History

Read our history book

In 1722, the Kreuz was built as a large residential building with tavern rights. Time and again, new generations have made good use of the business opportunities with great commitment. As a result, many families, farmhands, and maidservants had enough to eat, work, and a roof over their heads. Not all Kreuz innkeepers were as famous as Captain Urs Josef Hammer (1779-1843) or as consistent as the Schär family, who ran an inn and butcher's shop for three generations (1906-1987). The continuity in this historic building is impressive.

Jurabltter_Gasthof_Kreuz_Egerkingen_HistoryDownload

Chronicle: Gasthof Kreuz & Egerkingen municipality (1660–1670) 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Egerkingen is located on a debris cone at the southern foot of the Jura Mountains, strategically positioned between Olten and Oensingen. 
  • The region is part of the former county of Härkingen, which was gifted to the Bishop of Basel in 1080. 
  • In 1402, Egerkingen became part of the Solothurn district of Falkenstein. 
  • Around 1666, chronicler Haffner described Egerkingen as a "paradise on earth." [egerkingen.ch] 
  • The population is around 400–450 people. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1663: Christian Felber is mentioned as "alt Wirdt zue Eggerkingen." He requests the right to serve wine again. 
  • The council approves the sale of alcohol "on tap," but prohibits the operation of lodgings. 
  • The inn is not yet an official tavern, but rather a simple pub with local significance. 
  • Felber is also the gamekeeper in Biriswald—a sign of his local standing. [kreuz.plus] 

🕰️ 1670–1680 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • St. Martin's Church is being expanded as a religious center. 
  • The population remains stable, and the village is characterized by agriculture and livestock farming. 
  • The region is affected by the Counter-Reformation and religious tensions. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1670: Christian Felber dies. His son Niklaus takes over as "under Würth." 
  • Niklaus later leaves the village and moves to Freiburg. 
  • Urs Felber continues to run the business and requests permission to import Alsatian wine—denied. 
  • The Felber family is one of the most respected in the village, with connections to the Arx, Rauber, and Hammer families. 

🕰️ 1680–1690 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • 1683: The "Weisses Kreuz" inn officially receives tavern rights. 
  • The Brotherhood of Mary of Consolation is founded (1708), which later leads to annual processions. 
  • Egerkingen is developing as a rest stop on the highway between Olten and Balsthal. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1683: Caspar Felber builds a new house and obtains the right to operate a tavern. 
  • The name "Gasthof zum Kreuz" appears officially for the first time. 
  • The tavern letter requires a sign with a white cross on a red background. 
  • The new house becomes an official inn with lodging rights. 

🕰️ 1690–1700 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • St. Martin's Church is being expanded. 
  • The population is growing slowly, to around 450–500 people. 
  • First references to knitting as a sideline. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Caspar Felber establishes himself as an innkeeper and court judge. 
  • The inn becomes the social center. 
  • The Felber family shapes village life. 

🕰️ 1700–1710 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • The school of the Falkenstein bailiwick is established in Egerkingen (from 1640). 
  • The parish covers Neuendorf and Härkingen until 1805. 
  • The population is approximately 500. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1710: Joggi Felber is nominated as usher. 
  • Conflict: Usher may not also be a landlord. 
  • Joggi will take over the inn later. 

🕰️ 1710–1720 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • The village structure is changing due to new buildings. 
  • Proximity to the church makes the cross strategically important. 
  • Population grows to approximately 550. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1721: Caspar Felber applies for new construction – approved. 
  • 1722: New construction of the current inn with the inscription "C F 1722." 
  • The house is being built as a prestigious "Gäuerhaus" with two full stories and a half-hipped roof. [kreuz.plus] 

🕰️ 1720–1730 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • The new rectory is being built southwest of the church. 
  • Churches and inns are central institutions. 
  • Population approx. 600. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1727: Caspar Felber dies. Joggi Felber takes over. 
  • Joggi is simultaneously a bailiff, innkeeper, and large-scale farmer. 
  • Conflicts with the authorities lead to the abandonment of the usher service. 
  • The tavern license is transferred to the new house. 

🕰️ 1730–1740 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Indulgences and processions between Egerkingen and Härkingen. 
  • Church is being baroquized. 
  • Population approx. 650. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1733: Repairs to the house, partly to accommodate the pastor. 
  • The inn serves as a temporary parish residence. 
  • Expansion with storage facilities and stables. 

