Staad lies at an elevation of 425 metres on the north bank of the Aare, south of Grenchen. The village offers several specific highlights to help you plan your trip: the chapel and its rural village character, wetlands with unusual plants, and its connection to the water. You can decide whether to focus your stay primarily on local history, nature or a walking tour.
Location and village character
Staad SO is a village within the municipality of Grenchen in the canton of Solothurn. Its rural character has remained largely intact. A local report from 2020 dates the settlement’s first mention to 1537.
Wetlands and plant life
The Rütisack backwater is a cantonal nature reserve in the Grenchner Witi. The backwater is home to Switzerland’s last natural population of the tall violet, whose botanical name is Viola elatior. The highly endangered giant dock has also survived along the Staad Canal. Marsh spurge is also found there in healthy populations.
Egelsee near Staad is an old course of the Aare, with open water and marsh vegetation. Egelsee SĂĽd lies northwest of Staad and forms part of a horseshoe-shaped former course of the Aare. In the past, it was a valuable wetland habitat in the Grenchner Witi. The swallow hotel in Staad is also part of the local wildlife: it provides shelter for house martins, common swifts and bats.
Chapel and history
The chapel in Staad is a cantonal protected cultural property in Grenchen. It was built in 1715, dedicated to Saint Nicholas and extended in 1980/81. Its winged altar houses a Gothic masterpiece by the Bernese artist Peter Kallenberg, dating from 1522. Together with the largely intact rural village character, it offers a tangible connection to Staad’s architectural and settlement history.
Circular route and activities by the water
A 5.2-kilometre circular route leads to Staad Chapel and runs along the river and the water. Staad is also on the Biel–Solothurn cycling and canoe route. Sandloch on the Aare near Staad is an easily accessible swimming spot. You can therefore choose between different activities: a circular route with a specified distance or a visit to the swimming spot.
When the road was temporarily closed to cars, cyclists and skaters used the Aarestrasse towards BĂĽren; a local report from 2020 recorded this. If you plan to take the Aarestrasse towards BĂĽren, check the current traffic regulations before setting out.
Where to stay in Staad
Local options include a small campsite and a restaurant. Before booking, check whether the campsite is currently open. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can take into account the location on the north bank of the Aare and the area’s highlights in nature, history and waterside activities when choosing your destination.
For the wider travel guide: Grenchen.
