Best attractions and places to see around Lausen, a municipality in the district of Liestal in the canton of Basel-Country, Switzerland, offers a blend of local heritage and access to regional attractions. The area is characterized by forested areas, agricultural land, and the Jura landscape, known for its rolling, forested hills. This region provides various points of interest, from historical sites to natural features.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Nice circular tour. Can of course be adapted in the north, i.e., in Basel. The starting point is where I live, so it's arbitrary for others.
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A perfect crossing from Switzerland to Germany, for pedestrians and cyclists only. For those interested in technology, it's also fascinating to observe the power plant and the lock.
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Allows a view over the trees towards Basel/Black Forest
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Rhine Bridge "Border crossing between the two Rheinfelden" The old Rhine Bridge is a Rhine and border crossing between the two Rheinfelden. Crossing is only permitted for pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, taxis and the local bus. From the ferry to the bridge. There was already a ferry in the area of today's bridge during Roman rule. The Zähringers, who expanded the market town of Rheinfelden into a town, also had a ferry connection across the Rhine. It ensured the connection to the road to the Zähringen possessions in Breisgau. The first bridge was probably built in the second half of the 12th century, because in 1198 a citizen of Rheinfelden was referred to in a document as Heinricus de Ponte (Heinrich von der Brücke). It was therefore the oldest bridge between Constance and Strasbourg, even before the middle bridge in Basel, which was built in 1225. Pedestrian bridge. Except for taxis and the local bus, cars are no longer allowed to use the bridge. The crossing over the Rhine and the entire old town is reserved for bicycles at walking pace and pedestrians. The Rhine bridge offers a wonderful view of the old town facades and the Park Hotel on the Rhine. Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden https://www.tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rheinbruecke
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Rhine Bridge, Rheinfelden since 1150 Around 1150, Konrad von Zähringen had the first Rhine bridge built in Rheinfelden. This gave the newly minted town of Rheinfelden (which received town charter in 1130) a major economic boom. The bridge in Rheinfelden was the only bridge over the Rhine in the area at the time, and was even older than the bridges in Basel. Thanks to the island, building a bridge here was easier than elsewhere in the Rhine, as the island could be used as a bridge pillar. This is why the bridge still has a bend today. One night in 1897, the old wooden bridge burned down. "It is said that many a Rheinfelden resident shed a tear when this old landmark of the town, to which such a rich piece of history is linked, was consumed by flames." Construction of the bridge that still stands today began soon after. Fortunately, it is now fireproof, but still not completely out of danger. In 1995 it was almost washed away by floods, and in May 1999 the bridge also withstood the flood of the century. Text / Source: http://rheinfelden.net/rhf-p.htm http://rheinfelden.net/rhf-p.htm
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Rheinfelden - The oldest Zähringer town in Switzerland The town with great memories! The oldest Zähringer town in Switzerland is located directly on the quietly flowing Rhine. The historic old town enchants with large and small sights, open splendor and hidden gems. Well-preserved remains of the former ring wall with the Messerturm, the Storchennestturm and the Obertorturm still surround parts of the old town today. The narrow streets with their picturesque corners and their meaningful names such as Rumpelgasse, Futtergasse, Kuttelgasse and Geissgasse will surprise you. A tour of Rheinfelden - where should you start with all the large and small sights, the open splendor and the hidden gems that the Rheinfelden old town has to offer? A good starting point is the town hall, centrally located on Marktgasse, with its massive tower. The town hall has a magnificent baroque façade and a very beautiful inner courtyard. Stroll up Marktgasse and turn left at Albrechtsplatz to the Johanniter Chapel. Go through the small gate to the banks of the Rhine, which suddenly flows majestically in front of you, look downstream at the city skyline and see for yourself: the builders of this beautiful city had taste! Text / Source: Aargau Tourismus AG, Laurstrasse 10, 5200 Brugg https://aargautourismus.ch/erleben/historische-altstaedte/rheinfelden-1
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Inner courtyard of the Rheinfelden town hall The imposing Rheinfelden town hall with its baroque facade and coats of arms, the defiant tower, the courthouse and the beautiful inner courtyard with the proud open staircase. (The Rheinfelden town hall is often referred to as a miniature version of the Basel town hall! Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden Rheinfelden-rundgang-rheinfelden-2021_0