🕰️ 1740–1750 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Crafts and agriculture dominate. 
  • First references to grain and wine storage. 
  • Population stable at around 700. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Joggi Felber dies, his son Johann takes over. 
  • Johann dies young – property goes to daughters. 
  • Elisabeth Hammer takes over the business. 

🕰️ 1750–1760 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 700–750. 
  • Agriculture remains the main economic sector, supplemented by livestock farming and knitting. 
  • Church indulgences and visits to neighboring villages (e.g., Härkingen) are social highlights. 
  • First indications of grain and wine storage in the village. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1754–1760: Josef Felber ("Chrüzwirts Seppli") is the innkeeper. 
  • The guestbook of the Lamm inn in Härkingen documents numerous visits and debts incurred by Seppli—e.g., for wine, cheese, bread, and gambling losses. 
  • 1762: Seppli dies of an epileptic seizure. He leaves behind two young daughters. 
  • Inventory: 75 acres of land, 4 horses, 13 sheep, 4 pigs, 5 barrels of wine (approx. 750 liters). 

🕰️ 1760–1770 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 750. 
  • St. Martin's Church is being given a Baroque makeover. 
  • The village court and parish are central institutions. 
  • First references to school lessons taught by pastors. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Widow Elisabeth Hammer takes over the inn. 
  • 1765: Marriage to Josef von Arx, who becomes interim landlord of the Kreuzwirt inn. 
  • Daughters Elisabeth and Anna Maria marry brothers Johann and Urs Josef Hammer from Oberbuchsiten. 
  • Start of the connection to the Hammer family, who will run the inn for over 100 years. 

🕰️ 1770–1780 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 800. 
  • The village structure remains rural but stable. 
  • Churches and inns are social centers. 
  • First references to public fountains. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1780: Johann Hammer and Elisabeth Felber take over the inn. 
  • The division of inheritance between the sisters regulates ownership and rights of use. 
  • The inn comprises: restaurant, barn, stables, storage room, 75 acres of land. 
  • The Hammer family begins extensive renovation of the buildings. 

🕰️ 1780–1790 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 850. 
  • The French Revolution begins – initial political discussions also take place in Egerkingen. 
  • Village court becomes more active, influence of the church remains strong. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Renovation of the barns and expansion of the inn. 
  • The Hammer family had ten children, including Urs Josef Hammer, born in 1779, who later became a captain in the French army. 
  • The inn becomes a meeting place for travelers, merchants, and political discussions. 

🕰️ 1790–1800 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 900. 
  • Region influenced by Napoleonic troops. 
  • Egerkingen remains rural, but strategically important. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Urs Josef Hammer attends Einsiedeln Abbey School – intended to become a clergyman. 
  • Instead, he entered French service in 1806. 
  • The inn remains in the possession of the Hammer family and is managed by Johann Hammer. 

🕰️ 1800–1810 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 950. 
  • The Helvetic Republic and mediation shape the political landscape. 
  • Egerkingen becomes part of the district of Gäu. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Urs Josef Hammer takes part in military campaigns in Italy and Russia. 
  • Return as a Knight of the Legion of Honor. 
  • Inn becomes political meeting place – Hammer recounts his experiences. 

🕰️ 1810–1820 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,000. 
  • First public school is established. 
  • Infrastructure is improving: wells, roads, postal services. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1817: Elisabeth Hammer (widow) transfers her fortune to her daughters. 
  • 1821: She dies at the age of 91. 
  • 1822: Franz Hammer takes over the inn. 
  • Inventory: Farm, stables, barn, 90 acres of land, 6 cows, 5 horses. 

🕰️ 1820–1830 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,050. 
  • Expansion of infrastructure: new rectory, school building, public wells. 
  • Region is being opened up by new transport routes. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1826: Expansion of the inn with guest rooms and tiled stoves. 
  • A new well is built in front of the house—it is still there today. 
  • The inn is being modernized but will remain a meeting place for guests and locals alike. 

🕰️ 1830–1840 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,100. 
  • Political unrest in Solothurn – Egerkingen participates in public assemblies. 
  • First newspaper reports about the village. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Captain Hammer becomes a member of the Grand Council. 
  • 1830: Participation in the Balsthal People's Assembly. 
  • Inn becomes political center—discussions about reforms. 
  • Hammer dies of consumption in 1843. 

