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About this place
Aussichtsturm Sonnenberg (the Sonnenbergturm) is a 22-metre stone lookout tower above the village of Maisprach in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, north-western Switzerland. It rises from a forest clearing on the Grosser Sunneberg hill and is one of the favourite short-hike goals in the Baselbiet region.
What can you see from the Sonnenberg tower?
The top platform gives a full circle view across the Baselbiet, the neighbouring canton of Aargau and the German side of the Rhine. When the air is clear, the Alps appear on the horizon. The platform is roofed, so a light shower is no reason to turn back, and the Tabular Jura landscape makes for good photos.
How do you climb it, and is it free?
The tower is freely accessible all year round, with no ticket. The climb is 99 wooden steps spread over 13 landings, a few minutes' effort that needs no special fitness. The structure is open-framed, which is worth knowing if heights bother you.
How do you walk there from Maisprach?
The shortest option is a loop from Maisprach of about 5 km with roughly 240 m of ascent, described as easy. A longer guided route links Rheinfelden and Maisprach via the tower: about 9.4 km, around 400 m of climbing and roughly 2 hours 40 minutes. The Fricktal high trail passes the tower, and remains of a prehistoric fortification lie nearby. Some sections are steep and very slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip.
Is there food at the tower?
A small tower inn, the Turmbeizli, stands next to it. Hiking listings say it opens on Sundays, so on other days bring your own food and water.
When is the best time to go?
The tower stays open all year, but the clearest views come after a weather front has passed, and in autumn or early spring. In summer start in the morning to avoid heat on the ascent. Sunday is when the inn is open, and also when the trails are busiest.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Sonnenberg tower? 22 metres. Sources give the hill's elevation differently, between about 630 and 680 m above sea level.
How much does entry cost? Nothing. The tower is open to everyone year-round.
How many steps are there? 99 wooden steps with 13 landings.
Can you see the Alps from the top? Yes, in good visibility. The panorama also takes in the Baselbiet, Aargau and Germany.
Is there a café or restaurant? The Turmbeizli by the tower is open on Sundays; on other days do not count on supplies on site.
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