The construction of the flow trail on Solothurn's local mountain, Weissenstein, already presented the trail builders from Flying Metal with a number of challenges, as authorities and environmental associations had a significant influence on the route. The steep and rocky terrain presented further construction challenges. Building a flow trail where less experienced riders as well as good riders can get their money's worth is a masterpiece.

Will the trail ride like a masterpiece because of this? The Weissenstein cable cars have certainly invested well in managing the flow of visitors to this popular excursion and hiking mountain. The separate entrance and ticket office at the valley station are more convenient for mountain bikers than using the main entrance. Mountain bikers are also directed to the still spacious starting area for the trail when they exit at the mountain station.

Flow yes, but...

The route begins with flowing curves, but the ride is abruptly interrupted by the Weissensteinstrasse. A few meters after the forest entrance, the trail fun starts all over again - flowy, fun and not too difficult. However, the more challenging lines that the trail builders have created next to the main line are not always obvious. These still need to be broken in a little, but should then be cool alternatives to the main line. If you don't want to miss them on a full ride, you need to get to know them.

This is advisable anyway to get to know the jumps and curves. Most of the jumps are easy to roll and can be ridden straight away by experienced mountain bikers. However, there are a few jumps that you should check out first, such as the gap jump on the side line in the lower section. Those who prefer to keep their bikes on the ground can easily do so on the blue trail without having to worry about surprises. And it's not all downhill: after the gravel pit, you are forced to pedal a little. A short trail traverse interrupts the flow, but also provides a little more variety before you turn into the final downhill section. This then spits you out right in front of the entrance to the Weissensteinbahn - inviting you to take another lap.

In view of the fact that numerous compromises had to be made for the route, the layout of the new Weissenstein Trail is casual. Even considering that the stony ground is anything but ideal for building on this steep terrain, the new route is very well built. However, the blue rating is a little optimistic; in terms of difficulty, it is more of an easy red trail. Overall, however, the new Weissenstein Trail is a success and will be enjoyed by many mountain bikers across a wide range of abilities.

Positive feedback

Many users rate the new trail on the Weissenstein as good and are particularly pleased that things are finally calming down after such a long approval phase. They also like the route, and there is broad understanding for the few sections that are a little more boring due to the routing. Konrad Stuber, Managing Director of Seilbahn Weissenstein, is also pleased with the good start: "I can report that the trail has been well received. We have received a lot of positive feedback. The flow, the lines, the terrain and the appealing length of the trail are perceived very positively. The separate bike entrance with ticket office, the separation from the "normal guest", is also highly appreciated and considered innovative by both visitor groups."  

There are also dissatisfied guests who criticize the offer and price, Stuber continues. However, he sees the challenges not in the critics, but in the weather: "The persistently wet autumn weather naturally also presented us with challenges. The car wash collapsed several times. There is certainly still a need for action. And of course there is not always enough understanding when the route is closed due to the weather. The lower section from the Nesselboden middle station is already extremely wet. We also had a major landslide, which we had to counter with shoring. The drainage should not be underestimated. During the rainy period, the number of visitors was also so-so, but we felt that with all kinds of guests. However, we see the week after the trail opening as representative for the future. The weather was perfect and we welcomed around 650 bikers who completed 2,200 rides," concludes Stuber.

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