Top 12 Mountain Passes around Zeihen
Best mountain passes around Zeihen are located in the Swiss canton of Aargau, offering routes through the Jura mountains. This region features diverse terrain, from moderate ascents to forest roads. The passes connect various communities and provide access to hiking trails. Zeihen serves as a starting point for exploring these mountain crossings.
Best mountain passes around Zeihen
- The most popular mountain passes is Ampfernhöhe, a mountain pass that features a moderately driven side road. The ascent is gradual and…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Saalhöhe Pass
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Ampfernhöhe
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Benkerjoch Pass
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Benkerjoch
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Staffelegg Pass (621 m)
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Tips from the Community
Starting point for many beautiful Jura hikes
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Starting point for many beautiful tours
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From the barbecue area south of the car park, a cool S1 trail leads down towards Fischbach/Küttigen. Via Gipsi... Can also be easily ridden uphill (with an e-bike). You then don't have to ride all the way up the pass road... From Küttigen, follow the dirt road to the right at the Fischbach bus stop. After the Gipsi there is a sharp left turn, then after 100m turn right up the trail... Have fun!
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An extremely suitable starting point (free parking and public transport) for wonderful hikes to the highest point in Aargau, Geissfluegrat, even with a summit book, or in the other direction to Wasserflue with a fantastic view. You can cross three cantons here with little effort. If you can, you should avoid weekends and public holidays. There are a lot of people on the road and the motorcyclists are a particular nuisance, racing up and down the road at extremely high speeds and with a noise like that at the Nürburgring. "Safety first" is literally a foreign word for some people.
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This pass in the canton of Aargau connects Aarau and Frick. Thanks to the parallel Staffelegg, which takes most of the traffic, this pass has relatively little traffic. Located just below the Wasserflue mountain (866 m), there are many hiking opportunities.
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is on the tour, very steep, short climb: 80 m, rapid descent on the other side
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This route is a very nice steady climb on very good asphalted smooth surface with a climb always between 6-10 % with the last part right before the summit creasing to 15 % but only for the length of 100 meters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly mountain passes around Zeihen?
Yes, the region offers family-friendly options. For instance, Benkerjoch Pass is known for being suitable for families, offering views of the Jura mountains and serving as a starting point for various trails.
Which mountain passes around Zeihen are suitable for beginners or offer easy routes?
For those seeking easier routes, Ampfernhöhe is a great choice. It features a moderately driven side road with a gradual and pleasant ascent, including shaded forest sections that are comfortable even in summer.
Where can I find parking facilities near the mountain passes in Zeihen?
Several mountain passes around Zeihen offer convenient parking. You'll find parking at Saalhöhe Pass, Benkerjoch Pass, and Staffelegg Pass Summit, which has large parking lots on both sides of the street.
Are there dog-friendly trails or areas around the mountain passes near Zeihen?
Yes, Staffelegg Pass Summit is noted as being dog-friendly, making it a good starting point for walks with your canine companion.
What kind of views can I expect from the mountain passes in the Zeihen area?
The mountain passes offer diverse viewpoints. From Benkerjoch Pass, you can enjoy wonderful views of the Jura mountains. Ampfernhöhe also provides scenic vistas, and Staffelegg Pass Summit is another excellent spot for panoramic views.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain passes around Zeihen?
The area around Zeihen's mountain passes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous road cycling routes, mountain biking trails, and gravel biking adventures. For more details and route suggestions, check out the guides for Road Cycling Routes around Zeihen, MTB Trails around Zeihen, and Gravel biking around Zeihen.
Are there hiking trails accessible from the mountain passes?
Absolutely. Many passes serve as excellent starting points for hikes. Saalhöhe Pass, for example, has hiking trails that invite you to take a tour. Similarly, Benkerjoch Pass offers trails leading to Wasserflue, and Staffelegg Pass Summit is a good starting point for hikes into the Schenkenberger valley, to Zeiher Homberg, and Gisliflue.
Can I find places to eat or cafes near the mountain passes?
Yes, some passes offer dining options. Saalhöhe Pass has a cozy restaurant (Chalet restaurant) where you can stop after a hike. Near Ampfernhöhe, there's the "Sennhütte" for catering after a short, steep climb.
What is the historical significance of the mountain passes in the Zeihen region?
The mountain passes in the region have historical roots. For instance, Benkerjoch was first mentioned in documents in 1426 and served as a border between Upper Austria and the Swiss Confederation until 1801, marking a significant transition point.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the mountain passes around Zeihen?
Visitors appreciate the diverse terrain, from moderate ascents to forest roads, and the stunning views of the Jura mountains. The passes are valued for connecting various communities and providing access to numerous hiking and cycling trails. The komoot community has shown strong engagement, contributing over 350 upvotes and more than 100 photos, highlighting the area's appeal.
How can I reach the Benkerjoch Pass using public transport?
You can reach Benkerjoch Pass by postbus. From Frick, a postbus travels to Aarau (and back) via the Benkerjoch, with a designated stop at the pass.
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