Roman life comes vividly to life in Augst: the Roman House in Augusta Raurica shows how the rooms of a wealthy family were arranged. Liestal itself offers a different historical perspective with its old town, the Törli gate and its museums. There are also hiking trails along the Frenke, geological outcrops and landscapes of fields, forests and meadows. In the Liestal district, archaeological discoveries, urban history and nature experiences alternate. When choosing accommodation, consider whether you mainly want to explore cultural attractions in the towns or spend longer outdoors.
Roman heritage in Augst
Augusta Raurica has more than 20 sights, including the best-preserved ancient theatre north of the Alps. The Roman House focuses on domestic life: the building is modelled on a town villa in Pompeii. A courtyard with a garden and colonnades, a banquet hall, a private bath, and bedrooms and studies give an impression of life in a wealthy Roman family. The furnished kitchen shows how people cooked at the time. The different rooms also illustrate how living, working and entertaining guests all took place under one roof.
Archaeology is also part of the experience in Augst today. In summer, you can watch archaeologists at work during ongoing excavations; check before your trip whether this will be possible when you visit. Roman festivals at Augusta Raurica have been held annually since 1999. Individual editions may change or be cancelled, so it is worth checking the dates for the relevant edition.
Old town, Törli gate and museums in Liestal
Liestal’s old town, known as the Stedtli, brings shops, cafés and restaurants together in a compact area. The Törli, also called the Upper Gate, is considered a landmark of the town. If you are interested in local history, a guided walk through the old town offers insights into the town layout, the late medieval town hall, the Törli and the historic church district with St Martin’s Church. A guided visit to the Torstübli in the Törli also gives you the chance to see the oldest known wooden ceiling in Basel-Landschaft. Check tour dates and booking options in advance.
Museum.BL is a thematic museum for children and adults. Together with Archaeology Baselland, it cares for more than two million objects documenting the canton’s natural and cultural history. The Poet and Town Museum in Liestal, known as DISTL, explores the lives and works of notable poets as well as the town’s history and traditions. Evening events include readings, talks, cabaret performances and poetry slams; the programme may change. There are numerous bus stops around the old town, and the railway station is right next to it.
Hiking trails with different starting points
An easy 3.6-kilometre route starts at the Törli and follows the Frenke from Liestal to Bad Bubendorf. The starting point is accessible from Liestal railway station via a flat, step-free route. You can return by the Waldenburg Railway or by bus: both stop at the end point and are accessible or can be used with assistance. This hike therefore starts in the heart of Liestal and ends in Bad Bubendorf.
Another easy, barrier-free route starts at the Lampenberg Ramlinsburg stop on the Waldenburg Valley Railway, which is step-free accessible, and follows the Frenke towards Liestal. The route passes through fields, forests and meadows; in Liestal it ends at the Törli. Opposite the stop is the Öpfelhüsli, which sells regional products. The hike from Lausen via the Huppergruben to Liestal is longer, at 6.08 kilometres, and combines the route with a geological site. Seasonal trail conditions may affect hiking.
Ancient oaks, geology and views
The Huppergruben are a geological site of national importance because of their geological faults and visible rock layers. They have also been a nature reserve for more than twenty years and provide a habitat for many rare animal and plant species. Local conservation rules may vary; check the applicable requirements before visiting. In and around Lupsingen, a geological trail reveals rock layers that are usually hidden at many points along the route. The themed trails there combine short circular walks with four information panels about the area’s nature and history.
Nature is also a key part of the experience at Wildenstein Castle: the surrounding area includes a nature reserve known for its ancient oaks, is a popular destination for day trips and invites visitors to take a stroll. An information trail that is accessible at all times runs around the castle. A story box along the circular trail tells the tale of the legendary Kunigunde; individual installations may change. For a different view of the landscape, climb the 30-metre Liestal observation tower, with its 150 steps. On a clear day, the view extends across the Jura hills to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. To the north, in the direction of Basel, you can see the Vosges and the Black Forest.
Castle ruins and local character
The Burghalden ruins stand out for their unusual layout. The castle, 150 metres long overall, is divided into a rectangular main castle measuring 40 by 25 metres and an outer bailey that encompasses the entire spur. The ground plan of the region’s only castle chapel of this kind is also visible there. At the Altenberg ruins, the curtain wall follows the edge of the slope and encloses a large courtyard with a mighty residential tower in the southeast. On both sides, a rampart-and-ditch system that can be viewed from above protects the site; Altenberg is one of the oldest castles in the region.
Smaller discoveries also give the towns their own character. Arisdorf has a late Gothic church dating from 1595 and is known for its many cherry trees. The Gnussmärt Lieschtel focuses on regional food produced within a 50-kilometre radius of Liestal. Vendors and details about the radius may change; if you plan to visit the market, check the latest information.
Discover more destinations: Liestal, Pratteln, Augst, Bubendorf, Hersberg, Arisdorf, Arlesheim, Sissach.
For the main travel overview: Basel-Land.
