Lake Burgäschi

Burgäschisee in the Wasseramt is an inviting place for walking, relaxing, swimming, rowing and barbecuing. The idyllic lake offers a lakeside path, the "Seeblick" restaurant, a lido and boat hire for young and old. The woodchip path leads along the Burgäschisee through a small forest, over hidden wooden footbridges as well as to the lido. The walk around the lake takes about half an hour and partly leads through the Chlepfibeerimoos, which is the only raised bog in Canton Solothurn. Thanks to this cantonal nature reserve and mire area of national importance, the lakeshore is surrounded by an impressive variety of plants. In summer, water lilies adorn the surface of the water, and in winter, layers of ice provide a fairytale backdrop.

How to get there

Bus: From Solothurn, take bus no. 7 in the direction of Herzogenbuchsee to the "Aeschi, SO Kirche" stop. Then it's a 20-minute walk to the lake.

Car: Burgäschisee can be reached from Solothurn in 20 minutes.

By bike: From Solothurn, the Schweizmobil route "Wasserämter Route Nr. 802" leads directly to the lake.This hike leads from Solothurn through the Wasseramt, which is characterised by agriculture and water management, to the popular Burgäschisee, which even invites you to swim in summer.

On foot: "Quer durchs Wasseramt" (Across the Wasseramt) - This hike leads from Solothurn through the Wasseramt, which is characterised by agriculture and water management, to the popular Burgäschisee, which is even a good place to swim in summer.

Swimming

As a large part of the area is protected, swimming is only permitted in the lido or at the public bathing area. A diving tower, raft, beach volleyball court and a meadow provide a bathing atmosphere. If you want to enjoy the lake to the full but don't want to get wet, you can hire a rowing boat.

Unauthorised water activities

Since most of Burgäschisee is a protected area, canoeing, rubber dinghy rides and stand-up paddling are not permitted.

Hiking

The sixth Solothurn Forest Hike leads through the Wasseramt, following in the footsteps of the glaciers.

If you wish, you can follow the "Kraftort-Weg" from Burgäschisee to impressive places that are considered to be places of power, such as the Steinhof Lady Chapel, the late Gothic Martin's Church in Seeberg and the "Grosse Flue", the third largest erratic boulder in Switzerland.

Restaurant

Whether on the spacious outdoor lounge or in the rustic parlour - the "Seeblick" restaurant serves fresh and seasonal regional dishes. The restaurant convinces with an attractive price-performance ratio. Whether homemade pasta, a forest mushroom pâté or the house speciality fish: there is something for every gourmet here.

Legendary Burgäschisee

The history of Burgäschisee in Aeschi near Herzogenbuchsee is eventful: as early as 6,000 years ago, pile dwellers settled on the shores of the moor lake. In the 12th century, the Lords of Aeschi built a castle, but it was completely destroyed in a battle 200 years later. The only thing that still reminds us of the medieval times of knights, lords of castles and minstrels is the name of the village. The sites where evidence of the lake's turbulent past has been found have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. In cooperation with the Solothurn Museum of Nature, an instructive and extremely worthwhile route has been created: Information boards along the shore convey all kinds of interesting facts about the history, nature and culture surrounding the historic site. In its exhibition, the Pächterhaus Solothurn presents archaeological finds from the region that date back to prehistory and early history. The local recreation area near Burgäschisee is considered by many to be a place of power and is characterised by fairytale sagas and mystical legends. On the guided tour "Legendary Burgäschisee" by Solothurn Tourism along the lakeside paths, interested visitors can learn all about the many stories and mysterious traditions.

Burgäschisee barbecue sites

Fireplace Gruebe
(Burgäschisee South - on Bernese soil)

• Public barbecue site
• Cannot be reserved
• No wood available

Fireplace at boat rental
(Burgäschisee North - on Solothurn soil)

• Private barbecue area
• Can be reserved by e-mail from the boat hire company.
• Reservation costs CHF 20.00
• If boats are rented, the reservation is free of charge.
• There is no wood available.

Boat rental

• Reservation at the boat rental Burgäschisee
• Prices on request
• There are a total of 12 boats available

Nice to know

Most of Lake Burgäschi is a protected area. Information boards explain the rules of conduct.

During the months of May to October, fishing from the shore or boat is permitted. The Volg shop in the municipality of Aeschi sells a day pass to those interested.