🕰️ 1840–1850 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,200. 
  • The beginning of industrialization—the first factories are built. 
  • Expansion of the Gäubahn railway is being planned. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1849: Death of Johann Hammer. 
  • Widow Maria Anna Rudolf von Rohr takes over with her children. 
  • The inn remains family-owned and is inhabited by several generations. 

🕰️ 1850–1860 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,300. 
  • Industrialization begins slowly, with the emergence of the first mechanized businesses. 
  • The Gäubahn (Olten–Solothurn railway line) is planned – Egerkingen will later get a station. 
  • Agriculture remains dominant, but the first commercial enterprises are emerging. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • After Johann Hammer's death (1849), the inn was continued by his widow, Maria Anna Rudolf von Rohr. 
  • Several generations of the Hammer family live in the inn. 
  • The building comprises farm buildings, stables, storage rooms, and living quarters. 

🕰️ 1860–1870 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,400. 
  • 1862: The municipality begins systematically recording buildings and properties. 
  • The Gäubahn railway line opens in 1876 – Egerkingen gets a train station, which accelerates economic development. 
  • The first inns spring up around the train station. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1867: Eva Remund-Hammer becomes sole owner through purchase. 
  • That same year, things took a turn for the better: Josef Felber, a blacksmith from Deitingen, bought the inn for 39,000 francs. 
  • The property comprises buildings No. 71 (inn) and No. 72 (barn), as well as around 18 acres of land. 

🕰️ 1870–1880 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,500. 
  • The proximity to the railway line promotes trade and commerce. 
  • The first industrial jobs are created. 
  • Expansion of the school and infrastructure. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1877: Foreclosure sale – new owners: the Schwaller family from Luterbach. 
  • Short period of ownership by the Hofer siblings. 
  • 1883: Solothurn Cantonal Bank takes over the inn. 
  • Renovation: Installation of a large hall on the upper floor with a stage for theater and dance. 

🕰️ 1880–1890 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,600. 
  • The municipality is developing into a regional center. 
  • New inns are being built: Sternen, Sonne, Bahnhof. 
  • Expansion of water supply and electricity begins. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1885: Opening of the new hall with dance events. 
  • Franz Josef Büttiker becomes tenant. 
  • The inn becomes a cultural meeting place with theater performances and dancing. 

🕰️ 1890–1900 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,700. 
  • The community benefits from the rail connection. 
  • Trade and commerce are flourishing. 
  • The first telephone connections are being set up. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1892: Josef Felber takes over the restaurant and bakery. 
  • 1894: "Chüechli-Esset und Tanz" (cake eating and dancing) – popular events. 
  • 1899: Bankruptcy of Albert Jordi, the owner. 
  • Jakob Rindlisbacher takes over the inn. 

🕰️ 1900–1910 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,800. 
  • Electricity is being introduced across the board. 
  • Expansion of the school and community infrastructure. 
  • The first clubs and cultural organizations are established. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1906: Butcher Johann Haas takes over and sets up a butcher's shop in the north wing. 
  • 1907: Fritz Schär-Roth from Dürrenroth purchases the inn. 
  • 1908: Officially registered as owner. 
  • The business now includes a restaurant, butcher shop, and farm. 

🕰️ 1910–1920 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 1,900. 
  • The First World War brings economic uncertainty. 
  • The supply situation is becoming more difficult, but the community remains stable. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1911: Barn burns down – rebuilt by Fritz Schär. 
  • The inn remains family-owned. 
  • Rosa Roth, Fritz's wife, helps out with the business. 
  • The inn is a meeting place for local clubs and guests. 

🕰️ 1920–1930 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 2,000. 
  • The post-war period brings economic recovery. 
  • Expansion of roads, new residential areas are being built. 
  • Establishment of sports and music clubs. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • The Schär family continues to run the business. 
  • The inn covers approximately 14 acres of land. 
  • The business is being modernized but will continue to operate in three areas: commerce, butchery, and agriculture. 

🕰️ 1930–1940 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 2,100. 
  • Economic crisis also hits Egerkingen – unemployment rises. 
  • The municipality invests in public buildings and social facilities. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1934: Fritz Schär builds a new residential building on the east side of the barn. 
  • Transfer of the inn to son Werner Schär-Berger. 
  • Fritz and Rosa move into the new building. 

🕰️ 1940–1950 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 2,200. 
  • World War II: Rationing, but no direct war damage. 
  • The post-war period brings economic recovery. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Werner Schär runs the business with his wife Marie Berger. 
  • The inn remains a popular meeting place. 
  • The butchery and farming will continue. 

