Neu-Schauenburg Castle

Frenkendorf, Switzerland

There were two Schauenburg castles near Frenkendorf, Alt-Schauenburg about 1 km southwest of the village on the top of Chleiflüeli hill and Neu-Schauenburg to the west. A first castle was probably built for the Lords of Schauenburg in the 11th century, however nothing is known about it. In the 13th century the original castle was replaced by a new castle. The 1356 Basel earthquake destroyed much of it, but unlike Alt-Schauenburg, it was quickly rebuilt. The Schauenburg family became extinct in 1385 and the castle became a fief under the Bishop of Basel. In 1397 it was sold and then over the following centuries passed through several additional owners. However, by the 15th century, it had been abandoned and began to fall into ruin.

By 1480 a group of Beguines lay sisters had occupied the towers of Neu-Schauenburg and established a cloistered house in the ruins. The order remained at Schauenburg until 1523. In 1691 mineral springs were discovered and a bath house was built near the castle ruins. In 1792 a small country estate with attached fields was built near the ruins.

Neu-Schauenburg was built before Alt-Schauenburg, but because Alt-Schauenburg was destroyed and abandoned first, it came to be known as the old castle.

The castle was built on a rocky spur above the valley. It has an irregular floorplan and a gate on the north side with a 2m thick castle wall that follows the edge of the spur. The top of the spur is divided down the center by a narrow band of rock into higher eastern and lower western halves.

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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Switzerland

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Beat Gysin (3 years ago)
Would be very cool, unfortunately the ruin has been closed for years due to the danger of falling rocks, so you can only walk around it. Pity!
Andrea Marcello “Fiostino” Forte (7 years ago)
Definitely worth a hike! The ascent is not that strenuous, but you should prepare yourself and take something to drink with you! The vantage point at the ruins is great. You can see large parts of Basel and the region.
olia ignat (12 years ago)
very special place
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