Save this place and discover nearby attractions with NextOnTrip
In the app you can add it to your favorites, see what else is worth visiting nearby on the map, and earn a badge for your visit.
The app is available for iPhone and Android.
About this place
Gempenturm is a steel lookout tower on the Gempen plateau above the village of Gempen in the Swiss canton of Solothurn. It sits on the Schartenflue ridge and offers a wide view across several mountain ranges and three countries.
What is the Gempenturm?
The tower dates from 1897 and is a five-storey steel lattice structure. Its viewing platform is 28 metres up, reached by 115 steps. Hiking sites place the hilltop at roughly 759 m above sea level, while Switzerland Tourism gives 753 m for the plateau's highest point, Schartenflue. The gap probably comes from different measuring points.
What can you see from the top?
In clear weather the view takes in the Jura, the Sundgau and the Vosges in France, and the Black Forest in Germany. The Basel area and part of Alsace are visible too. That makes it a favourite day trip from the Basel region.
How do you get there on foot?
Many walks start at Dornach-Arlesheim station. Trails climb via the Ermitage and the Dorneck castle ruins, or via Schönmatt, up to Schartenflue. A loop from Dornach-Arlesheim over Schartenflue, Schlosshof and Dorneck is about 11.6 km and takes around 3 hours 20 minutes. You can also start in Gempen itself or near Bad Schauenburg. From the Gempen Steinacker bus stop it is about a 25-minute walk.
Is there food nearby?
Yes. The Bärgbeiz Gempenturm restaurant stands next to the tower and is listed by Switzerland Tourism. Check current opening hours for both the tower and the restaurant before you go.
When should you visit?
Pick a day with clear air, ideally just after a weather front passes. Spring and autumn often bring good visibility and comfortable hiking temperatures. In winter the summit can be cold and windy, so bring an extra layer.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does the Gempenturm have?
There are 115 steps up to the platform, which stands 28 metres high.
Which canton is it in?
The Gempen plateau belongs to Solothurn, right next to the Basel-Landschaft border.
Can you see the Black Forest?
Yes, in good conditions you can see the Black Forest, the Vosges, the Jura and the Sundgau.
Can you eat at the tower?
Yes, the Bärgbeiz Gempenturm restaurant is right beside it.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.