Reichenstein Castle

The Counts of Frohburg erected Reichenstein Castle, along with the Middle Birseck Castle, around 1200 to expand their influence in the Birseck region. It was first documented in 1239 as “Castrum Birseke superior.” After the Frohburgers failed to assert their dominance in the Birseck, they ceded the castles to the Bishop of Basel in 1245. The bishop then granted the upper castle as a fief to the Reich family, which led to the name Reichenstein. The Reich family was connected to the Basel Council for over five generations, providing several mayors and a bishop. The Basel earthquake of 1356 damaged the castle, but it was repaired by the Reich family. In the 15th century, the castle lost its significance and fell into disrepair in the 17th century. In 1813, the ruin was sold and changed hands multiple times until Dr. J. Brodbeck-Sandreuter acquired it in 1932. He had the castle rebuilt according to the plans of the castle researcher Eugen Probst, though the reconstruction was limited to the keep and influenced by romanticized notions. In 1938, a family foundation was established, which was converted into a public-law foundation in 1972 and has managed the castle ever since.

Reichenstein Castle is located at approximately 472 m above sea level in Arlesheim, in the district of Arlesheim, canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland.

Reichenstein Castle can be rented for events with up to 50 people. It is managed by a public-law foundation.