The Linnerberg, formerly also known as Linnberg, is a mountain located 757 meters above sea level in the Aargau Jura.[1] It lies within the boundaries of the regional nature park Jurapark Aargau and stands as one of the highest peaks in the Brugg district. Together with the Gisliflue, which is located four kilometers further south, it constitutes the eastern terminus of the Faltenjura mountain range.
Around Linn, open fields in the "Zelgli" and "Nunnematt" regions extend up to an altitude of 640 meters above sea level. Within the mountain forest, larger clearings are situated at the Chalchdere and Beliberg farms. The management of the forests on the Linnerberg is overseen by the Brugg forestry operation on the northern flank and the Homberg-Schenkenberg forestry operation in the south and west.[2][3]
The Linnerberg is almost completely covered by forest and reaches the cultivated land with lower-lying slopes in the north, east and south. The southeastern slope of the mountain promontory features the lower areas known as Grund and Chalm, which are home to the vineyards of Schinznach spanning over 50 hectares and with a history dating back centuries. In 1859, these winegrowers came together to establish a winegrowing society, and in 1895, they further established the Schinznach Winegrowers' Cooperative. Within the vicinity of the Linnerberg, the Kasteln Castle, built in the 17th century, graces a hillside terrace and stands as a significant historical edifice.[4]
Geology
View from the Linnerberg over the Aare valley
During the formation of mountains, several prominent hilltops emerged within the fracture zone near Schinznach due to the main Jura overthrust, including the Linnerbergschuppe. Tectonic forces pushed the Grund mountain range to the south and the Bözenegg-Schuppe against these formations. The demarcation between the Faltenjura and the Tafeljura is delineated in this region.[5]
In the Linnerberg area, the geological composition comprises multiple layers of shell limestone, anhydrite, dolomite, opalinus Clay, and gypsum keuper. The fissured and water-bearing rock strata of the Linnerberg, along with its northern slope encompassing the village settlement of Linn, are part of the catchment zone for the springs of Bad Schinznach and are situated within the thermal protection area. The groundwater from the Linnerberg flows through shell limestone layers into the Aare valley and there meets the hot deep groundwater, which flows from the south through the crystalline bedrock and reaches the surface in the Klus of Wallbach.[6][7][8]
On the eastern side of the Dreierberg, a unique geotope on the mountain slope is the erosion form of a sinkhole, which is otherwise rare in this area of the Jurassic and was formed as a karst feature after the collapse of gypsum layers. This site is known by the field name Täuferchile.[9]
The northern slope of the Linnerberg lies to the south of the "Jura Ost" study area, which the National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste investigated through deep boreholes with the intention of assessing a potential repository for low- and intermediate-level waste in 2020.[10] The sedimentary rock Opalinus Clay, which is also present in rock layers at Linnerberg and occurs in the subsurface of the Plateaujura to the north at a depth of about 600 meters with significant thickness, was examined by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate as a potential environment for the planned deep repository.[11] The study was conducted by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate.
Transport geography
Bözberg station (today Schinznach Dorf) with the old tunnel portal under the Linnerberg
Two significant major traffic routes in northwestern Switzerland cross the Jura mountains through the Linnerberg region. The Bözberg railway line operated by the Swiss Federal Railways originates from Brugg and ascends the slope of the Linnerberg on an incline, entering the Längebachtal and reaching the Bözenegg station. This station serves as the location for the eastern portals of both the new and the old Bözberg railway tunnels, each 2526 meters in length. The railway line then proceeds to reach the Fricktal region via the Effingen station. Additionally, at Villnachern, the railway line intersects a spur extending from the mountain, passing through the 184-meter-long Villnachern tunnel. The construction of the first railway tunnel in the 1870s was of utmost importance in enhancing the understanding of the intricate geological conditions present in the Linnerberg area.[12]
Signpost by Linn's linden tree
The A3 highway features the Bözberg Tunnel, spanning a length of 3,700 meters, which runs in close parallel to the railway tunnels within the mountain massif. The tunnel's eastern portal is situated at Bözhalde, north of Schinznach-Dorf, while its western portal is located near the Effingen railway station in the Fricktal region.