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Rheinfelden Town Hall The Town Hall is a hidden gem full of history. It is located in the town hall and can be reached via the Gothic staircase in the inner courtyard. Inside, magnificent portraits of the Habsburg rulers and coats of arms await. Anyone who wants to get married in Rheinfelden can celebrate their civil wedding here. Cultural asset of regional importance. On the night of February 11, 1531, the old town hall in Rheinfelden fell victim to a fire. Shortly afterwards, a new building was built using the medieval tower that had been spared from the fire. This late Gothic building forms the core of today's town hall. Coat of arms & portraits of the rulers. The large council chamber was decorated on the north and south sides with coats of arms from the Ropstein workshop in Freiburg im Breisgau. These were donated by Austrian sovereigns, friendly forest towns and the county of Hauenstein, as well as local nobles who were in the service of the Habsburgs. 10 princes and 8 citizens' portraits depict personalities from Rheinfelden's history: Among others, Emperor Ferdinand I and Maria Theresa. Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden https://www.tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rathaussaal-rheinfelden
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The region around Lausen is rich in history. You can visit the Rheinfelden Town Hall, known for its impressive baroque facade and Zähringer-era tower. Further afield, explore the significant Roman archaeological site of Augusta Raurica in Augst, featuring an open-air museum and a well-preserved Roman theater. Liestal's Old Town also offers a medieval atmosphere with its iconic city gate, Törli, and the Ortsmuseum Lausen showcases local village history.
Yes, the Gempenturm Observation Tower offers magnificent, expansive views over the surrounding landscape, including towards Basel and the Black Forest. This tower also has historical significance, having been used for observation during World War II.
Lausen is an excellent base for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the easy 'Ergolz Riverside Forest – Ergolz Riverside Path loop' or the more challenging 'Sissacherfluh Ruins – Sissacherfluh Mountain Restaurant loop'. For mountain biking, the Endless Trail Sissach offers varied sections from rocky to flowy. Explore more options on the Hiking around Lausen and MTB Trails around Lausen guide pages.
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Old Rhine Bridge, Rheinfelden is a pedestrian-friendly crossing offering scenic views. The Rheinfelden Town Hall and the archaeological site of Augusta Raurica provide engaging historical insights for all ages. The natural landscapes and easy hiking trails along the Ergolz River are also great for family outings.
The Basel-Land region, where Lausen is located, is known for its Jura landscape with gently rolling, forested hills and nearly pristine nature. You can enjoy walks through forested areas and agricultural land directly around Lausen. For specific routes, consider the 'Ergolz Riverside Forest – Ergolz Riverside Path loop' or a trail connecting Lausen to Huppergruben and Liestal. More options are available in the Hiking around Lausen guide.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from historical landmarks to natural beauty. The Gempenturm Observation Tower is loved for its magnificent views, while the Endless Trail Sissach is praised for its varied and fun mountain biking sections. The historical significance and picturesque setting of the Rheinfelden Town Hall also receive high regard.
Beyond the historical sites, you can see the dam connecting the Augst and Wyhlen power stations, which spans 212 meters across the Rhine and is crucial for electricity production. The Old Rhine Bridge in Rheinfelden is also a notable landmark, being one of the oldest bridges over the Rhine in the area.
The region offers excellent cycling and mountain biking opportunities. The Endless Trail Sissach is a popular mountain bike trail with various segments catering to different riding styles. For more routes, including those suitable for road cycling or easier rides, check out the MTB Trails around Lausen guide, which includes routes like the 'Forest Trail Through Oristal'.
Yes, Wildenstein Castle in Bubendorf is a notable highlight from the Middle Ages, surrounded by an impressive oak grove. While not directly in Lausen, it's within the broader Liestal district and offers a glimpse into the region's medieval past.
Lausen is well-connected within the Basel-Land region. Public transport options, including local buses, often serve the surrounding towns and attractions. For instance, the Old Rhine Bridge in Rheinfelden is accessible by local bus. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes to your chosen destinations.
The Old Rhine Bridge, Rheinfelden is listed as wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy the views and cross the Rhine. For other attractions, accessibility can vary, so it's recommended to check specific venue information beforehand.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months (roughly April to October) are generally the best times to visit Lausen. During these periods, the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the Jura landscape, and for exploring historical sites and viewpoints comfortably. Many local events and temporary exhibitions at places like the Ortsmuseum Lausen also take place during these seasons.


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