounds. The farmhouse at Rütimattstrasse 18 is a separate building and is listed as a protected property in the cantonal register.

Hiking and regional tours

An official Wasseramt hiking route leads to Horriwil’s pedunculate oaks and the bubbling springs on the edge of the village. The route is connected to public transport and can be reached by bus or SBB train. It links two distinct natural features: the old trees and the springs on the edge of the village.

In the wider Horriwil area, the 17-kilometre Wasseramt Route No. 802 runs from Solothurn to Herzogenbuchsee. The Wasserämter Höhenweg is also in the region: it is 18.5 kilometres long and offers views of the Jura range and the Wynigen mountains, despite the generally flat landscape. The cycle route is described by its endpoints and length, while the Höhenweg is also distinguished by its views. This lets you choose between a regional cycle tour and a longer hike.

Public transport

The timetable valid from 14 December 2025 shows BSU line 7 running via Horriwil, Aeschi and Inkwil to Herzogenbuchsee. Check the current timetable before travelling. Bus or SBB train are listed as public transport options for reaching the Wasseramt hiking route.

Discover more destinations

Luterbach, Hersiwil, Biberist, Steinhof, Bolken, Kriegstetten, Subingen, Zuchwil

Back to the regional travel overview: Wasseramt.