Top 8 Lakes around Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen
Best lakes around Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen are typically smaller ponds and weiher, as the municipality in Switzerland's Naturpark Thal is more known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, hills, and streams. This region offers extensive hiking and cycling opportunities through its picturesque Jura landscape. While not a destination for large natural lakes, the area features several notable smaller bodies of water that serve as nature reserves and local recreation spots.
Best lakes around Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen
- The most popular lakes is Bellacher Weiher, a lake that was historically used for fish supply and later for industrial power. This pond, with an area of approximately 3.35 hectares, is now a cantonal nature reserve known for its wildlife.
- Another must-see spot is Pfaffenweiher, an idyllic nature reserve located within the Subinger Wald. Visitors can find a fireplace and a covered table here, making it a suitable place to linger and observe nature.
- Visitors also love Chriziweier Pond, a local recreation area nestled in the forest. This pond serves as a habitat for various living things and was renovated to prevent silting up.
- Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen is known for its small ponds and weiher, many of which function as nature reserves or local recreation areas. These bodies of water provide important habitats for amphibians and other wildlife, offering diverse natural experiences.
- The lakes around Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 17 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Bellacher Weiher
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The pond was originally intended to supply the city of Solothurn with fish. According to Kurt Jäggi's account in the 1977 Bellacher calendar, a master Ulrich von Egliswil, a dam builder, was commissioned by the city council in 1456 to build the current pond. According to the Bellach village history of 1990, however, this was a different pond called the Oberer Bellacher Weiher, which later lay in the municipality of Selzach, while the pond that still exists today was not dammed until 1548 as the Seusetweiher or Unterer Bellacher Weiher. It soon became apparent that the cost of putting the fish in the ponds was not in a good ratio to the yield from the ponds. "The fishing out of the ponds was mainly a celebration for the councilors themselves, who attended in large numbers and were fed with plenty of fish and wine." These banquets for the Solothurn council reduced the proceeds considerably, as at least 101 council members and probably other guests attended each time. The council considered keeping the ponds or selling them several times, "but the desire for a banquet always won out."
Battle on March 2, 1798
The pond also went down in the annals in 1798, when the most important battle took place on its shores between Napoleon's troops under General Schauenburg, who were invading the country, and the Solothurn troops of General Josef Bernhard Altermatt, with the French quickly winning and then occupying Solothurn and the rest of the canton without a fight.
In 1861, the mechanical cotton weaving mill Schwarz & Co. took over the Bellach pond and used its water, which was piped to the weaving mill, to power its machines. Since then, the pond has been known locally as the "Black Sea" or "Black Sea". The weaving mill also leased the pond for fishing. In 1945, it was declared a cantonal nature reserve.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, the Bellach pond was also used to produce natural ice. It was also useful for farmers, as they were allowed to use the runoff to irrigate their fields.
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Erlimoos Pond (Haag Pond)
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Lüsslinger Bürgerweiher
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The Lüsslinger Bürgerweiher is around 350 square meters in size and one of the few standing waters in the region and therefore suitable as a spawning biotope for various amphibians.
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Pfaffenweiher
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There is a fireplace and a covered table to linger.
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Chriziweier Pond
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Although it is located in the Biberist area, it belongs to the community of Solothurn.
The Weier was renovated in 2011-2012 because it was in danger of being silted up.
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Popular around Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen
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Tips from the Community
Warm clothes in winter
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Nice view, a short stretch of single trail and, depending on the water level, a stream crossing.
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Idyllically located in the middle of the forest 🌳
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A wonderful place to linger and observe nature.
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Idyllic nature reserve in the forest between Deitingen and Wangenried.
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The Erlimoosweiher is also known locally as the Haag Weiher. It forms a small nature reserve, which is also home to beavers, among other things. It's not very accessible. If you take your time, you can see some animals. Beavers, birds of prey, water birds and even rarely snakes.
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The Erlimoos pond is also called the Haag pond. It is a small nature reserve where beavers are sedentary. The access over the small bridge on Erlimoos-Strasse has been renatured, so that you have to drive / walk a short distance up the path on the western side. A path then leads to the pond. Watch out, it's a bit swampy.
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At this point you have the best perspective of the beautiful Bellacher Weiher. So it's worth a short stop here. Here you have direct access to the water. With a bit of luck, you will see toads and blindworms here - in addition to water birds. Very rarely an adder. In autumn you can see strange water birds that stop here on their way to the south.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes can I expect to find around Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen?
The Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen region is primarily known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, hills, and streams, rather than large natural lakes. You will find smaller ponds and 'weiher' which often function as nature reserves or local recreation areas, providing important habitats for wildlife.
Are there any nature reserves among the lakes in the area?
Yes, several ponds serve as nature reserves. For example, Bellacher Weiher is a cantonal nature reserve known for its wildlife. Another is Pfaffenweiher, an idyllic nature reserve in the Subinger Wald, and Erlimoos Pond (Haag Pond), which is home to beavers.
Which lakes are suitable for families?
Several ponds are considered family-friendly. Bellacher Weiher, Pfaffenweiher, and Chriziweier Pond are all categorized as family-friendly. Pfaffenweiher even has a fireplace and a covered table, making it a suitable spot for a family outing.
What wildlife can I observe near these ponds?
The ponds and 'weiher' are important habitats for various wildlife. At Bellacher Weiher, you might spot toads, blindworms, water birds, and rarely an adder. Erlimoos Pond is known for beavers, birds of prey, water birds, and occasionally snakes. Lüsslinger Bürgerweiher is being renovated to support fish-free spawning waters for fire salamanders, mountain newts, and common frogs.
Are there hiking opportunities around the lakes?
While the region is rich in hiking trails, specific trails directly around the smaller ponds are often more local paths. The broader Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen area offers an extensive network of hiking trails. For more detailed hiking routes, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen guide.
What other outdoor activities are available near Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen?
Beyond exploring the ponds, the region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for running, mountain hiking, and gravel biking. The Naturpark Thal offers diverse landscapes for all these activities.
Can I find places to relax or have a picnic near the ponds?
Yes, some ponds offer amenities for relaxation. Pfaffenweiher, for instance, features a fireplace and a covered table, making it an ideal spot to linger and observe nature. Chriziweier Pond is also considered a local recreation area.
What is the historical significance of any of these ponds?
Bellacher Weiher has a rich history. It was originally intended to supply the city of Solothurn with fish and later used to power a mechanical cotton weaving mill. It also played a role in a battle in 1798 and was used for natural ice production until the early 20th century.
What do visitors enjoy most about the ponds around Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen?
Visitors appreciate the peaceful, idyllic settings of these smaller bodies of water, often nestled in forests. They are valued for their role as nature reserves, offering opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy quiet moments in nature. The presence of amenities like fireplaces at some locations also enhances the experience.
Is there a 'Gänsbrunnensee' in the area, and what is it like?
While a 'Rundweg um den Gänsbrunnensee' (circular path around Gänsbrunnensee) is a popular hiking route, detailed information about Gänsbrunnensee as a distinct, prominent lake is not widely available. It is likely a smaller, local body of water or a descriptive term for a section of a trail, rather than a significant natural lake comparable to well-known Swiss lakes.
When is the best time of year to visit the Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen region?
The region is best visited during spring, summer, and autumn. These seasons offer ideal conditions for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural beauty of the forests, hills, and streams. The ponds are also most vibrant with wildlife during these warmer months.
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