A three-storey rectory dating from 1662, a Winkelhaken church and vineyard trails reveal different sides of Wintersingen. There is also an alpaca trail and a landscape shaped by the Wintersingerbach stream and the vineyards. The village stretches along a road in a valley hollow formed by the stream, north of the Kienberg.
Stream, vineyards and elevations
Wintersingen is a municipality in the canton of Basel-Landschaft and the district of Sissach. Its cultivated land includes 7.6 hectares of vineyards. Widholde is a south-facing slope above Wintersingen, towards Rickenbach. The Räbhus Widholde is located in the vineyard area there, with views of Wintersingen. The municipality also includes 244 hectares of forest. Elevations range from 370 metres at the municipal and cantonal boundary near Iglingerhof to 738 metres on the Chienberg. The stream valley, vineyards and these elevation figures give a sense of the different landscape features around the village.
Village character and distinctive architecture
Wintersingen is included in the Swiss Inventory of Heritage Sites of National Importance; its village character is considered nationally significant in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. The village developed in the Alemannic settlement style and still has fairly well-preserved clusters of residential and farm buildings. The former mill is also notable: a covered bridge connects it to a barn.
The rectory is a three-storey building dating from 1662. Its grounds include a high pitched roof, a walled garden and a dancing lime tree over 200 years old. The Reformed church follows the unusual Winkelhaken church plan. This Reformed floor plan dates from the 17th century and is found in Switzerland only in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. A south wing built in 1676 created the Winkelhaken plan that exists today. Almost all of the historic furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries have been preserved. Those interested in architectural history will find both a rare floor plan and details from several centuries here.
Trails for different interests
The 4-kilometre Wintersingen Alpaca Trail is set up as a treasure hunt. It runs past alpaca pastures, along field paths and through the forest. The alpacas can be observed from behind the fence, but visitors may not pet them as part of the trail. Check the latest route details and conditions before travelling. The trail combines exercise with a clearly defined activity along the way, without offering the chance to pet the animals.
The Syydebändel & Rebenweg takes a different approach: it runs from Maisprach across the southern slopes of the vineyards to Buus, then around Staufen Hill to Wintersingen. Six information panels along the way provide details about the winegrowing of the Syydebändel winemakers. For those who would rather focus on winegrowing than go on a treasure hunt, this themed trail offers specific information along the route. The Baselbieter Reben-Route also passes the first vineyards from Wintersingen; check when planning your trip for any temporary closures.
Wine and regional offerings
Wy-Erläbnis is an annual wine hike held on the last Saturday in August, from Buus via Wintersingen to Maisprach. Local wines and regional culinary specialities are available along the way. Check the details for the relevant year before making plans.
The 2025 seasonal programme for Räbhus Widholde lists Wintersingen wines, grilled dishes, Zvieriplättli (snack platters) and desserts. If you plan to visit later, check the current programme and menu. This helps distinguish the wine offerings at Räbhus from the annual hike: one is a local place to stop in the vineyards, while the other is a described route through several villages.
Getting here and finding accommodation
BLT bus route 106 connects Sissach railway station with Wintersingen in both directions. As timetables can change, check the connection for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Buckten, Kilchberg, Maisprach, Läufelfingen, Zunzgen, Sissach, Thürnen, Ormalingen.
Back to the main travel overview: Sissach.
