Interregio hiking trail section 7: Aesch - Rodersdorf

From Aesch station (299 m above sea level), the Interregio hiking trail leads to Rodersdorf in 4h 15min according to the signposts. Cross the river Birs to reach Aesch Dorf (312 m) and walk along the Chlusbach stream to the foot of the Chlusberg. The Klus vineyard trail provides information about the cultivation and care of the vines. However, the hills near the Klus are not only known for their vineyards. Here you can also explore the remains of former castles that were destroyed by the Basel earthquake in 1356 and then partially rebuilt. From the "Untere Chlus (380 m)" signpost, it is worth taking a detour along the Burgengratweg towards "Ruine Pfeffingen". On the way up to the Schalberg and Engenstein ruins is the Schalberg cave, which was inhabited in the Stone Age. A "supponierter Bunker", on the other hand, dates back to the 1930s. Its supposed camouflage belies the fact that there was no defense system behind it.

Back on the Interregio hiking trail, we continue towards Rodersdorf (3 h 30 min). After 100m, another detour is possible to the dolmen grave in the municipal forest of Aesch (total 700m). The enclosures of the megalithic structures from the end Neolithic period around 2400 BC are still preserved.

In the upper Tschöpperli, the significant remains of the imposing Frohberg castle ruins can be visited.

Shortly after the Mettli fork in the trail, we pass the border with the canton of Solothurn and continue south of Hofstetten along the edge of the forest to the Chälengraben signpost at the upper entrance to the impressive gorge. At the next junction of the hiking trails, you reach the highest point of the stage at 606 m above sea level. Straight ahead is Rotberg Castle. Built around 1200 as a knight's castle, since 1935 it has been a unique hostel for young people, who can experience princely days here in a stylish atmosphere. Not far from Rotberg Youth Hostel is the famous Mariastein pilgrimage church. It is the second most important place of pilgrimage in Switzerland after Einsiedeln. Beneath today's Benedictine monastery church lies its heart: the Chapel of Grace. 59 steps lead to the underground grotto with the smiling Madonna.

We walk the last few kilometers to Rodersdorf on the border with France. The village is surrounded on three sides by French territory. Interregionally, this stage on the Interregio hiking trail is followed by a ride on the 16 km long Basel streetcar line 10. On the route to Basel, it passes through French territory with a stopover at Leymen station. This makes it the longest international streetcar line.