The forested region is accessible via an array of forest roads. Numerous hiking trails lead over the mountain, including the Jura-Höhenweg long-distance hiking route, which extends from the renowned natural landmark Linner Linde to the ridge, offering a panoramic view from a natural vantage point high above the Längibachtal valley.[13] This vista encompasses the Aare Valley and the majestic Alps. While the official hiking route bypasses the highest summits, these peaks can be accessed via forest trails. The "Linnerberg Trail," designated for mountain biking, is marked along the ridge.[14] The eastern slope of the Linnerberg is recognized as a challenging area for orienteering activities.[15]
Nature conservation
Eriwis nature reserve, an amphibian spawning area of national importance
There are several nature reserves in the area of the almost completely forested Linnerberg. Cantonal forest reserves are situated at the rocky prominence known as Ibergflue to the west of Zeihergutsch, the Gättibuech area near Linn, and the Broochtel near Wallnach. The open meadow slope "Chneublet" near Wallach is designated as part of the federal inventory of dry meadows and pastures of national significance. Additionally, the Längibachtal and Grund areas are encompassed by the "Aargauer und östlicher Solothurner Faltenjura" landscape protection region, duly recognized within the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance.[16]
The mountainous terrain safeguards diverse reptile habitats, including the elusive asps viper, a species rarely found within the canton of Aargau.[17] On the northern slope of the Grund mountain range, a wetland has been established within a section of the former "Eriwis" opalinuston pit near Schinznach train station. This area, once exploited by Zurich Brickworks (Zürcher Ziegeleien) until 1998, holds the distinction of being one of the nationally significant amphibian spawning grounds.[18] Designated as a cantonal nature reserve in 2021, this 15-hectare site has been under the stewardship of BirdLife Aargau and the Eriwis Nature Workshop since 2015, with the latter managing the area since 2006.[19][20] The reserve and its surroundings have many types of birds, various amphibians like grass frogs, midwife toads, and common toads, and around 25 types of dragonflies. A comprehensive study by ETH Zurich has documented around 100 wild bee species within the reserve and its immediate vicinity.[21][22][23] Furthermore, diverse orchid species thrive within the dry meadow segments of Eriwis.
The mountainous, wooded natural landscape serves as a pivotal launch point for nationally significant wildlife corridors along the Aare River. The parameters of connectivity zones vital for sustaining wildlife populations are delineated within the Canton Aargau Structure Plan.[24]
Related Research Articles
Aargau, more formally the Canton of Aargau, is one of the 26 cantons forming the Swiss Confederation. It is composed of eleven districts and its capital is Aarau.
Brugg District is a district in the Canton of Aargau, Switzerland. The capital of the district is the town of Brugg.
Brugg is a Swiss municipality and a town in the canton of Aargau and is the seat of the district of the same name. The town is located at the confluence of the Aare, Reuss, and Limmat, with the Aare flowing through its medieval part. It is located approximately 16 kilometers (9.9 mi) from the cantonal capital of Aarau; 28 kilometers (17 mi) from Zürich; and about 45 kilometers (28 mi) from Basel.
Linn is a former municipality in the district of Brugg in canton of Aargau in Switzerland. On 1 January 2013 the former municipalities of Gallenkirch, Linn, Oberbözberg and Unterbözberg merged to form the new municipality of Bözberg.
Auenstein is a municipality in the district of Brugg in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland.
Oberflachs is a former municipality in the district of Brugg in Canton Aargau in Switzerland. It is located about 6 km south west of the town of Brugg. On 1 January 2014 the former municipalities of Oberflachs and Schinznach-Dorf merged into the new municipality of Schinznach.
Mönthal is a municipality in the district of Brugg in canton of Aargau in Switzerland.
Remigen is a municipality in the district of Brugg in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland.
Rüfenach is a municipality in the district of Brugg in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland.
Schinznach-Bad is a former municipality in the district of Brugg in canton of Aargau in Switzerland. On 1 January 2020 the municipality of Schinznach-Bad merged into Brugg.
Schinznach-Dorf is a former municipality in the district of Brugg in canton of Aargau in Switzerland. On 1 January 2014 the former municipalities of Schinznach-Dorf and Oberflachs merged into the new municipality of Schinznach.
