The Hasenmatt

Unlike the Alps, the long Jura range has few peaks that are easily recognizable from a distance. While the Haute Chaîne du Jura does have a few, they become fewer and fewer as one moves north-east. The Hasenmatt is an exception to this rule. It is much higher than the surrounding peaks and has a characteristic dome shape. In addition, it is directly above the Swiss Plateau, and the view is therefore magnificent.

We took the cable car from Oberdorf to the Weissenstein Hotel, which is a white building that can be seen from a far distance. We then followed the Jura crest path past Hinterweissenstein and under the Gitziflue. We walked through the forest for a while before reaching the Hasenmatt. There, we entered the pasture, which provides an unobstructed view of the Alps and the Swiss Plateau. On the other side of the top, you can even see the tall towers of Basel.

From the top, we then began to descend towards a small pass before climbing steeply towards the Stallflue. The lack of trees on this crest also allows for a view onto the plateau.

A small descent to a pass and a short stretch of forest, and you soon reach the Obergrenchenberg pastures. Although the marked trail is a little lower down, it is worth taking a path that is marked on the map and runs along the Wandflue. This allows for a view of the Granges region.

It is not hard to find the very steep trail that descends through the Ängiloch. This is a very surprising stretch of trail, as one would not expect a trail to pass through here. However, apart from the very steep first few meters of the descent, which have been equipped with stairs, it is a very good trail.

A little further down, you reach the pastures where the Bettlachberg farm-inn is located and then follow the road leading to it. You then pass under the ruins of the Grenchen castle and make a large loop. You then walk through the forest above Grenchen and end up in the residential area of the town. It is only at this point that the descent becomes less steep. Then it is a matter of crossing the village to reach the station. There you have the choice of going either to Grenchen Nord or Grenchen Süd. This choice can be made based on the train schedule.

Route: Arrival at Weissenstein cable car station – Hinterweissenstein – Hasenmatt – Stallflue – Wandflue – Ängiloch – Bettlachberg – Grenchen Nord
Distance: 17km
Elevation gain: 550m positive/1360m negative
Duration: 5h30