Pfeffingen Castle (Ruin)

The origins of the complex trace back to a Frankish royal estate, which passed to a local ruling family in the early 11th century. A first mention of a "Notker von Pfeffingen" occurred in 1135. By the end of the 12th century, the castle fell to the Counts of Thierstein, who used it as a center of power. In the mid-13th century, a comprehensive renovation took place, resulting in the shield wall and a large residential tower. The Thierstein family then took up residence in the castle themselves. In 1335, the Bishop of Basel unsuccessfully besieged the castle. After the Basel earthquake of 1356, which caused damage, the castle was quickly rebuilt and expanded with a bailey, an outer gate, and the Hexenturm (Witches' Tower). Conflicts with the city of Basel led to a siege and burning in 1376, but the castle was restored. Further disputes followed, particularly during the Old Zurich War, when the people of Basel conquered the castle in 1445. After changing ownership and further conflicts, the Thierstein-Pfeffingen family died out between 1513 and 1519. The castle, now owned by the bishop, gradually fell into disrepair, although a new residential wing was built in 1571. During the Thirty Years' War, it was occupied by Swedish troops in 1637. Around 1750, the castle was finally abandoned and auctioned for demolition in 1761. From 1931, the ruins were excavated and conserved, and since 1941, they have belonged to the canton of Basel-Landschaft.

The ruins of Pfeffingen are located on the ridge of the Blauen in Pfeffingen, in the Arlesheim district, canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland, at an altitude of approx. 488 m above sea level.

The ruins are publicly accessible today and can be visited. They show the remains of the once mighty residential tower, the shield wall, and the enceinte from the 13th century, as well as remnants of other towers, gate systems, and buildings. The condition of the ruins is currently in need of improvement; the residential tower is not accessible, and there are warnings about falling rocks.

• Pfeffingen Castle (Castle), approx. 0.2 km away
• Angenstein Castle (Castle), approx. 1.5 km away
• Aesch Castle (Castle), approx. 1.5 km away
• Münchsberg Ruin (Castle), approx. 1.7 km away