Arlesheim lies in the Birseck region between the Birs River and the slopes of Gempen mountain. Sacred architecture and garden landscapes meet here in a particularly striking way: the cathedral tells a story of organ music and Rococo, while the Hermitage is a work of historic landscape design. There is also a kitchen garden at the site of an old church, castles and exhibition spaces—discoveries to suit a range of interests.
Silbermann organ and Rococo in the cathedral
Construction of Arlesheim Cathedral began in 1679, and it was consecrated on 26 October 1681. Later, Franz Anton Bagnato had it extended and redesigned in the mature Rococo style. The high altar is made of nine types of genuine marble. In the nave, a ceiling painting by Giuseppe Appiani depicts the glorification of Mary by the continents known at the time: Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The architecture, materials and visual programme give the interior different historical and artistic layers.
A special feature is the Silbermann organ, built in 1761: it is the only playable organ by Johann Andreas Silbermann still in existence in Switzerland. The cathedral hosts services of the Roman Catholic parish and concerts from time to time, usually featuring the organ. The cathedral concert series dates back to 1974; the 2025 season publication lists an average of four concerts per year. The programme at the time included sacred vocal music with early-music ensembles, as well as organ recitals on the historic Silbermann organ.
A guided tour covers the cathedral’s architectural and cultural history, as well as the interior’s visual programme. An organ demonstration can be included on request. If you are planning a tour or concert, check the latest dates and options in advance.
The Hermitage and garden spaces
The Hermitage is one of Switzerland’s most significant historic landscape gardens and has been protected as a historic monument and nature reserve since 1999. It is open to the public and can be reached on foot from Arlesheim’s historic centre; check local conditions before your visit. The surrounding area includes a pond, a gently rising hill, old farmhouses, a small castle, meadows and mature trees. The historic garden and the surrounding landscape can thus be experienced as one connected area to explore, while remaining distinct from one another.
Arlesheim’s kitchen garden tells a different kind of garden story: it stands on the former site of the parish church dedicated to Saint Odile and its cemetery. Six enclosed planting beds cover an area of around 800 square metres. They are mainly used to grow historic, rare or endangered ProSpecieRara vegetable varieties, identified by signs. The selection of plants may change. This garden brings together a modestly sized place and the long history of the site, while also showcasing a range of varieties.
Castles, art and local history
The cathedral, the Hermitage and Reichenstein Castle are Arlesheim’s three historic landmarks. The castle dates back to the 13th century; the foundation’s grounds cover more than 54 hectares, most of them wooded. From the tower room, the panorama stretches across the Birstal valley, the Vosges and Basel to the Black Forest. Birseck Castle offers a different atmosphere: its courtyard has hedges, trees and roses; the neo-Gothic murals were reconstructed from original designs in 2007, the same year the castle was renovated.
The Trotte and Trottenplatz also tell the story of how the village was shaped. The Trotte has a large multipurpose room for exhibitions and concerts, as well as a room for the local history museum. Trottenplatz, by the cemetery entrance, was also designed as a marketplace—a historic idea, not a statement about market activity today. You can also experience art at Forum Würth Arlesheim, where exhibitions change and feature mainly works from the Würth Collection; admission is free. Guided tours, workshops, talks and cultural events round out the programme, which may change.
Routes and practical information
Those wishing to visit several historic sites will find a choice of route descriptions. The Castle Tour to the ruins of Birseck Castle leads through the English landscape garden of the Hermitage and takes in two ruins. The Hermitage & Goetheanum circular walk first passes through the Hermitage, goes by the ruins of Birseck Castle, crosses Hornichopf to the ruins of Dorneck Castle, and then passes the Goetheanum. The first ViaSurprise stage, from Dornach-Arlesheim to Seewen, also passes the cathedral and the Hermitage. Check trail conditions before setting out.
For a different kind of activity, the Bike Trail Arlesheim is a professionally built downhill trail on Gempen, with berms, tables, rollers and jumps. The course is designed to be rideable; jump options depend on your riding ability. For travel, Arlesheim Dorf tram stop is accessible; tram 10 runs to Basel SBB station. Arlesheim and Dornach also share a station on the Jura Railway, where S-Bahn line 3 runs every half hour between Basel and Laufen. A café with local connections is Café Einzigartig, an inclusive café where people with disabilities complete barista training. These different options each have their own focus, from architectural history and art to gardens and outdoor activities.
Discover more destinations: Oberwil, Muttenz, Birsfelden, Binningen, Ettingen, Allschwil, Arlesheim, Reinach, Aesch, Münchenstein, Schönenbuch.
Return to the main travel overview: Basel-Land.
