recommended route
Fortifikation Hauenstein (Hauenstein Fortification)
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LangenbruckPhoto: Martinus van Attekum, Community
The Hauenstein fortification was one of the most important Swiss defense structures of the first world war. It used the natural terrain of the Jura ridges and several bridge heads along the Aare river to defend the important infrastructural center of Olten. This route will take you along many of the key points of these fortifications, while at the same time showing the spectacular landscape.
The tour features:
- A magnificent view on the Jura and Aare valley region
- Historic places from the first world war era (such as Chilchzimmersattel, Trimbach, Olten, Boningen, Kappel, Hägendorf, Allerheiligenberg)
- Varied landscapes (pastures, deciduous and pine forests, river, villages)
- Mostly small roads with little car traffic
- Many panoramic views, with matching climbs
Almost all roads on the route are paved, most but not all are well maintained. I would recommend to cycle the tour clockwise.
Track types
Safety information
- given the narrow roads, this tour is not suitable for large (>8 persons) groups.
- some stretches of road are under construction and are missing an asphalt top layer. Only go riding when you feel comfortable with this.
- not all roads on the route will be kept snow-free, so it is not possible to go when there is snow
Tips and hints
- Several facilities to eat are available underway (such as the restaurants in Langenbruck, Berghaus Oberbölchen, Bergrestaurant Kallhof, restaurants in Trimbach/ Olten/ Aarburg/ Hägendorf)
- A number of public water tap points can be found along the route, so no need to bring lots of water. (weather permitting, as these tap points are switched off in winter)
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The route can be started from 2 different points, depending on your means of transportation.
- With public transport: Olten main station
- With a car: Langenbruck village
The disadvantage starting from Olten is that there will be just one long ascent, instead of the 2 ascents when you start from Langenbruck. It is advisable to take a break in Langenbruck when starting from Olten.
(Starting point Langenbruck) Ascend from the self-proclaimed sports- and hiking paradise Langenbruck towards the Chilchzimmersattel mountain pass, passing the Schöntal monastry along the way.
From there, shortly descend and then keep right at the small forest road. Careful: some stretches of the road are in bad shape. At the T-junction, turn right and shortly climb over the Challhöchi where some defense structures (from the second world war) can be seen. Descend through the Ifenthal village until reaching the N2.
Descend further over the N2 until passing under the train tracks. Then go left into the Rebbergstrasse. After some zigzagging through the village, take the Mühlestrasse bike road and follow until reaching the Aare river.
(Starting point Olten) Head south for a couple of kilometers, all the time keeping the river on the left side, passing Olten train station just across the river. South of Olten, a short detour around the local swimming pool is required. In Aarburg, the road joins with the N8. Follow this road until in Boningen and take a right turn after the large Hofladen. Pass under the highway until reaching Kappel.
Follow through the village center until in Hägendorf, from where another long ascent starts. The Allerheiligenstrasse takes us up alongside the Teufelsschlucht. Keep following directions towards Langenbruck at each junction. After some more climbing, we reach the beautiful Bärenwil village, from where we can calmly descend back to Langenbruck.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
When starting from Langenbruck: best is to come by car. Alternatively, take tram 19 and bus 94 from Liestal, or bus 94 from Balstal.
When starting from Olten: best is to come by public transport. Olten main station is the largest Swiss train hub and can be reached from all over the country.
Getting there
When starting from Langenbruck: Langenbruck is halfway on the N12 between Oensingen and Liestal, and can be reached from both directions.
When starting from Olten: best to use public transport, otherwise Olten is well connected via the A1/A2 highways.
Parking
When starting from Langenbruck: parking spots available in the center of the village, including at the Kneippanlage. Additional parking spots might be available at the Solarbob facility.
When starting from Olten: parking in the center of Olten is not advisable.
Questions and answers
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