The Margarethen hill in the Bruderholz district of Basel was already settled at the end of the Neolithic period. A sanctuary probably also existed here as early as the Bronze Age, and later the church of St. Margarethen was built on the same site. The church was first mentioned as a parish church in 1251, but excavations brought older remains from the 11th century to light. The church may have been donated by the then owner of the neighbouring estate. The farmstead is clearly visible above a pasture hill, at the foot of which the former path led along the Bruderholz slope into the swampy Leimental. The terrace offers a unique view over the roofs of the city of Basel and vines thrive on the western slope.

The rare Knöllchen saxifrage grows in the pasture below the Margarethengut, its bright white flowers shining out among the grasses in May. The slope near Margarethen is rich in spring structures that bear witness to the importance of springs throughout the region for the water supply of the city of Basel. Starting from the Margarethenstich, an underground passage runs under the terrace and the church. This structure, built in the 19th century to expand the city's water supply, is supplemented by two presumably older sod wells that served to supply the estate. From one of them, water used to be pumped into the still existing running well in front of the farm building. A second sod is located in the south-eastern corner of the estate and can be seen from the "Schällenursli" ostrich inn.

Tour

From the starting point at the Margarethenstrasse/Gundeldingerstrasse crossing, a narrow road leads up the hill. Before the aqueduct, you reach the cobbled forecourt around the farm restaurant "Schällenursli" on the right and the church of St. Margarethen further down. From the terrace, a panorama opens up over the town and the surrounding mountains. The church and the idyllic church square can be reached from Binningen in a north-westerly direction and are the starting point for an extended hike over the Bruderholz past the cantonal hospital in Bottmingen to the water tower or the Predigerhof. In contrast to this longer route through the agricultural area, a network of footpaths in the forest leads eastwards. Past the Old Villa with its stone fountain, which used to be fed by a nearby spring, the path ends in Margarethenpark near the artificial ice rink.

The walk is both pram and wheelchair accessible.

Refreshments

There are hardly any picnic facilities along the way, so you will have to bring some food with you. However, there are several restaurants and shopping facilities in the area, such as the aforementioned "Schällenursli" in the romantic barn annexe (only open in the summer half-year). The beautiful open-air swimming pool "Sunnebeedli Margarethen" also offers drinks and small meals in the restaurant.

Other greenbelt sites in the vicinity

Zoo Basel

Pond of Allschwil 

Forest of Allschwil

Herzogenmatt

Water tower Bruderholz

Bettlerhöhlen Bruderholz 

Further information

Here you will find further information from our partner regionatur.ch on the subject of 'Water Supply' and the municipality of Binningen.

Characteristics

Arrival

The Margarethen hill can be reached by bicycle, on foot or by public transport to the Margarethen stop. Arrival by car is possible. The vehicle can be parked at the Margarethen ice rink, for example.

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