Sunday Winter Hike - Muttenz to Pratteln

Hiking by the Numbers

3 hours = total hiking time including stops for pictures and snacks
7.5 km (4.6 mi) = distance
280 m (918 ft) = elevation gain

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Description

The hike is a sub-section of the Swiss National hike #7 ViaGottardo Section 1 Basel to Liestal.

0-2 km (14m gain); Leave the Muttenz train station and follow the trail signs for ViaGottardo 7, walk through the lovely village of Muttenz on the Hauptstraase (Main Street). Around 1.64km there is a beautiful church, St. Arbogast Kirche, surrounded by a defensive wall. Shortly after the church the incline begins.

2-3km (175m gain); A short but steep incline through the woods to reach the Wartenberg Castle Ruins. 

First Wartenberg Castle Ruins

The largest and most important of the three castles lies in the north on the advanced spur of the river. From here you can easily see the course of the Rhine as well as the north / south route (be it the most busy motorway section of Switzerland) or the railway traffic). Impressive is the strategically very good, even phenomenal position.

Middle Wartenburg Castle Ruin

The Middle ruin is located on the highest point of the Wartenberg (479 m above sea level) and is well-known thanks to the panoramic terrace (493 m above sea level) built in 1956 and the fascinating panorama. The Anterior as well as the Hintere Burgruine is often no longer perceived. It is also forgotten that this is the world's only fence spur on which a total of three "fortresses" were built consecutively and not directly together within a distance of 500 m.
The mighty dwelling (Donjon) is almost visible from every quarter of Muttenz (291 m asl), which makes it the viewpoint par excellence. In 1955/56, the society pro Wartenberg initiated a strong reconstruction. The enclosing walls had to be supplemented (in height), so that the view terrace (about 80 stair steps) could be realized.

Middle Castle Reconstruction

How the Middle Castle in the 14th century may have looked.
Reconstruction study by Eugen Probst, Zurich

Third Wartenberg Castle Ruins

Situated on the southern spur of the mountain range, a typical ring wall castle. At the beginning stood the Rundturm (Bergfried), later supplemented with a long stretched enclosure wall (in the technical language a Bering). Around 1900 the Bergfried was extensively restored. At the same time the wooden structure was constructed with copper roof. The direction of attack is assumed in the north, so the residential tract (Palas) is therefore averted in the south. The access is atypically level, in the east.

Last Castle Reconstruction

As the Hintere Burg in the 14th century may have looked out. Reconstruction study of C.A. Mueller, Basel.

Take your time here, Wartenberg has tons of ruins to explore. There are plenty of places to grill a sausage and relax with great views in all directions. The local signs are only in German, actually I couldn't find any website with information in English so either bring along a German speaking friend or get use to using Google Translate!

3-5.25km (20m loss); The walk down from the ruins is pleasant with views of small Swiss farms. Soon you will come to the Egglisgraben restaurant where you can pause for a coffee or more depending on your day.

5.25-6.25km (150m loss); The last bit of descent on this hike passes a field that is reminiscent of the Sound of Music field from the opening sequence. In the winter this field is also a great place for sledding!

6.25-7.47km (20m loss); After passing the school you enter the village of Pratteln. A short walk through a residential part leads you to the tram stop and after that the train station. 

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Map of hike from Muttenz to Pratteln, Switzerland

Elevation profile for hike from Muttenz to Pratteln

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