Welschenrohr was first mentioned in a papal document dated 27 February 1179; the village has a history stretching back more than 800 years. Traces of the past can be found at St. Theodul parish church and the Lochmühle mill, as well as in the watchmaking industry, while trails to the gorge, dry-stone wall and woodland destinations reveal other sides of the surrounding area. This gives you a choice when planning your trip, depending on your interests: architectural and industrial history, a striking Jura landscape or nature experiences with family-friendly stops.
Church, Mill and Watchmaking
St. Theodul parish church was built in 1674. The old Lochmühle mill, a protected heritage site, stands directly on the Dünnern at Hammerrain between Herbetswil and Welschenrohr; it was rebuilt around 1850. A hiking trail along the Dünnern leads to the mill. The mill room is open to the public; check the visiting arrangements in advance.
Welschenrohr was known for watchmaking even before 1700. Until the 1980s, there were more than 16 watch companies and numerous workshops in the Thal. The uhrundzeit watch museum displays timepieces from more than two centuries and presents the manufacturing process using delicate tools. It is housed in the premises of the former TECHNOS watch factory. The factory building was established in 1918 by the Gunzinger family. The watch collection and the history of its manufacture are thus at the heart of a museum housed in a historic factory building.
Gorge and Hiking Destinations in the Jura
Wolfsschlucht Gorge is a cantonal nature reserve with caves and eroded formations between high, partly overhanging rock faces. The 14-kilometre Wolfsschlucht Trail is a circular route from Welschenrohr back to Welschenrohr: it climbs through the gorge and then continues along the heights of the second Jura range. On the descent, it passes through lynx territory on its way back to the valley. Trail conditions can vary seasonally; check them before setting out.
Another hike leads from Welschenrohr up to a steep rock face and then to the centuries-old dry-stone wall on Probstenberg. The wall still serves as a boundary between the cantons of Solothurn and Bern. Here, the destination is also a lasting feature of the cultural landscape: the wall continues to mark the cantonal border.
Family Trails and Bison
The forest nature trail is suitable for a family outing, with fire pits along the way and a playground at the destination. On the Zwergliweg trail to Montpelon, the Bantli dwarfs introduce children and adults to nature; there is plenty to discover, play and experience in the forest along the way. The two activities offer different highlights: the forest nature trail features fire pits and a playground, while the Zwergliweg focuses on the Bantli dwarfs and experiencing nature in the forest.
“Wisent im Thal” offers another opportunity to observe nature: in Welschenrohr, you can watch bison with an experienced guide. Together with the hiking trails, this gives you a choice between guided wildlife watching, family-friendly woodland destinations and routes featuring specific cultural and historical sights.
Discover more destinations: Gänsbrunnen, Balsthal.
View the wider travel guide: Thal.
