Beinwil, at the southern foot of the Jura, combines monastery history, hiking trails and a distinctive viewpoint. Hills, forests and farmland shape the surrounding area, while the Lüssel flows through a narrow valley. Beinwil offers different starting points for these interests without implying a fixed day itinerary.
Landscape and Views from the Hohe Winde
At 1,204 m above sea level, the Hohe Winde is a well-known viewpoint in Beinwil. On a clear day, the view extends north as far as the Vosges and the Black Forest, and in the opposite direction as far as the Alps. The view therefore depends on visibility. Beinwil lies within the BLN area 1012 Belchen-Passwang, a landscape of national importance. The Lüssel flows through Beinwil in a narrow valley cut deep into the Jura fold ranges. The viewpoint, river valley, forests and farmland give the landscape different perspectives: views into the distance and the course of the valley close at hand.
Monastery and Historic Landmarks
Beinwil Monastery was founded around 1100. Since 2019, it has been home to a Greek Orthodox religious community. A small museum is located in the attic of an adjoining monastery building; check access arrangements separately before visiting. The former monastery church is at Am Kloster 117. St. John’s Chapel is also part of the history of the village; it dates from 1695.
Another landmark can be found in the hamlet of Joggenhus, a little below the monastery: the former monastery forge on the Lüssel. It was first mentioned in 1693 and was powered by two breastshot water wheels. The forge connects a specific place in Beinwil’s landscape with the former use of water power. Those interested in architectural and local history will find other individual stops here alongside the monastery, rather than just one historical focal point.
Hiking: Two Routes with Different Destinations
The Hohe Winde excursion is 12 km long and takes about four hours of walking. It runs from the Passwang bus stop via the Hohe Winde and Wingengraben to Joggenhus near Beinwil. The ViaSurprise starts at the Benedictine monastery in Beinwil; the stage from Beinwil to Zwingen is 17 km long and takes 4 hours and 40 minutes. The two hikes therefore differ both in their stated distance and in their destination: one ends in Joggenhus, the other in Zwingen. Check trail conditions before setting out.
On the ViaSurprise, the trail follows the Ibach through a forest reserve. Deadwood provides habitat for insects and larvae, which serve as food for birds. This offers a different perspective on the landscape from the panorama of the Hohe Winde: here, the river and ecological relationships in the forest take centre stage. Walking and hiking trails in and around Beinwil also pass through the foothills of the Jura, alongside forests and historic monastery buildings. This lets you choose between a named longer route and trails connected with the monastery and landscape, without assuming a particular loop.
Seasonal Activities and Getting There
The Hohe Winde ski area has several well-groomed pistes with steep, hilly and gentler sections; piste conditions change with the seasons. The 1,320-metre double-bar drag lift takes visitors up to 1,060 m above sea level. The Pinocchio children’s lift is suitable for families with children and beginners, and is free for all visitors. It operates seasonally, so check its current operating status before a winter outing. Hiking and winter sports thus offer different, partly seasonal reasons to visit.
From Beinwil, the PostBus takes you to SBB railway stations in Laufen and Zwingen, among other places. The Passwang route provides a direct connection from Beinwil to Balsthal on the southern side of the Jura. As timetables are subject to change, check the connection for your travel date. For local produce, the organic farm and Joggehus cheese dairy sell organic products directly from the farm; check visitor access in advance. The cheese dairy makes artisan cheese specialities from sheep’s milk and the cow’s milk of a neighbouring farmer. Product availability may vary.
Discover more destinations: Bärschwil, Nunningen, Himmelried, Erschwil, Fehren.
Return to the main travel overview: Thierstein.
