Neu-Bechburg Castle

The Barons of Bechburg erected Neu-Bechburg Castle around 1250. It changed hands multiple times, including the Counts of Frohburg, Nidau, Thierstein, Kyburg, and Buchegg. In 1415, the lordship and castle came into the possession of Bern and Solothurn. From 1463, Solothurn was the sole owner and established a bailiwick there. In 1635, the castle served as the residence of the Bishop of Basel. With the French invasion in 1798, the complex lost its significance and was subsequently used as a poorhouse, private residence, inn, and as a quarry. In 1835, Johannes Riggenbach from Basel acquired the castle. His son Friedrich began restoration work from 1880. In 1975, the castle was sold by the heirs of Georg Wackernagel-Riggenbach to Dr. Walter Pfluger-Baumgartner, who donated it to the «Stiftung Schloss Neu-Bechburg».