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Christmas

Samichlaus-Dampffahrt nach Huttwil — Oensingen-Balsthal-Bahn

  • Run by Oensingen-Balsthal-Bahn AG (OeBB Historic)
  • Balsthal station — Balsthal, Solothurn, Switzerland

Next: Nov 29, 2026

A steam train from Balsthal via Oensingen and Solothurn to the Christmas market in Huttwil, with the Samichlaus boarding on the return trip.

Updated

Next edition

Nov 29, 2026

Single day. Departs Balsthal 10:20 (boarding from 9:45), Oensingen 10:45, Solothurn 11:25; returns from Huttwil at 15:40.

From CHF 32 (as published by the operator)

About this event

The Oensingen-Balsthal-Bahn runs a steam excursion to the Wiehnachtsmärit in Huttwil. The train is hauled by the steam locomotive Eb 2/4 JS with historic saloon cars, and the operator says the journey is part of the adventure for families and steam fans alike.

The train leaves Balsthal in the morning, calls at Oensingen and Solothurn and reaches Huttwil around midday. Passengers then visit the Christmas market on their own; the operator says entry to the market is free. On the return trip the Samichlaus boards the train and gives each child a gift.

Punch and Lebkuchen are included on the outward trip. The OeBB-Historic association serves drinks and small snacks on board, payable on the train. Parking at Balsthal station is free.

What to expect

A steam-hauled ride to the Christmas market in Huttwil with free time at the market, punch and Lebkuchen on the way out, and a visit from the Samichlaus on the return trip, who gives each child a gift. Drinks and snacks are on sale on board.

Practical info

Boards at Balsthal (boarding possible from 9:45), Oensingen or Solothurn; fares depend on the boarding station. Included in the ticket: return trip behind steam locomotive Eb 2/4 JS with vintage saloon cars, a seat guaranteed (reserved seats for bookings of 4 or more), punch and Lebkuchen on the way out, a gift from the Samichlaus for children and free parking at Balsthal station. Children under 4 travel free but need a (free) ticket for a seat and a gift. No reductions for Halbtax, GA, FVP, Junior or companion cards. Tickets: Eventfrog or the OeBB travel centre counter (no refund for counter bookings). Phone: 062 391 31 53.

Where it happens

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Where to watch trains within 100 km of Balsthal.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the steam train leave from?▾
From Balsthal, where boarding is possible from 9:45. The train also stops at Oensingen and Solothurn, where passengers can board at a different fare.
Which locomotive pulls the train?▾
The operator names the steam locomotive Eb 2/4 JS with vintage saloon cars.
How long do we have at the Christmas market?▾
The train reaches Huttwil around midday and leaves again in the afternoon, so there are about three hours to visit the market individually. The operator says entry to the market is free.
What happens on the way back?▾
The Samichlaus boards the train on the return trip and visits the children in person; each child receives a gift.
What is included in the ticket?▾
The return trip, a guaranteed seat (reserved seats for bookings of 4 or more), punch and Lebkuchen on the outward trip, a gift from the Samichlaus for children, and free parking at Balsthal station.
Do children under 4 need a ticket?▾
They travel free but need a ticket for a seat and the gift from the Samichlaus; it is booked at no charge through Eventfrog.
Are Halbtax or GA cards valid?▾
No. The operator says there is no reduction for Halbtax, GA, FVP, Junior or companion cards.

Gift ideas for the family

Train-themed gifts, picked against our published criteria. No brand pays to be listed here.

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Sources

Dates checked on Oct 18, 2026 from the official site: oebb.ch. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: oebb.ch

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