Hike /Schweiz Mobil
ViaSurprise, Stage 4/6
BeinwilZwingen
- Distance
- 17.0 km
- Duration
- 4:45 h
- Ascent
- 520 m
- Descent
- 760 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Fitness
- Moderate
- Route type
- One way
- Season
- All year
01/ Overview
The route
The ViaSurprise leads through the Chaltbrunnental valley, over small bridges and walkways, past caves and traces of prehistoric landscapes. Running alongside the Birs river, the trail makes its way to Zwingen and its secluded moated castle.
The starting point is Beinwil, somewhat removed from public transport; the Beinwil SO, Kloster stop is just over 300 m away. The yellow-waymarked hiking trail initially climbs through woodland along the Häxengraben. Near Chastenchöpfli, the route reaches its highest point early on, at around 880 m. Open meadows and pastures then replace the forest as the trail gradually begins to lose elevation again.
In the Riedengraben, water draws closer to the route. First the stream accompanies the trail, followed by the Meltingerbach as far as Meltingen. On the next, predominantly wooded section, short uphill stretches alternate with longer descents. The Ibachhöhle lies directly beside the trail, forming a striking feature among the trees.
Towards the end, the hiking trail descends from the wooded heights to Zwingen. After 17 km and just under five hours, the hike ends near Zwingen railway station, only a few steps from the stop.
02/ Along the route
What's along the way
Where the route climbs and where it descends. Hover the profile to find the spot on the map.
03/ Conditions
Current conditions
What to know before you set off. Closures and snow are re-checked every day.
Oberes Chaltbrunnental
From 4 Aug 2026 – Until 31 Dec 2026
Gefährdung durch dürre Bäume (stehendes Totholz).
How we check: Every night we match the route against the official closures and detours from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Any reported closure that touches the route shows up here.
How we check: We look up a live public transport connection from your starting point to the stop closest to the trailhead. If it ends further away, the nearest stop may be a cable car or bus that isn't running right now.
How we check: Snow depth estimated daily at the lowest and the highest point of the route. Estimates: check the situation on site.
04/ Getting there
Getting there
From your door to the trailhead and home again, by train and bus or by car. Computed live from the timetable.
Or from
Outbound
Return
05/ Weather
Weather on the way
Forecast for the lowest and the highest point of the route.
Weather
06/ Trail & landscape
Trail & landscape
Which paths you walk on and the landscape they lead through.
07/ Snow
Snow on the route
Snow depths, new snow and forecast. Estimates: check the situation on site before you set off.
Snow Info
Comparative snow depth is only available from November 1 to June 30.
08/ Export
Take the route with you
Load the track onto your GPS device, print a route sheet for the trail or send the route to your hiking group.
Share
Send the link to friends or your hiking group.
Export GPX File
For hiking apps, GPS watches and navigation devices.
Print Route Sheet
A4 with map, elevation profile, waypoints and emergency numbers.
