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Espace Mittelland
Solothurn

Horriwil

Top 4 Gorges around Horriwil

Best canyons around Horriwil are characterized by the region's agricultural land and forests. While Horriwil itself does not feature prominent canyons, the surrounding area offers several notable gorges and geological formations. These natural attractions provide opportunities for exploration and hiking within a short distance. The landscape includes features such as deep gorges, streams, and historical hermitages.

Best canyons around Horriwil

  • The most popular canyons is Mutzbach Stream, a river that features a small creek bed in a valley. It…

Last updated: October 14, 2026

Verenaschlucht and Hermitage

Highlight • Gorge

A beautiful hike and not too strenuous. While it's still pleasant here in the gorge in summer, it's worth going a little off-season, when it's much quieter.

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The hermitage has its charms in every season and can be a special place of peace. Therefore, we ask that you refrain from taking photos, cycling and climbing. But it …

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Balmfluh Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

The route from the Balm ruins to the Middle Balmberg is very steep 🥵🥵👍

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Cave

Highlight • Cave

Impressive grotto in the sandstone with Brätelplatz.

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Chesselschlucht Entrance

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Tips from the Community

Bumble-Bee
August 10, 2025, Verenaschlucht and Hermitage

A beautiful hike and not too strenuous. While it's still pleasant here in the gorge in summer, it's worth going a little off-season, when it's much quieter.

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Another world, it is so beautiful there.

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Guided tours are offered https://www.einsiedelei.ch/

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Actually, there shouldn't be a photo of this place here - there is a photography ban around the hermitage🤔

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oester
October 18, 2023, Balmfluhschlucht

Easy to drive as a DH

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dicor
October 1, 2023, Balmfluhschlucht

The climb to the Mittlere Balmberg is too steep, only partly easy to drive, it is advisable to use the normal pass road for the climb. Nice departure. Be careful of pasture gates

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The idyllic Verena Gorge is located just outside the city of Solothurn. It can be reached on foot from Solothurn in about 20 minutes, but you can also take the bus to the entrance of the gorge (line 4, stop St. Niklaus). The well-developed, easy-to-walk path then leads through the wild and romantic gorge to a hermitage and two chapels. Three restaurants in the vicinity invite you to stop for a bite to eat. The hike, which is actually more of a stroll, is two kilometers long, and the elevation gain is moderate at 40 meters.

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The hermitage of St. Verena is, together with the hermitage in Arlesheim, one of the most important landscape gardens in Switzerland. In contrast to Arlesheim, Solothurn can boast an original hermitage. In the north, the gorge opens up to a clearing with two baroque chapels and the hermit's cloister. Saint Verena is said to have lived and worked in the cave behind the Martin Chapel. The Verena Chapel is dedicated to her. The hermitage, inhabited by a forest brother/hermit or a hermitess for many hundreds of years, has been located near the northern exit of the Verena Gorge. The cloister and garden, the Verena and Martin Chapels, the Magdalene and Mount of Olives grottos are under cantonal monument protection on Rütten soil and belong to the Solothurn community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of natural features can I explore in the gorges around Horriwil?

The area around Horriwil offers a variety of natural features, including deep gorges, streams, and impressive grottoes. You can explore places like the Mutzbach Stream, which features a small creek bed in a valley, or the Cave, an impressive grotto in sandstone.

Are there any family-friendly gorges or trails near Horriwil?

Yes, several spots are suitable for families. The Verenaschlucht and Hermitage offers an easy-to-walk path through the gorge, making it a pleasant stroll for all ages. The Mutzbach Stream is also considered family-friendly, and children often enjoy exploring the Cave.

What historical or religious sites can be found within the gorges?

The Verenaschlucht and Hermitage is a notable site, featuring a hermitage and two chapels accessible via an easy path. Within this same gorge, you'll find the St. Verena Hermitage (Einsiedelei St. Verena), a religious building and cave considered a place of peace and contemplation.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the Verenaschlucht?

Visitors appreciate the idyllic and romantic atmosphere of the Verenaschlucht and Hermitage. It's described as a beautiful and not too strenuous hike, perfect for a pleasant stroll. Many enjoy the tranquility, especially during the off-season, and the well-developed path through the gorge.

Are there any challenging routes or viewpoints in the gorges around Horriwil?

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Balmfluh Gorge offers a very steep route from the Balm ruins to the Middle Balmberg, providing rewarding viewpoints. This area is known for its demanding ascents.

What is the best time of year to visit the gorges around Horriwil?

The gorges offer charm in every season. For the Verenaschlucht and Hermitage, while pleasant in summer, visiting a little off-season can offer a quieter experience. The St. Verena Hermitage is particularly special at Christmas when the entire gorge is illuminated with thousands of candles.

What outdoor activities can I do near the gorges around Horriwil?

Beyond exploring the gorges, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around Inkwilersee. For more strenuous adventures, there are mountain hikes, such as routes involving the Herrenloch Cave and Balmfluehchöpfli. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes along the Aare and Emme rivers.

Are there places to eat or rest near the gorges?

Yes, near the Verenaschlucht and Hermitage, there are three restaurants that invite you to stop for a bite to eat. Additionally, the Cave highlight mentions a 'Brätelplatz' (barbecue area), offering a spot for rest and grilling.

How long does it take to walk through the Verenaschlucht?

The walk through the Verenaschlucht and Hermitage is approximately two kilometers long with a moderate elevation gain of 40 meters. It's more of a stroll and can be completed relatively quickly, often taking around 20 minutes to reach the gorge entrance from Solothurn.

What is the Mutzbach Stream known for?

The Mutzbach Stream is known for its idyllic small creek bed set in a valley. It's a popular spot for hiking and photography, and many visitors enjoy 'chosle' (playing around) in the stream, especially with children.

Can I find any unique geological formations in the area?

While Horriwil itself doesn't have deep canyons, the broader region features interesting geological formations. Beyond the gorges, the 'Herrenloch' is a notable tunnel through rock located below the Balmfluechöpfli, offering a unique natural experience for hikers.

What are the community's thoughts on the gorges around Horriwil?

The gorges around Horriwil are highly appreciated by the komoot community. They have received over 400 upvotes and more than 380 photos have been shared by visitors, indicating a strong positive sentiment for these natural attractions.

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Already discovered everything in this region? See additional gorges around Horriwil for your next adventure:

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