🕰️ 1950–1960 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 2,500. 
  • A highway connection is being planned. 
  • Expansion of the school, community center, and sports facilities. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1959: Werner Schär dies – his son Kurt takes over. 
  • Inventory includes inn, butcher shop, residential building, farm. 
  • The business is being modernized. 

🕰️ 1960–1970 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 2,800. 
  • 1964: Hotel von Arx is rebuilt. 
  • Industrial park emerges – first industrial companies settle in. 
  • Highway connection brings economic boom. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • Kurt Schär manages the business. 
  • Butcher shop is being modernized. 
  • The inn remains a meeting place for clubs and family celebrations. 

🕰️ 1970–1980 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 3,000. 
  • Commerce and industry are growing. 
  • New residential areas are being built. 
  • Expansion of infrastructure: sports hall, school center. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1977: Kurt Schär dies – Sister Elisabeth takes over. 
  • The butcher shop closed around 1980. 
  • The inn remains in operation and is being modernized. 

🕰️ 1980–1990 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 3,200. 
  • 1986: Opening of the Mövenpick Hotel & Conference Center. 
  • Egerkingen is becoming a regional center for conferences and tourism. 
  • Expansion of highway connections and industrial parks. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1987: Sale of the inn to architect Kurt Studer. 
  • 1990: Louis and Irmgard Bischofberger take over the business. 
  • Conversion and modernization into an efficient catering business. 

🕰️ 1990–2020 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: growing to over 3,500. 
  • Egerkingen becomes an important business location in the Gäu region. 
  • New residential and commercial areas are being developed. 
  • Expansion of schools, retirement homes, sports facilities, and local recreation areas. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • The inn is run as a restaurant and event venue. 
  • Historic building preserved and renovated several times. 
  • Today, the inn is a symbol of Egerkingen's long history and hospitality. 

🕰️ 1990–2000 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: growing to approximately 3,500. 
  • Economy: Egerkingen is developing into a regional service center. Its proximity to the A1 and A2 highways makes it an attractive location for logistics, trade, and conferences. 
  • Infrastructure: Expansion of school center, sports facilities, retirement home, and local recreation areas. 
  • Tourism & hospitality: The Mövenpick Hotel & Conference Center (opened in 1986) has established itself as a supraregional meeting place for business and events. 
  • Culture: Establishment of new associations, expansion of village culture through the cultural commission. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 1990: Louis and Irmgard Bischofberger take over the Gasthof Kreuz inn. 
  • The house is being extensively renovated and modernized. 
  • The inn is run as an efficient catering business offering regional cuisine and events. 
  • Historical elements such as the tavern sign and the building fabric will be preserved. 
  • The inn is once again becoming a social meeting place for clubs, family celebrations, and local events. 

🕰️ 2000–2010 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: rises to over 4,000. 
  • Economy: Establishment of national and international companies in the industrial and commercial area. 
  • Transport: Expansion of highway connections and the Egerkingen train station. 
  • Education: Expansion of the school center to include secondary education and a music school. 
  • Environment: Projects to renaturalize the Dünnern river and promote local recreation areas. 
  • Digitalization: Introduction of fiber-optic internet and digital administrative services. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • The inn will continue to be run by the Bischofberger family. 
  • Offer expanded: seasonal menus, catering, cultural events. 
  • The inn participates in village events such as the Egerkingen Christmas market and the village festival. 
  • The historical significance of the house is honored through guided tours and publications. 

🕰️ 2010–2020 

🏘️ Municipality of Egerkingen 

  • Population: approx. 4,500. 
  • Economy: Egerkingen is becoming a hub for logistics centers, retail (e.g., furniture stores, outlet stores), and service providers. 
  • Local politics: Focus on sustainable development, reducing traffic congestion, and integration. 
  • Culture & Society: Development of village culture with events, exhibitions, and publications on history. 
  • Digital life: Introduction of e-government, online counters, and smart village initiatives. 

🍷 Gasthof Kreuz 

  • 2019: Christian Wyler and Ulrike Többen take over the business. 
  • The inn remains a popular meeting place for locals and guests alike. 
  • Interior renovations improve comfort and functionality without losing the historical character. 
  • The inn is also used for seminars, small conferences, and cultural events. 
  • The history of the house is discussed in local media and chronicles.