The Basel region’s Jura Mountains form a stunning divide between the Basel area and the Swiss Plateau. One of the best locations for looking out over both stretches of countryside is Wasserfallen. Its cable cars run from the picturesque Reigoldswil to a nationally protected mountain area with narrow crest paths where nature dominates.

Those who would like to see a waterfall in Wasserfallen (which is very close to the German word for waterfall) will have to look carefully: the name originally referred just to a small rock arena near ‘Säuschwänki’, where the springs tumble down from the Hintere (Upper) Frenke River. The entire area around the Wasserfallen cable car now goes by the same name. The closest thing to a waterfall is only visible in winter: just as the fog from the plateau lifts over the saddle near the Wasserfallen pasture, its vapours tumble like a waterfall into the sunny Basel region to provide a true spectacle of nature! However, hiking around Wasserfallen is also worthwhile all year round: in spring, wild garlic lines the paths, and the mountain air provides cool relief in summer. Stunning colours impress in autumn, and on a clear winter day, the Alps seem close enough to touch.

The loop trail starts at the mountain station and first heads to Hinteri Egg barbecue area. The highest point of the canton of Basel-Landschaft’s landscape is located right above it. A plaque on a limestone rock lets you know that you have arrived. The best viewpoints follow at Chellenchöpfli (1,156 m.a.s.l) and Passwang (1,204 m.a.s.l). By the way: the route can be cut in half by either walking right back to the mountain station from Saint Roch oratory or by hiking straight from the mountain station to Passwang.