Staffelbach lies in the upper Suhrental; the local landscape is shaped mainly by agriculture. The history of sandstone can be explored here at the museum, in the stonemason’s hut and at the quarries. Historic buildings and the Suhre landscape add to the picture of the area’s cultural heritage.
Sandstone Museum and Stonemason’s Hut
The Staffelbach Sandstone Museum covers five themes: how sandstone formed and was quarried; its importance as a valued regional building material; the trade and craft of making stove tiles; and the geologically distinctive Staffelbach coarse sandstone layer. In the attic, you can see fossilised shark and ray teeth, along with fossil remains of other marine creatures found in this coarse sandstone.
At the stonemason’s hut, you can try working sandstone yourself using a knocking hammer and pitching tool. You can also search for fossilised shark teeth in the Staffelbach coarse sandstone. This combines exploring the material and its geological history with hands-on activities.
Hiking Trail and Quarries
The sandstone quarries are a ten-minute walk from the Sandstone Museum. The Staffelbach Sandstone Museum circular trail is an easy hike from the museum to the quarries. Note that the trail and access to the quarries are separate: because of the risk of falling rocks, the quarries have been closed to visitors since March 2025 and must not be entered. The hiking trail remains open; from there, you can view the quarries from a safe distance and with due caution. Check the official warning again before your visit.
Historic Buildings and Regional Stone
The Zehntenhaus is a fully protected heritage building of regional significance. This striking, elongated masonry building has two round-arched gateways; an arch on the west façade bears the date 1592. The building is believed to date from around 1511. Staffelbach sandstone, also known as “Staffelbach marble”, was renowned throughout Aargau and the neighbouring cantons in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Another historic building is the Hochstudhaus at MĂĽhleweg 22. It is a very well-preserved timber-frame building, restored in 2018 and believed to have been built in the 17th century. Together with the protected Zehntenhaus, it represents a different type of building and adds another historic example to the local architectural heritage.
The Suhre and Seasonal Activities
The BLN site 1317, “Staffelbach End Moraine Zone”, covers five municipalities in Aargau, including Staffelbach, and spans 358 hectares. The Suhre is also notable for its natural environment: its stretch between Staffelbach and Attelwil/Moosleerau is one of Switzerland’s most valuable habitats for river dragonflies.
A seasonal winter activity is the Kalthof-Wiliberg cross-country ski trail. It starts at Kalthof 1 above Staffelbach and crosses the plateau towards Wiliberg. The trail is around seven kilometres long; whether it can be used depends on snow conditions.
Getting There and Places to Eat
PostBus services run from Staffelbach to Schöftland and Sursee. In Schöftland, you can connect to AAR bus + rail services; in Sursee, to SBB services. Check current timetables before travelling.
The Bergwirtschaft Ufem Chalt is a suitable stop on a cycling or hiking tour. Its homemade specialities include cakes, simple meals and regional products; the selection may vary.
Discover more destinations: Roggwil, Rothrist, Safenwil, Kölliken, Zofingen, Bottenwil.
Back to the main travel overview: Zofingen.
