Fehren is a political municipality in the Thierstein district of the canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. For visitors, three public walking and jogging routes, landscape viewpoints and local history offer different points of interest. When planning a visit, you can consider whether route length, views and natural surroundings, or religious and protected local sites are of greater interest. As a geographical reference, Fehren lies about 6.5 km east-southeast of the town of Laufen as the crow flies.
Planning Walking and Jogging Routes
The three public walking and jogging routes are between 4 and 8 km long. They pass through forests and over the hills of the municipalities of Fehren, Breitenbach, Büsserach and Meltingen. Their routes therefore extend beyond Fehren; at the same time, the 4-to-8-km range offers a concrete way to compare the desired route length. The routes’ start and finish points are easily accessible by post bus via the Post or Steinenbühl stops. Check the timetable before travelling so you can plan how to reach your chosen route.
Landscape and Orientation
Fehren lies at about 587 m above sea level on a rise at the northern foot of the Mettenberg, on a slope descending towards the Laufen Basin. Fehrenchänzeli offers views of the Laufen Basin, adding a specific viewpoint to the description of the area. The oak on the eastern hill is regarded as Fehren’s landmark: Fehrenchänzeli is known for its views of the basin, while the oak serves as a local point of reference.
The municipal area includes part of the northern Jura and extends east to the Ibach. A gorge-like valley lies there between Mittlerberg and Eichlenberg. Land use also offers a perspective on the municipal area: in 2014, 53% of its area was used for agriculture and 30% was covered by forest and woodland. That year, the share used for agriculture was therefore greater than the share covered by forest and woodland.
The Ibach and Its Habitats
The Ibach is an unspoilt stream in the Schwarzbubenland region of the canton of Solothurn. Floodplains, springs and diverse habitats provide valuable refuge for flora and fauna. On 18 September 2025, WWF and the River Pearls Association presented Fehren and other municipalities with the Ibach’s nomination for the River Pearl PLUS label. Thus, Fehren’s landscape includes not only the high ground and the valley in the eastern part of the municipality, but also the habitats along the Ibach.
Church and Protected Local Sites
Fehren is home to the modern Church of St Ottilia. An earlier chapel was built in 1902 and dedicated to St Ottilia. The former chapel, with its construction date and dedication, and the modern church are therefore distinct architectural points of reference. The village fountain on Brunngasse and the SteinenbĂĽhl stone cross on Hauptstrasse are protected at cantonal level. Their respective location names help distinguish the two protected sites.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Bärschwil, Nunningen, Erschwil, Beinwil, Himmelried.
Back to the regional travel overview: Thierstein.
