The double municipality of Hauenstein-Ifenthal on the southern slopes of the Canton Solothurn Jura, northwest of the town of Olten, consists of Hauenstein on a terrace just below the summit of the Unterern Hauenstein and Ifenthal a considerable distance away. The little Ifenthal St. Katharina Church, seen from afar, is located between the two settlements, on a ledge of the Jura above the Trimbach Valley. The ruins of the once stately Frohburg Castle stand near Hauenstein. The Unteren Hauenstein Pass was an important link between Augusta Raurica and the Mittelland during Roman times. The Hauenstein first lost its importance as a pass with the construction of the Hauenstein tunnel on the Basel- Läufelfingen-Olten railway line in 1858. The scenic old Hauenstein railway line («Läufelfingerli») is still used as part of the Basle S-Bahn system, although the Hauenstein basis tunnel has provided a more direct link through the Jura since 1916.

The Unteren Hauenstein pass road is popular with many motor bikers, who meet every Thursday from spring to autumn at the Restaurant Isebähnli near Trimbach – a true place of pilgrimage for motorbike buffs.

Apart from the occasional roar of a large machine, hikers on the Jura high-level trail hardly notice a thing. The long-distance trail through the Jura landscape leads through Hauenstein and Ifenthal, as do several other hiking routes. Another leisure option is the Weid Hauenstein golf course, a rather demanding nine-hole course in a scenic location. In winter the area has two skilifts and opportunities for ski tours.