Bözberg Pass is a mountain pass in the Jura Mountains in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland.
The Bözberg railway line is a railway line in Switzerland, running between Basel and Brugg via Pratteln, Rheinfelden, Stein-Säckingen, Frick and the Bözberg Tunnel. At Brugg it connects to Zürich via Baden and to the Gotthard Railway via the Aargauische Südbahn.
The Swiss Northern Railway , informally known as the Spanisch-Brötli-Bahn, opened the first railway line within Switzerland in 1847, the Zürich–Baden line. This followed the extension of a French railway to Basel in 1844. The original line generally followed the south bank of the Limmat from Zürich to near its confluence with the Aar near Brugg, and then the south bank of the Aar to Olten. It was absorbed into the Swiss Northeastern Railway in 1853 and extended from Baden to Brugg in 1858. The line was absorbed into the Swiss Federal Railways on its establishment in 1902. It is electrified at 15 kV 16.7 Hz and its eastern 16 km section from Zürich to Killwangen-Spreitenbach is now part of the Zürich–Olten trunkline and has four tracks.
Schenkenberg Castle is a castle ruin above the municipality of Thalheim in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland. It was built in the 13th Century by the Habsburg dynasty, was the administrative seat for 260 years of a bailiwick of the city of Bern and fell into ruin in the 18th century.
The Sissle is a 16-kilometre (10 mi) long river in the Swiss canton of Aargau in Switzerland. It is a tributary of the Rhine and drains the eastern part of the Fricktal. The largest town on the river is Frick.
Aargau Jura Park is located north of Aarau, between the rivers Aare and Rhine, in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It straddles the border between Jura and Basel. It spans 241 square kilometres (93 sq mi) and reaches up to 350 metres (1,150 ft) above the valley floor. The park is mainly located on the Jurassic Plateau, between Frick and Villigen, and also encompasses the Aargau Jura mountains and valleys. The northern area includes sparse pine forests, fruit orchards, rocky steppes, dry meadows and terraced vineyards, while the southern region fosters forests and wildlife. It was declared a regional nature park of national importance in 2012 by the Federal Office for the Environment.
Schinznach is a municipality in the district of Brugg in canton of Aargau in Switzerland. On 1 January 2014 the former municipalities of Oberflachs and Schinznach-Dorf merged to form the new municipality of Schinznach.
The Bözberg Rail Tunnel is a railway tunnel in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It takes the Bözberg railway line of the Swiss Federal Railways under the Bözberg Pass between Effingen and Schinznach-Dorf. The original tunnel was opened during 1875; it is set to be closed to rail traffic during 2020-2021 following the commissioning of its replacement, after which it shall be converted and retained for service and rescue purposes in respect to its successor.
The Koblenz–Stein-Säckingen railway line is a standard gauge railway line in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland. It runs 26.1 kilometres (16.2 mi) from a junction with the Bözberg line at Stein-Säckingen to Koblenz and a junction with the Turgi–Koblenz–Waldshut line. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) owns and operates the line.
↑ Eduard Gerber: Über Abtrag und Aufschüttung im Juragehänge von Schinznach. Eine vorläufige Mitteilung zum Andenken an Prof. Dr. Adolf Hartmann. In: Mitteilungen der aargauischen Naturforschenden Gesellschaft, 26. Jg., 1961, pp. 87.
↑ Kantonaler Nutzungsplan für den Schutz der Thermalquelle Bad Schinznach. Kanton Aargau 2018.
↑ Hans Burger: Die Thermalwässer und Mineralwässer im Kanton Aargau und seiner näheren Umgebung. In: Mitteilungen der aargauischen Naturforschenden Gesellschaft, 37. Jahrgang, 2011, pp. 91–111.
↑ Daniela Abegg: Libellen in der ehemaligen Opalinustongrube ‹Eriwis› in Schinznach-Dorf, AG. Aarau 2020.
↑ Franziska Schmid, Andreas Müller: Projekt «Grundlagen zur Erhaltung und Förderung gefährdeter Wildbienenarten in der Tongrube Eriwis, Schinznach-Dorf.» ETH Zürich 2012.
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