Best natural monuments in Bezirk Thierstein, located in the Canton Solothurn, Switzerland, offer diverse natural attractions. The region is characterized by its varied topography, including gorges, caves, and summits. Visitors can explore 16 natural monuments, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and appreciating the local landscape.
Last updated: August 6, 2026
Highlight • Gorge
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Highlight • Waterfall
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Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Highlight • Cave
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Highlight • Summit
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Beautiful on both sides! From Mervelier, you first have to conquer a few short, steep ramps, then the road flattens out and you go directly along the stream through the narrow valley. From the Scheltenmühle onwards, it climbs steeply again; there are 300 meters of altitude gain from there to the pass crossing. At the very top, a short detour to the Vorder Erzberg mountain inn is worthwhile. There you can refuel and enjoy a fantastic view towards Passwang.
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easily accessible cave with information board
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In addition to its scenic beauty, the Kaltbrunnental Valley is a great outdoor playground for families. The stream offers fun activities and children's canyoning, easy access to the water, and barbecue areas are available. A hot tip, especially in summer.
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The Ibach Cave is a small karst spring cave located just a few steps above the hiking trail through the Kaltbrunnen Valley. It can be accessed according to the information board nearby.
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Great gorge, was inhabited by humans 10,000 years ago. See the book Nala and the Foundling Wolf
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You have to walk up a bit here, but it's worth it 🐾 Since their discovery in 1934 by Heinz Kohler, archaeologists have found more than 10,000 stone tools here. They are between 13,500 and 24,000 years old, so they come from a time when a thick layer of ice covered the central plateau and mammoths roamed the ice-free tundra.
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Bezirk Thierstein is rich in diverse natural features, including mystical gorges, impressive caves, and scenic summits. You can discover unique karst landscapes, such as those found in the Kaltbrunnental Gorge, and explore various caves like the Kastel Cave and Ibach Cave. The region also features beautiful waterfalls like the Chastelbach Waterfall and offers panoramic views from summits such as the Barenflue.
Yes, the region holds significant historical value. The Kaltbrunnental Gorge is recognized as one of Switzerland's most important prehistoric sites, with evidence of gatherers and hunters using its caves, like Chessiloch, 12,000 years ago. You can also visit the Stone Age Caves of Solothurn for more insights into early human activity.
The Kaltbrunnental Gorge is a mystical and wild-romantic destination known for its unique karst landscape, impressive rock walls, and large boulders. It offers easy hiking trails that are pleasantly cool and shaded in summer, making it ideal for a refreshing outing. Beyond its natural beauty, it's a significant prehistoric site with accessible caves, and features numerous fire pits for picnics.
For stunning panoramic views, consider hiking to the Hirnichopf Summit, which offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains, including the Hohe Winde. Another excellent spot is the Barenflue, which also provides great viewpoints. The Schelten Pass is also known for its excellent panorama views, particularly of the Solothurn Jura.
Absolutely. The Chaltbrunnental Nature Reserve offers easy hiking trails with hardly any difference in height, making it suitable for families with children. It's pleasantly cool in summer due to shaded paths, and features a karst educational trail where you can learn about the area's geology and numerous caves. The Kaltbrunnental Gorge is also considered family-friendly with easy hiking trails and fire pits.
Bezirk Thierstein is home to several fascinating caves. You can visit the Kastel Cave, where prehistoric people once lived, and the Ibach Cave, both of which are part of the Kaltbrunnental system. Other notable caves include the Stone Age Caves of Solothurn, St. Friedli Cave and Sculpture, and The Wild Holes of Lingenberg. Many caves are accessible, though a flashlight is often recommended, and some may require crawling.
The natural monuments in Bezirk Thierstein are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy diverse hiking experiences, from easy strolls to more challenging ascents. The region also offers great opportunities for cycling and gravel biking. For detailed routes, explore the Easy hikes in Bezirk Thierstein, Cycling in Bezirk Thierstein, and Gravel biking in Bezirk Thierstein guides.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activity. Summer is ideal for exploring gorges like the Kaltbrunnental, as the shaded paths offer a refreshing escape from the heat. Summits like Hirnichopf are accessible year-round, with options for snowshoeing in winter for a different experience. The 'green study' panorama of the Solothurn Jura is particularly striking during snow-free months.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails, particularly around the Kaltbrunnental area. The Chaltbrunnental Nature Reserve offers pleasant, easy hikes with minimal elevation gain, suitable for all ages. You can find more options in the Easy hikes in Bezirk Thierstein guide, which includes routes like the 'Kaltbrunnental Waterfall – Chaltbrunnental barbecue area loop'.
Visitors frequently praise the original and romantic character of places like the Chastelbach Waterfall, noting its beauty, especially depending on the light. The Kaltbrunnental area is appreciated for its easy, shaded hiking trails that provide a cool environment in summer, and its fascinating, varied landscape. Many also enjoy the historical significance of the caves and the opportunity for picnics at designated fire pits.
Yes, Bezirk Thierstein offers excellent routes for both cycling and gravel biking. You can find challenging and scenic routes that pass through diverse landscapes, often near natural attractions. For detailed information and route suggestions, refer to the Cycling in Bezirk Thierstein and Gravel biking in Bezirk Thierstein guides.
Yes, particularly in the Kaltbrunnental area. The Kaltbrunnental Gorge features numerous fire pits, inviting visitors to picnic and relax amidst nature. This makes it a great spot for a leisurely day out, combining hiking with a meal outdoors.


Find even more amazing natural monuments in Bezirk Thierstein by checking out the top Highlights region by region:
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones in Bezirk Thierstein: