Aeschi is a political municipality in the Wasseramt district of the canton of Solothurn in Switzerland. It comprises the localities of Aeschi, Burgäschi and Steinhof; Burgäschisee lies south of Burgäschi. Aeschi is located south of Solothurn. Open fields, small forests and gentle hills shape its rural character. The municipality thus brings together a clear nature theme around the lake and the history of its various localities.

Burgäschisee and moorland

Burgäschisee covers 20.7 hectares and is up to 30 metres deep. A cantonal nature reserve and a moorland area of national importance lie on the lake shore. The walk around the lake passes partly through Chlepfibeerimoos, the only raised bog in the canton of Solothurn. Along part of the route, views of the lake and the moorland come together.

To protect nature, swimming in Burgäschisee is permitted only at the lido or the public bathing area. Follow the signs on site. Fishing is permitted from May to October, from the shore or from a boat; check the current season and permit information before fishing. Signs along the shore provide information about the history, nature and culture of this historic place. The «Seeblick» restaurant at Burgäschisee serves fresh, seasonal products from the region. Check before travelling whether it is currently open.

Pile-dwelling history and St. Anna Church

Four Neolithic pile-dwelling settlements are known at Burgäschisee, together covering the period from 4000 to 2600 BC. The «Burgäschi Ost» settlement is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps. Its remains now lie mostly in the lake’s reed belt and are not accessible. The UNESCO recognition and the lack of access describe two different aspects: the site is part of the World Heritage, but the remains themselves are not a place to visit.

St. Anna Church in Aeschi is also part of the area’s history. It was rebuilt in 1679 as a hall church with a recessed polygonal choir and a roof turret. In 1684, the new church was separated from the parish of Kriegstetten, and Aeschi became its own parish. The two dates mark different steps: the church’s reconstruction in 1679 and the parish’s independence in 1684. The recessed polygonal choir is set back from the hall space and has a multi-sided end; the roof turret sits on the roof.

Routes and getting there

Aeschi has numerous paths for walks and cycling trips. One specific route to the lake is the SwitzerlandMobility route «Wasserämter Route No. 802», which leads directly from Solothurn to Burgäschisee. Check current route conditions before setting off. Take bus No. 7 from Solothurn towards Herzogenbuchsee to the «Aeschi, SO Kirche» stop. From there, it is about a 20-minute walk to Burgäschisee; check the current bus service before travelling.

Regional buses connect Aeschi with nearby towns and the railway stations in Etziken and Subingen. From these stations, there are connections towards Solothurn, Olten and Bern. When looking for a holiday apartment in Aeschi, the focus of your stay can help guide your choice: the lake and moorland, pile-dwelling history or St. Anna Church.

Discover more destinations: Kriegstetten, Steinhof, Luterbach, Bolken, Hersiwil, Biberist, Horriwil, Zuchwil.

For the higher-level travel overview: Wasseramt.