Reinach lies in the Birs Valley at the southern foot of the Bruderholz and has preserved a historic town centre despite its growth. The town offers a range of options for planning your trip: nature in the Reinacherheide, paths along the Birs, encounters with animals and cultural history. You can choose whether to focus your stay more on landscapes, outdoor activities or local history.
Nature in the Reinacherheide
The Reinacherheide is a nature reserve of national importance. It is home to more than 600 different plant species. Along the Birs, gravel banks, species-rich nutrient-poor meadows and natural floodplain forests shape the habitats described here. This diversity makes the heath a special focus for anyone who wants to connect with nature during their stay.
The nature and adventure pond also has a clearly defined layout: it consists of a public recreation area and a separate nature area, which is not accessible to people. Facilities at the pond include an observation platform, seating, shade trees and a drinking fountain. The separation between the areas is important for orientation: the public section and the protected nature area are not equally accessible.
Paths, the Birs and encounters with animals
In and around Reinach, walking and hiking trails lead through green spaces and along the Birs. Along the Birs riverside path, information boards explain the river’s many uses and its unique natural features. Another option is the accessible “Reinacher Heide Nature Experience” route. It follows the Birs along a well-maintained marl path. These options offer different points of focus: the Birs riverside path combines the route with information about the Birs, while accessibility and the described path surface are key features of the Nature Experience route.
Reinach Animal Park offers free animal encounters and educational nature experiences in green surroundings for people of all ages. Together with the natural areas and trails, it offers another perspective on Reinach. When planning your stay, you can choose which of these activities to prioritise according to your interests, without treating them as one fixed excursion itinerary.
Local history and culture
Reinach’s history goes back a long way: the town was first mentioned as “Rinacho” during the reign of Basel Bishop Ludwig Garewart, from 1164 to 1176. The preserved historic town centre offers a different facet from the natural areas and trails. The Reinach Local History Museum was officially inaugurated and opened to visitors on 2 September 1988 in the “Schambädischdähuus” at Kirchgasse 9. For orientation in the museum, most of it is wheelchair-accessible, and there is also a passenger lift.
Recurring cultural events include the regional sales exhibition “Art in Reinach”. It takes place every two years in November, over three days, at the municipal building; the specific editions and dates vary. Reinach Carnival is also a local tradition: its programme includes a parade with groups from Reinach and guests from other municipalities, as well as a school carnival. Exact dates change every year. Traditional festivals and events in the surrounding area also offer opportunities to discover local culture.
Outdoor swimming pool and getting there
The Reinach outdoor swimming pool is located in the Reinacher Heide. It can be reached by bus 64 to the “Reinach, Aumatten” stop or by tram 11 to Lochacker. Check the current timetable before travelling. Facilities include a 50-metre swimming pool with eight lanes and a multi-purpose pool with a current channel, water jets and a slide. There is also a diving pool with 1-, 3- and 5-metre diving boards, as well as a children’s paddling pool area. The outdoor pool therefore offers several different pool areas; the details above can help you assess what is available for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Aesch, Schönenbuch, Muttenz, Münchenstein, Ettingen, Oberwil, Binningen, Allschwil.
For the regional travel overview: Arlesheim.
