May hike to the WITI animal sanctuary: nature experience for seniors!

May hike to the WITI animal sanctuary: nature experience for seniors!

On June 1, 2025, the senior group from MTV Wangen near Olten went on an impressive May hike to the WITI animal sanctuary. Despite unexpected weather conditions, the mood of the participants was consistently positive when they set off on their tour from the main train station in Solothurn. The hiking route took them over the Kreuzacker Bridge to St. Ursus Cathedral and through the picturesque old town, where market stalls invited people to linger.

After a refreshing morning refreshment in the coffee hall, we continued through the Bieltor. The group took the train ride from Solothurn-West to Bellach to finally start the bank hike around the WITI floodplain area to Altreu. This region was created by the Jura water correction of 1868 and offers a variety of flora and fauna. Along the Aare, hikers encountered numerous birds and swans, which enriched the nature experience.

The Altreu stork settlement

A highlight of the hike was the visit to the Altreu stork settlement. The participants were able to observe a mother stork with her young. This encounter was particularly impressive because the storks in Altreu have made a remarkable return. Last year there were 59 pairs of storks living there, raising 113 young, although only three of them reached adulthood. The “Für üsi Witi” association has been dedicated to supporting this stork population since it was founded in 2004 and is leaving a significant positive impact on the local wildlife.

After a snack at the “Grüner Affe” restaurant, the group continued their hike. The second section ended in Selzach, followed by a convivial final drink in the Bahnhof Restaurant in Wangen. But while the walk was comradely, it was cast by a shadow that came from the Blatten tragedy that preoccupied the participants' minds.

Information about the Witi information center

In addition to the hike, the Witi information center in Altreu recently opened its twentieth season. The center, which was founded in 2004, has continued to develop and last year saw a record 35,000 visitors. This is notable as the season began in March for the first time this year, and a new special exhibition entitled “Weasel and Ermine” was launched on Maundy Thursday.

A total of around 190,000 francs have been invested in the renovation and upgrading of the center since 2018. Visitors can experience various offers such as exhibitions, guided tours and the opportunity to observe storks. In particular, the installed hoarding cameras, which have been in operation for three seasons, enable guests to observe storks live. The association, headed by Markus Dietschi, is committed to promoting the offering, especially for children, and receives financial support from the surrounding communities and the canton.

The Witi protection zone, which was established in connection with the construction of the A5 and the Wititunnel near Lengnau, has established itself as a valuable biotope. Despite the challenges that come with managing the association, the efforts to preserve and promote this unique natural site are of great importance.