Maisprach can be explored through three themes: the architectural history around the village square and parish church, viticulture, and paths to the Sonnenberg Tower. These different highlights can help you plan your stay: you can focus on local history, wine or walking routes individually.
Village Square, Church and Local History
The village square fountain stands almost in the centre of the square. Dating from 1841, it is one of the notable square fountains from the first half of the 19th century in the Basel region. The fountain thus provides a tangible point of reference for the history of the village centre.
The parish church of St. Mary also reflects several phases of construction: it was built in 1291, while the tower and choir were rebuilt in 1711. The dates therefore refer to different parts of the church. Maisprach’s archaeological and medieval heritage is also associated with the remains of an estate, a royal manor believed to have been established here, and the medieval knights of Maisprach. The remains of the main building now lie below the church, within the cemetery wall.
Viticulture on the Sonnenberg
Maisprach lies in a valley hollow on the southern slope of the Sonnenberg and is considered the northernmost village in the Upper Basel region. In the wine-growing area, grapes thrive across 15 hectares of sun-drenched vineyards; the vineyard area may change over time. The importance of viticulture is also reflected in the municipality’s official coat of arms, which features grapes.
You can buy wines made from grapes grown in the Maisprach wine-growing area directly from the respective producers. Weinbau Talhof offers a bookable experience that includes a tasting of local wines. This is followed by an aperitif with regional products. Check the experience’s availability in advance.
Paths and the Lookout Tower
The Syydebändel & Rebenweg starts in Maisprach and runs over the southern vineyard slopes to Buus. There, it descends to the main road and then goes around Staufen Hill to Wintersingen. Six panels along the route provide information about the winegrowing of the Syydebändel winemakers. The route thus passes through several villages; the Sonnenberg Tower, by contrast, is the destination of a different outing.
The Sunnebärg Challenge starts in the village square and ends at the Sunnebärg Tower. A QR code at the starting point lets you start the timekeeping on your phone. The 22-metre-high Sonnenberg Tower belongs to the municipalities of Magden, Maisprach, Möhlin, Rheinfelden and Zeiningen. Its observation platform is freely accessible all year round. Climbing its 99 wooden steps leads to a beautiful panoramic view.
Bus 100 runs from Gelterkinden to the Maisprach Dorf stop in 17 minutes; check the latest connections before travelling. From this stop, you can reach the Sonnenberg Tower on foot in about an hour or by bike in 20 minutes. This means you can choose between the two stated ways of getting to the tower.
Discover more destinations: Hemmiken, Sissach, Läufelfingen, Kilchberg, Rünenberg, Thürnen, Wintersingen, Zunzgen.
Go to the main travel overview: Sissach.
