The first section of the route (approx. 2.2 km long) leads through the picturesque Tüfel ravine (Tüfelsschlucht), which winds along the Cholersbach stream.
Here you will be surprised by the lush vegetation, which apparently does not mind the rocky ground and little sunshine. Moreover, the steep walls, mossy boulders, caves and caverns and, of course, waterfalls are impressive.
More than thirty small bridges and footbridges have been built here. And the paths themselves are very well prepared and protected. Nevertheless, be careful, as it is quite slippery. Be warned, too, that there are steps.
There is also no shortage of barbecue areas and plenty of wood to spare.
Another way through the Tüfel ravine
I would also add that you can start your walk through the gorge from the Allerheiligenberg (Rank) bus stop and then follow the gorge down towards the village of Hägendorf.
At the Allerheiligenberg station, there is a restaurant with simple and quick dishes, homemade cakes, and products from your own farm.
The summit of Belchenflue (1ˈ099 m)
Behind the Allerheiligenberg, it is still a few hundred metres to the highest point on the route – the summit of Belchenflue. From here you have a magnificent view of the surrounding area.
The border between the cantons of Basel Landschaft and Solothurn runs through this rocky peak. The road then continues downhill.
Military supply road from the First World War
However, before you descend onto the dirt paths, you will have the opportunity to walk a short distance along an old supply road, built especially for the army during the First World War. It was in this area that the Swiss army’s almost 50-kilometre-long defence line was located. The coats of arms painted on the rocks, as well as bas-reliefs and inscriptions carved by soldiers, are reminders of this.
By way of trivia, I should add that for the Hauenstein fortification some five hundred military facilities were built on land belonging to the cantons of Basel and Solothurn to accommodate a garrison of 45,000 soldiers and 6,500 horses.
When the war ended in 1918, most of the buildings were demolished and the trenches were filled in. What remained was taken under its dominion by nature.
The last section of this route is an idyllic walk through alpine meadows and pastures.
