Neu-Bechburg Castle

Neu-Bechburg Castle was built in 1250 by the Barons of Bechburg. Afterwards, it changed owners several times. Among these were the Counts of Frohburg, Nidau, Thierstein, Kyburg, and Buchegg. In 1415, the castle and lordship were sold to Bern and Solothurn. In 1463, the castle came into the full possession of Solothurn and a bailiwick was established.

In 1635, the castle temporarily became the seat of the Bishop of Basel. In 1798, the castle lost its significance with the invasion of the French. Afterwards, it served as a poorhouse, private residence, inn, and finally as a quarry. In 1835, it was acquired by Johannes Riggenbach from Basel. His son Friedrich restored the castle starting in 1880.

In 1975, the heirs of Georg Wackernagel-Riggenbach sold the castle to the honorary citizen of Oensingen, Dr. Walter Pfluger-Baumgartner, who donated it to the "Stiftung Schloss Neu-Bechburg" (Neu-Bechburg Castle Foundation).

The castle is located on an 86-meter long and on average 14-meter wide rock band below the Roggen. In terms of its construction, it is classified as a spur castle, although all sides are fortified.

The castle has been rebuilt several times over the course of time. Only parts of the eastern castle remain from its original state, with its almost 30-meter high round keep, which is crenellated and built of rubble stone. West of the keep are the knight's hall, the palas, and an open terrace. The terrace was formerly built over and formed the western castle, from which a small tower has been preserved at the western end of the terrace.