Detective Trail "Balsthal Highlights and History"

On the Detective Trail, you explore Balsthal and Thal Nature Park with a treasure map. The route combines varied puzzles with nature, culture, and the area’s fascinating history. Along the way, you search for clues on old walls and in public squares.

The illustrated directions guide you from station to station. At each spot, you solve tasks and combine answers into a four-digit code. With the correct code, you open the treasure chest at the finish and choose a small reward.

On your discovery tour, you’ll find idyllic hiking paths, flowering meadows, and diverse wildlife and plant species. Historical sites lead you to the ruins of Neu-Falkenstein, Alt-Falkenstein Castle, and various museums. You can solve the puzzles either with the digital web app or a printed treasure map.

• Difficulty level: medium
• Distance: 5.7 km
• No preparation needed
• Parking available right at Balsthal train station

The detective trail is stroller-friendly but includes a steep climb of about 200m between puzzles three and five.

Dogs are allowed on this detective trail.

You can start without prior registration. After purchase, choose whether to solve the puzzles digitally on your smartphone or with the printed treasure map.

From the start, follow the illustrated directions from station to station. Along the way, solve varied puzzles using clues you find on site. You’ll learn interesting and surprising facts about the surroundings.

At the end, combine the correct answers to form a four-digit code. Use this code to open the treasure chest and select a small instant prize.

If you get stuck on a puzzle, hints for solutions are provided in both the digital and printed versions.

If the weather is bad, you can be flexible with timing. Postpone your adventure to another day and complete the trail later.