Belchenflue

Belchenflue is a Jura summit at 1,099 m above sea level, rising above the village of Eptingen in the Swiss canton of Basel-Landschaft, right on the border with Solothurn. It ranks among the best-known mountains in the canton, and its draw is the viewing platform on the ridge. Locally the name is also spelled Bölchenflue.

Where is Belchenflue?

The peak stands south of Eptingen, on the line between Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn. The Belchenflue Pass next to it connects the two cantons. Do not confuse it with Belchen in the Black Forest, which is a different mountain across the Rhine.

What can you see from the top?

In clear weather the platform gives views of the Alps, the Black Forest and the Vosges. The Jura drops away steeply here, so several mountain ranges appear in a single sweep. Bright, clear days work best, and hikers also come for sunset shots.

How do you get up?

The area around Eptingen, Waldenburg and Langenbruck has paths along rocky ridges. Popular options:

• From the south, a military road built in 1914–1915 leads up.
• From Läufelfingen, the trail crosses the Challhöchi saddle and follows the ridge to the platform. It is rated demanding and can end in Waldenburg.
• From Langenbruck, a loop runs via Chilchzimmersattel, which gives easy access to the viewpoint. Langenbruck is the canton's only spa town and its highest municipality.

The last stretch of the climb uses steps cut straight into the rock, secured with railings. From Liestal, the Waldenburg narrow-gauge railway plus a bus takes about 45 minutes; on some sections buses run only at weekends, so check the timetable first.

What is the history of the mountain?

The summit has long served as an orientation point, and in the First World War it became a key lookout for the Hauenstein fortifications. On the Läufelfingen route you pass the trenches of that defensive line.

How much time should you plan?

Allow 2 to 4 hours, about half a day. The site is not wheelchair accessible, and the rock steps call for steady footing.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Belchenflue? About 1,099 m. Sources differ slightly, for example 1,098.8 or 1,098.9 m.

What can you see from Belchenflue? The Alps, the Black Forest and the Vosges on a clear day.

Is the hike difficult? The easiest approach is from Langenbruck via Chilchzimmersattel. The Läufelfingen route is demanding, and the final metres climb rock steps with railings.

Is Belchenflue the same as Belchen in the Black Forest? No. Belchenflue is in the Swiss Jura near Eptingen.