Dornach is situated close to Basel, in the Birs valley. It is best known for the Goetheanum and as the home of the General Anthroposophical Society.

Aesch lies on the river Birs between the Blauen mountains and the Gempen plateau. The village is best known for its various castle ruins and as the biggest wine-growing area in the Basel district. Aesch is close to Dornach and easily reached by car or public transport.

Arlesheim is situated at an altitude of 335 m between the river Birs and the Gempen mountain in the Birseck region. Its Eremitage is a popular place for outings, featuring a landscaped park in the English style, established in 1785, with grottos, ponds and a hermitage. There are caves, the “Hollow Rock” and the ruin of Birseck castle where stone-age bones, tools, grinding stones and jewellery have been found. Arlesheim is directly adjacent to Dornach.

The municipality of Gempen forms the northernmost tip of the Canton of Solothurn. It is situated on the Gempen Plateau at an altitude of 676 m, with the Schartenfluh towering 80 meters above it. Its viewing tower offers extensive views over the surrounding valleys. Gempen is popular with walkers as it features a number of hiking trails. It can be reached in just a few minutes by car from Dornach.

The former farming village of Hochwald is situated southeast of Basel on the Gempen Plateau. The surrounding rock faces are popular with climbers. Hochwald can be reached in just a few minutes by car from Dornach.

Münchenstein extends along both sides of the river Birs and borders on the Canton of Basel City. Despite the noticeable cultural influences that are due to its vicinity to Basel, Münchenstein, which was first mentioned in the 12^th century, has retained its own charm and character. The town is easily reached from Dornach by car or public transport.

Reinach belongs to the Canton of Greater Basel (Basel Landschaft) and is very close to Dornach. It is popular with locals and visitors because of its green spaces that include an important nature reserve (Reinacher Heide) and its high-standard cultural life.

Duggingen is a rural village that features the detached houses typical for the area. 20% of the municipality are used agriculturally and 57% are covered by forest. Duggingen is directly adjacent to Dornach and can be reached in a few minutes by car.

Pfeffingen lies at the southern edge of the Birseck, on the slope of the Blauen mountain range. It features several castle ruins which are popular visitor attractions: Pfeffingen (dating back to the 12^th century), Schalberg, Münchsberg and Engenstein. The village is close to Dornach and easily accessible by public transport.