The Chälengrabenschlucht is a largely natural gorge at the foot of the Blauen in Hofstetten-Flüh in the canton of Solothurn. An eventful ascent through the Chälengraben gorge leads to the much-visited Hofstetter-Matte with a spectacular view to the north.

The gorge forests owe their development to the year-round cooler local climate, which is also responsible for the special vegetation in the gorge. Easily recognisable is the evergreen deer's tongue fern, which grows on the moist soils. The wet banks of the stream courses are important habitats for the oversummering of amphibians, such as the grass frog or the common toad, which soon leave the watercourse after spawning early in spring. The path built into the gorge with planks and stairs brings visitors into contact with various moss species, such as deciduous mosses and liverworts.

In the middle of the narrow gorge is a cave with a picnic area in front of it. Nearby lies the Fürstenstein ruin.

Tour

The car park south of Hofstetten-Flüh is the starting point of the hike and is on the edge of the forest. The route leads through the Chälengrabenschlucht gorge and runs along the narrow path parallel to the stream, which naturally dries out in this section in summer and autumn. Rocks pile up on the left and right and the trail runs over wooden footbridges and stairs in places. At the upper exit of the gorge, the path leads to the left to a large picnic area at the bottom of the Hofstetter Matte. The hike can be continued across the meadow to the Bergmatten Restaurant and up to the Blauenpass on the crest of the Blauenberg. From there there are descent options via the Steiherrenberg back to Hofstetten-Flüh or on the south side of the ridge to Blauen and Dittingen, where there is a connection to public transport.

The hike is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs and is not suitable for small children.

Refreshments

The Restaurant Bergmatten above Hofstetten-Flüh offers varied dishes, a small menu and snacks. Various picnic areas, some of them with fireplaces, invite visitors to rest along the hiking route.

Other greenbelt sites in the vicinity

Blauenberg
Blauenweide 
Landskron Ruin 

Further information

Here you will find further information from our partner regionatur.ch on the municipality of Hofstetten-Flüh and the Chälengraben excursion.

Characteristics

Arrival

Arrival by public transport is possible. For those travelling by car, there is a car park south of Hofstetten-Flüh at the edge of the forest (Radmer car park).

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