A Hidden Gem in the Jura: Exploring Tüfelsschlucht and Belchenflue on a Round Hiking Trail from Hägendorf
- davidovicmasha
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
This weekend, I felt the urge to escape the city and spend a day in nature. It’s that tricky time of year - the in-between season when winter trails are still snowy and summer routes not yet fully accessible. But with sunshine in the forecast and mild temperatures, I was determined to find a good hike. After some searching, I settled on the picturesque Jura region - a round hiking trail from Hägendorf through the dramatic Tüfelsschlucht (Devil’s Gorge) to the panoramic heights of Belchenflue, and back.
Total Length: 13–15 km
Total Time: 5–6 hours (including breaks)
Starting Point: Hägendorf (Loop Trail)
Elevation Gain: 700-800m
We didn’t want to start too early, so we looked for a hike that would be easy to reach within an hour from both Basel and Zurich — and Hägendorf was a perfect fit. A morning train took us from Basel to Olten, and from there it was just a short 8-min ride to Hägendorf, the starting point of our hike. As you leave the village and enter the gorge, it truly feels like stepping into a fairytale. The Tüfelsschlucht is one of the most enchanting gorges in the region - narrow, mysterious, and full of character, with cascading waterfalls, wooden bridges, moss-covered rocks, and steep cliffs. The name might sound a bit ominous (“Devil’s Gorge”), but the experience is pure magic.
The trail climbs steadily through the gorge and eventually opens up into the wide, forested landscape of the Jura hills. From there, we continued our ascent toward Belchenflue, a peak that rises to around 1,099 meters. The hike up was a bit steep in places and got our hearts pumping, but the view from the top was totally worth it. Since the small restaurant along the way was closed, we decided to take a short break at the summit and then continue to Restaurant Chamben, which was about 40 minutes away and conveniently located on the path back to Hägendorf.
After a well-deserved lunch of locally made smoked sausage and homemade bread at Restaurant Chamben, we got ready for the final stretch. The menu is simple with just a few options, but everything is homemade and full of flavor. One thing to keep in mind: they don’t accept cash, so make sure to bring a card. From there, we continued downhill, completing the loop back to Hägendorf.
All in all, the hike was around 13–15 kilometers and took us about 5–6 hours, including breaks. It’s an ideal day trip for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy a scenic adventure without spending too much time on travel. The route is well-marked, easily reachable by train, and offers a refreshing mix of dramatic landscapes, peaceful forest paths, and stunning views — a true taste of the wild Jura.
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