Hölstein can be explored through several clearly distinct themes: architectural history, the history of the Oris watchmaking company, the bike park and the Vordere Frenke. Historic buildings tell the story of different eras; the activities and their respective conditions can help you plan your stay according to your interests and the time available.

Location and orientation

Hölstein lies between Liestal, the cantonal capital, and the historic town of Waldenburg. The village is on the edge of Basel’s catchment area and is connected to the Waldenburg railway. Liestal is 12 minutes from Hölstein; Basel can be reached in 25 minutes with a change in Liestal.

These connections help you plan your trip if you would also like to visit Liestal or Basel. Check the timetable for your travel dates. While there, you can focus on architectural history or set aside time for the Oris visitor experience, the bike park or a hike.

Architectural heritage spanning several centuries

The Reformed Church of St. Margaretha was built in 1590/91 on the site of an older chapel. It was one of the first churches that the city of Basel had built in the Basel countryside after the Reformation. The «Rössli» inn represents a different historical context: it was built after 1680 on the route over the Upper Hauenstein Pass and served as a horse-post station for several centuries. Its «Himmelsaal» is one of the few fully preserved Art Nouveau banquet halls.

The other buildings also reflect different periods and styles. The Neuhaus was rebuilt in 1671 and is one of the canton’s finest secular late Gothic buildings. The northern part of the tithe barn dates from 1566, and the southern part from 1695. As a large, freestanding barn, it is rare in the Basel region. The field barn at Bennwilerstrasse 41a was built in 1678; as a timber-frame structure with two ridge posts, it is unique of its kind in the Basel region.

Other historical references add to this picture. The estate at «Hinterbohl» is among the oldest rural settlements in the area around Augusta Raurica. The building at Hauptstrasse 27 appears in a pen-and-ink sketch by Georg Friedrich Meyer from around 1680 and in a village view by Emanuel Büchel from 1754; both show a distinctive balcony on the north gable. The different architectural styles and dates make a visit a journey of discovery through several centuries rather than a single historical episode.

The world of watches, the bike park and the Frenke

The Oris visitor experience is located at the historic site of the watchmaking company and offers insights into watch production. An exhibition in the attic presents the company’s history. Oris organises private factory tours for groups of up to 50 people; it is advisable to make arrangements in advance. Check the visitor information before your trip.

The Hölstein Bike Park is located at the entrance to the village on a site covering around 3,000 square metres. Its facilities include a pump track, dirt line, skills area, jump lines, drops and a skills park. The different facilities are suitable for children and adults, as well as beginners and professionals. The bike park was extensively renovated and upgraded in 2023. Weather and reservation requirements may affect access; take these into account when planning your visit.

In the Helgenweid area at the northern exit of the village, the Vordere Frenke has been restored to a natural watercourse. This section includes shallow-water zones and stone islands. Alongside architectural history and organised visitor experiences, visitors can also explore this particular aspect of the local landscape.

The «Along the Vordere Frenke» hike can be started or finished in Hölstein. It is 7.3 kilometres long and takes about two and a half hours. The route description dates from 2019; check local conditions before setting out. This helps distinguish the time needed for the hike from the stated travel times of 12 minutes to Liestal and 25 minutes to Basel.

Discover more destinations: Lampenberg, Diegten, Waldenburg, Langenbruck, Reigoldswil, Eptingen, Niederdorf

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