Balsthal, Alt- and Neu-Falkenstein and the Inns

21 January 2024

The first inhabitants of Balsthal (Canton of Solothurn), the Celts, lived on the Holzfluh about 4,000 years ago. In Roman times, the fastest road connection from Aventicum (Avenches) to Augusta Raurica (Kaiseraugst) passed through Balsthal.

After the Christianisation of the Alemanni in the 5th and 6th centuries, the prince-bishops of Basel ruled the region for many centuries. They built the castles Alt- and Neu-Falkenstein.

Neu-Falkenstein

Solothurn acquired Balsthal in 1402. The Bailiffs and other officials lived and worked in the two castles. Balsthal was the gateway to the pass over the Hauenstein and several large inns and businesses flourished. Their premises still characterise the village today.

(Source: www. balsthal.ch).