Explore Liestal through its historic old town, museums and art offerings, or its hiking trails. The old town, locally known as the Stedtli, includes the Törli tower. Liestal’s old town is just a few minutes’ walk from the train station. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether that means exploring the town’s and region’s industrial history, contemporary art, walking excursions or swimming facilities.
The Stedtli and its architectural history
Liestal Town Hall brings together two well-documented chapters in architectural history: the building was constructed in 1568, and its Renaissance paintings date from 1590. Behind the parish barn, a section of the old town wall with openings from the former battlement walk has been preserved and remains visible. The Olsbergerhof adds a late Gothic burgher’s house to the picture: built in 1571 as the seat of the Schultheiss, it served as a refuge for the Olsberg convent from 1674 to 1744.
The town is also steeped in older history. Liestal is home to a three-aisled basilica built around the middle of the 13th century. Its choir was probably rectangular; Roman foundations and earlier buildings dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries have been documented. The ruins of a Roman villa, with residential and utility rooms, lie in the Röserntal valley near Liestal.
Museums, art and local traditions
The DISTL in Liestal’s old town has a permanent exhibition devoted to the history of Liestal and the literature of the canton of Basel-Landschaft. It also features a multimedia introductory show. At Museum.BL, the permanent exhibition “Silk Ribbons: Capital, Art & Crisis” explores the rise and decline of the silk ribbon industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Three ribbon looms from the past 250 years bring the subject to life; two are regularly demonstrated in operation. Demonstration times may vary.
For contemporary art, Kunsthalle Palazzo presents four exhibitions a year with a regional, national and international focus. Its accompanying programme includes guided tours, performances, artist talks and workshops for adults and children. Guided tours at the Swiss Museum of Organs and Harmoniums are combined with live concerts: Dieter Stalder plays original works on house organs from the 18th and 19th centuries and on various harmoniums, while talking about his collection. If you would like to join a tour, check the current booking arrangements in advance.
The Chienbäse procession is part of Liestal’s carnival tradition: burning pinewood torches and fire carts make their way through the darkened old town. If you are travelling to see it, check the dates and programme.
Hiking trails, views and a Roman aqueduct
Liestal’s observation tower is 30 metres tall and has 150 steps. In clear weather, the view stretches across the Jura hills to the trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Numerous hiking trails from Liestal and neighbouring municipalities lead to the tower. Visibility and visitor access may vary; check conditions before your visit. It is also worth checking the trail conditions before setting off.
Hiking routes linked to Liestal include the Basel–Birsfelden–Muttenz–Liestal route and the Liestal–Sissach–Rümlingen–Läufelfingen route. Another hiking trail connects Liestal with Bubendorf, Wildenstein Castle, Titterten and Reigoldswil. The names indicate different directions and destinations for planning, without implying any particular walking time.
A section of the Roman aqueduct on Heidenlochstrasse in Liestal can only be visited with an expert from Archaeology Baselland; arrange your visit in advance. Today, the Roman aqueduct from Lausen to Augst can be walked at several points. Access may vary depending on the section and safety conditions.
Swimming and seasonal treats
The indoor pool at Gitterlibad Liestal is open for swimming year-round. The outdoor swimming pool has a 50-metre lap pool. Check the operator’s latest information when planning your visit, as opening times may change.
For over 20 years, a seasonal farm tavern has opened in Liestal in autumn. There, a winegrower serves wine they have produced themselves along with simple dishes. This type of establishment is also known as a broom tavern or Strausswirtschaft and has been a tradition in the Basel region since the Middle Ages. As opening dates are seasonal and may change, check them in advance. A tasty scavenger hunt through historic Liestal also takes puzzle fans to various food stops serving delicacies and regional specialities. Participating stops may change; check the current offerings before planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Arisdorf, Hersberg, Augst, Pratteln, Bubendorf.
Go to the main travel overview: Liestal.
