Neu-Thierstein Castle (Ruin) (Büsserach)

The origins of Neu-Thierstein Castle date back to around 1100, when it was built by the Counts of Saugern-Pfeffingen as a bailiwick seat for Beinwil Monastery and was originally named Bello. Later, around 1180/1190, the Counts of Thierstein took over the complex and its bailiwick. A significant new construction took place around 1294/95. After 1350, the Counts of Thierstein split into two lines, with Neu-Thierstein falling to the Pfeffingen line, who repeatedly pledged the castle. Over time, the castle was occupied several times by the Solothurners, including in 1445 after the Battle of St. Jakob. In 1522, Solothurn finally acquired the castle after the Counts of Thierstein died out, making it the seat of the Thierstein bailiwick. After the proclamation of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, the castle was auctioned off for demolition, but was saved from complete destruction in the 19th century by private initiatives. In 1894, it became the property of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), which established a clubhouse there. Following a partial collapse in 1997, the municipality of Büsserach purchased the ruin and initiated extensive renovation work, during which the collapsed southwest corner was rebuilt in concrete.

The ruin of Neu-Thierstein is situated on a rocky spur on the territory of the municipality of Büsserach in the Thierstein district, Canton Solothurn, Switzerland, at an altitude of approximately 471 m above sea level.

The ruin is now accessible to visitors and can be explored.

• Laufen Castle (Castle), approx. 5.0 km away
• Gilgenberg Castle Ruin (Castle), approx. 5.2 km away
• Zwingen Castle (Castle), approx. 5.9 km away
• Pfeffingen Ruin (Castle), approx. 8.6 km away