Neu-Falkenstein Castle (Ruin) (Balsthal)

The origins of Neu-Falkenstein Castle date back to the 11th or 12th century, with the oldest foundations of a trapezoidal residential wing located in the eastern part of the complex. Archaeological findings confirm at least four construction phases, extending into the 17th century. Originally built as two separate castles, these were later merged into a single facility. In the early 13th century, the Counts of Falkenstein, a branch of the Bechburg family, settled here, shaping the castle with the addition of a palas and a new round keep. In 1356, the castle suffered damage from the Basel earthquake, leading to repairs. During the Saffron War of 1374, Neu-Falkenstein was captured and partially destroyed after a siege. Following the death of the last Bechburg, Henmann, in 1386, the castle passed to the von Blauenstein family and was sold to the city of Solothurn in 1402, which took possession in 1417. Until 1798, it served as the seat of the Solothurn bailiff, before being set on fire by the rural population during the Helvetic Revolution in July 1798. Since 1900, the Dienstagsgesellschaft of Balsthal has been dedicated to the conservation of the ruin.

The ruin of Neu-Falkenstein is situated at approximately 585 meters above sea level in the municipality of Balsthal, in the Thal district, Canton Solothurn, Switzerland.

The western core area is dominated by a round main tower, and remnants of a chapel and other buildings are visible. Garden terraces and traces of a gun bastion are present.