Beinwil (Freiamt) lies on the eastern slope of the Lindenberg, in the upper Bünz Valley and in the Freiamt region. The municipality in the Muri district comprises five villages and is characterised by a hilly natural and cultural landscape: meadows, forests and farmland alternate. Beinwil thus brings together landscapes, religious sites and evidence of the region’s architectural and industrial history.
Landscape and trails on the Lindenberg
Hiking trails and cycling routes start right in the village of Beinwil and lead across the Lindenberg. Those interested in the landscape will find it a focus in its own right, alongside the churches and historic buildings. The routes are not described in greater detail, so the two specific reference points—the village and the Lindenberg—serve as guides, rather than any particular circular route.
The St. Burkard Pilgrimage Route
Established in 2004, the St. Burkard Pilgrimage Route starts at Beinwil Church. South of the pilgrimage church, it follows a well-maintained natural path through the outlying village and alongside a quiet stream; to the north, it leads back to the church. The route is about 800 metres long and can be used by families, older people, and pilgrims in wheelchairs. It offers a short, clearly defined way to combine exercise with the religious history of the place.
Four stations address the themes “Peace and Reflection,” “Dialogue with St. Burkard,” “Encounter” and “Nature.” They offer a different focus from the hiking trails and cycling routes across the Lindenberg: the pilgrimage route centres on reflection and the church, while the other routes lead out into the landscape. The parish and pilgrimage church stands on a natural moraine hill in the eastern part of the village. Its distinctive tower is visible from afar and is considered a local landmark; the church was first mentioned in a document in 1239.
Southeast of the church is St. Burkard’s Well, which is believed to have healing properties. The present-day well house is modelled on a wayside chapel and bears the date 1757. The church, pilgrimage route and well thus offer different points of entry for exploring the religious history of the place.
Architectural and cultural history
The Eichmühle sawmill is a testament to the area’s industrial history. It was built in 1862 to replace an older structure that had fallen into disrepair. The waterwheel drive, transmission mechanism and saw equipment have largely been preserved intact. It is the combination of these components that gives the site its value as evidence of architectural and industrial history.
Horben Castle lies southwest of Beinwil and is a comprehensively protected cultural property of national importance. It was built in 1700 and 1701 under Abbot Plazidus Zurlauben as a retreat for the conventuals of Muri Abbey. The work was carried out by mason Hans Rey and carpenter Hans Mäder. South of the castle stands St. Wendelin’s Chapel in Horben, a comprehensively protected cultural property of regional importance. Its furnishings include a 60-kilogram bell cast by Keiser in Zug in 1782.
Wallenschwil also has several historical connections. St. Lawrence’s Chapel is associated with a church in Walenswil mentioned in the Acta Murensia in 1064. In 1745, Prince-Abbot Gerold I. Haimb had an altar in the chapel renovated and rebuilt. The chapel’s patronal feast is celebrated there every year on 10 August. To the west of Wallenschwil, remnants of walls and finds of small everyday objects point to settlement during Roman times; the village itself was first mentioned in a document in 1153.
More activities in Horben and Wallenschwil
Islandpferde Wallenschwil offers private, semi-private and group riding lessons, either on school horses or on riders’ own horses. Arrangements may need to be made in advance. In Horben, the alpine farm is accessible by car. The restaurant and hall can be reached from the level parking area by wheelchair via a gentle ramp.
Discover more destinations: BesenbĂĽren, Aristau, BĂĽnzen, Sins, Abtwil, Muri, MĂĽhlau.
Return to the higher-level travel overview: Muri.
