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 … Read more » “Balsthal, Alt- and Neu-Falkenstein and the Inns”
A Swiss cartoon symbolises and puts the Röstigraben into perspective, the difference between the French and German-speaking parts of the country. On the German side of the Saane near Freiburg, a sign reads: : “Ici on parle français”. On both sides of the river, however, there are identical houses, and identically dressed people, and they … Read more » “Mir rede au Elsassisch, Leymen and Hagenthal-le-Bas”
The first monks came from Hirsau (Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg) around 1100. Centuries before, there was a Celtic sanctuary on this hill. The first abbot was called Esso (he died in 1133). Hirsau was a monastery that introduced reforms, the Consuetudines Hirsaugienses. The Cluny abbey was the inspiration. Beinwil was founded with financial support from local … Read more » “Beinwil Abbey and the Valley”
