ViaSurprise, Stage 3/6

You will reach the culminating point of this hike, the Hohe Winde, via the Vogelberg and the third Jura chain. It reveals stunning views towards Thal Nature Park, the Alps, Vosges Mountains and Black Forest, until the trail winds its way back into the valley to the charming Beinwil Abbey.

From the Wasserfallen bus stop, the yellow-waymarked hiking trail sets off almost immediately towards Vogelberg. The highest mountain in the Passwang massif lies directly on the route and offers sweeping views across the Solothurn Jura. The trail then continues through forest to Passwanghöhe. It briefly follows the Düngelgraben before open meadows and wooded ridges begin to alternate.

The route continues over Chratteneggli in a steady succession of ascents and descents. After a good three hours, the longer climb to the Hohe Winde begins. At just over 1,200 metres, this Jura peak is the highest point of the hike. From here, the elevation profile points clearly downhill: pastures and forest alternate at first, before the trail descends more steeply towards the end and reaches Beinwil. A good five hours should be allowed for the 17-kilometre route, with a total ascent of around 740 metres and a descent of 1,100 metres. The nearest bus stop, Beinwil SO, Kloster, is just over 300 metres from the end of the route.