Stüsslingen combines village history with trails at the foot of the Jura. The village lies in a valley basin on both sides of the Stüsslinger Bach, about 7 kilometres northeast of Olten. The original structure of the farming village is still visible; its rural character has made Stüsslingen a local recreation area between Olten and Aarau. Historic landmarks, hikes and the surrounding landscape offer different reasons to explore the village.
Village History Along the Heritage Trail
The Stüsslingen Time Trail is a themed route with ten stops over around 4 kilometres. It begins at the protected cemetery church, passes through the village and ends at the chapel in Rohr. The route is suitable for families, school groups and anyone interested in history. It links the village stops with a destination in Rohr, with the cemetery church as its starting point.
The cemetery church was consecrated on 11 July 1635 by the Bishop of Basel, Johann Heinrich Ostein von der Bechburg. Together with the cemetery, it shapes the village’s appearance; both are protected as historic monuments under cantonal regulations. The St. Ulrich Chapel in Rohr also has a long history: it was probably built by Einsiedeln Abbey in the 13th or 14th century, fell victim to a fire before 1600 and was rebuilt around 1600. For Sant Uelitag on 4 July, women from Rohr bring a pot of milk to the chapel to have it blessed.
At Meiermattweg 17 in Rohr stands the only remaining thatched-roof house in the canton of Solothurn. It was built in 1786/87 and extended in the agricultural section in 1812/13; the roof is made of reeds. A Middle Bronze Age settlement was located on the main road in Stüsslingen. Its location on a main access route to the Schafmatt suggests that this Jura crossing has been used since prehistoric times. The old Fluechrütz plague cross also survived when the village road was given a bend at this point.
Hiking Trails, Forest and Terrain
Side roads and field and forest paths are ideal for walks, walking and jogging. Stüsslingen Forest is open to visitors for recreation. If you are walking or cycling in the forest, stay on signposted hiking trails or forestry roads and do not venture off them. The Jura foothills around Stüsslingen offer challenging terrain for mountain bikers and hikers.
The listed routes include a circular hike from Stüsslingen via Aelpli, Gugen, Kiesgrube, Gugenfeld and Gugenhof back to the starting point. There are also circular walks in Buerwald. Another route runs via Schafmatt, Naturfreundehaus, Rohrerplatte, Geissflue, Geissacher and Rotholz to Salhöhe; bus transport is planned for some sections. The hike via Hüttenhöf, Rebenflue, Reitiflue, Bad Lostorf, Schloss Wartenfels, Sunnenweid and Froburg towards Trimbach or Winznau is considered very challenging. These routes differ considerably in their courses and stated difficulty levels.
Golf and Practical Planning
The 18-hole Heidental golf course lies on the outskirts of Stüsslingen. The first nine holes cross gently rolling, undulating terrain; the second nine are relatively flat. The course is open to all golfers from March to November. In good conditions, members can play on summer greens year-round. A handicap of 36 is required to play a round; players with course certification may play when accompanied by members. Guests are welcome. Check the golf club’s current conditions and booking requirements before your visit.
Bus services run from Stüsslingen to Olten and Aarau. As public transport information can change, it is worth checking the current timetable. For cycling, a bike path runs away from the main road from Stüsslingen, past the Mittelgösgen District School, to Olten. Various agricultural products can be bought directly from farms in Stüsslingen. The products available may vary from farm to farm; if interested, check in advance.
Discover more destinations: Wisen, Lostorf, Erlinsbach, Hauenstein-Ifenthal, Trimbach, Kienberg.
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