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Switzerland
Nordwestschweiz
Basel-Landschaft
Bezirk Laufen

Blauen

Attractions and Places To See around Blauen - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Blauen include natural features and historical sites within the Southern Black Forest region. Blauen itself is a prominent mountain in the Black Forest, offering panoramic views and opportunities for hiking. The surrounding area features diverse landscapes, from gorges and forests to historical monuments and gardens. Visitors can explore 20 unique places, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best attractions and places to see around Blauen

  • The most popular attractions is Gempenturm Observation Tower, a man-made monument that offers extensive views over the surrounding landscape towards Basel and the Black Forest. This historical watchtower has an eventful past and provides a unique vantage point.
  • Another must-see spot is Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden, a natural monument and the largest English landscaped garden in Switzerland. Visitors can expect to find Birseck Castle, small caves, lakes, and various wild places within this historical site.
  • Visitors also love Kaltbrunnental Gorge, a natural monument featuring a stream winding through impressive rock walls. This area offers easy hiking trails and a cool environment, making it a pleasant recreation spot.
  • Blauen is known for its diverse natural features, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from challenging trails to family-friendly walks.
  • The attractions around Blauen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1000 upvotes and over 500 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Gempenturm Observation Tower

Highlight • Monument

What many do not know: the Gempenturm has an eventful history behind it and is not just an excursion site. For example, he played a not insignificant role for Switzerland during the Second World War to observe the troop movements of the Germans and French in the border area from here. A ‘Division Gempen’ of the CH Army was stationed on the Gempenturm for this task. Among other things there was a dogfight over Gempen where an American. Bomber was shot down.

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Kaltbrunnental Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

Nice valley with easy hiking trails. Pleasantly "cool" in summer because a lot lies in the shade of the trees.

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Big Bench at Blatten Pass

Highlight • Monument

At the Blattenpass there is a very nice barbecue area to linger.

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Wappenfelsen Memorial

Highlight • Monument

The Wappenfelsen is a memorial to the troops who served here in World War I.

Their job was to guard the two railway bridges and, if necessary, to blow them up if German troops tried to use them.

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Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden

Highlight • Natural Monument

It is the largest English landscaped garden in Switzerland. There is a lot to see there: Birseck Castle, small caves, small lakes and various wild places baptized with romantic names.

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CSW59
June 29, 2025, Kaltbrunnental Gorge

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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A place with history…

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The rock paintings were created during the First World War, when the strategically important valley with railway and road at Chessiloch was guarded by the military.

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Allows a view over the trees towards Basel/Black Forest

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Already 12,000 years ago, gatherers and hunters used the protection of the caves in Chessiloch.

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Beautiful rest area with panorama

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A place with a lot of history, charisma and beautiful nature. You should bring some time for this tour.

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A hike through the Chaltbrunnen Valley offers a fascinating mix of nature and history. A highlight of the hike is the Wappenfelsen right at the beginning, a memorial to the troops that were stationed here during the First World War. Their job was to guard the two railway bridges and, in an emergency, to blow them up if German troops tried to use them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of attractions can I expect to find around Blauen?

The Blauen area, primarily known for the Blauen mountain in the Black Forest, offers a diverse range of attractions. You'll discover natural features like gorges and expansive landscape gardens, alongside historical sites and impressive viewpoints. The region is ideal for those who appreciate both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Are there any historical sites to visit near Blauen?

Yes, the region boasts several historical sites. A notable one is the Gempenturm Observation Tower, a man-made monument with an eventful past, including its role during World War II. Another significant historical landmark is the Wappenfelsen Memorial, which commemorates troops who served in World War I.

What natural wonders can I explore in the Blauen area?

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Kaltbrunnental Gorge, where a stream winds through impressive rock walls, offering a cool environment for easy hikes. Another highlight is the Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden, the largest English landscaped garden in Switzerland, featuring small caves, lakes, and various wild places.

Where can I find the best panoramic views around Blauen?

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Gempenturm Observation Tower, which offers extensive vistas over the surrounding landscape towards Basel and the Black Forest. The Blauen mountain itself is a prominent lookout point in the Southern Black Forest, providing excellent viewpoints of the region.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions suitable for children?

Absolutely! The Kaltbrunnental Gorge offers easy hiking trails in a pleasant, shaded environment, making it suitable for families. The Big Bench at Blatten Pass is another family-friendly spot, featuring a nice barbecue area to linger and enjoy the surroundings.

What hiking opportunities are available around Blauen?

The Blauen area is excellent for hiking, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. You can explore the Kaltbrunnental Gorge for a gentle walk or tackle more demanding routes around the Blauen mountain. For a comprehensive list of trails, including moderate and easy options, check out the Hiking around Blauen guide.

Are there options for cycling or mountain biking near Blauen?

Yes, the region offers various routes for cyclists. You can find numerous options for road cycling in the Road Cycling Routes around Blauen guide. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the MTB Trails around Blauen guide provides a selection of trails, including moderate options like the 'Coat of Arms Rock in the Kaltbrunnental' loop.

What is the best time of year to visit Blauen for outdoor activities?

The Blauen area is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. Summer offers a cool escape in shaded areas like the Kaltbrunnental Gorge. For hiking and enjoying panoramic views, clear days in spring and autumn are often ideal, providing comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery.

Is there parking available for visitors exploring the Blauen area?

While specific parking details for every highlight are not provided, areas popular for hiking and viewpoints, such as those around the Blauen mountain and the Blatten Pass, typically have designated parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.

What do other visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions here?

Visitors frequently praise the magnificent views from the Gempenturm Observation Tower. The Kaltbrunnental Gorge is appreciated for its pleasant, cool environment and easy hiking trails. Many also find the Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden to be a place of rest and beauty, with its diverse features and historical charm.

Are there any circular hiking routes around Blauen?

Yes, there are several circular hiking routes available. For instance, the Hiking around Blauen guide lists routes like the 'View from Blauepass – Blauen hiking parking lot loop from Blauen' and the 'Blauenweide Nature Reserve – Blauen hiking parking lot loop from Blauen', offering varied distances and difficulties.

Can I find places to eat or stay overnight near Blauen?

While Blauen itself is primarily a mountain, the surrounding towns and the broader Southern Black Forest region offer various options for dining and accommodation. The Gempenturm Observation Tower even has a restaurant, and the Big Bench at Blatten Pass features a barbecue area, indicating facilities are available in the vicinity.

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