Büsingen Castle

Büsingen Castle (Junkerhaus) was built around 1600 by the noble family Im Thurn.

The Im Thurn family was a Schaffhausen family of squires who had their country estate in Büsingen. The most famous member of the family was probably Johann Im Thurn (1587-1657). He was a knight, imperial count palatine, and multiple mayor of Schaffhausen. He was also the builder of the "Im Thurn" house in Schaffhausen, which is still preserved today.

The castle was built on the site of an older building, which was probably also owned by the Im Thurn family. The exact appearance of this older building is not known.

The castle was originally a stately residential building with several outbuildings. It was surrounded by a wall and a moat. The castle served as the residence of the Im Thurn family and as an administrative center for their estates in Büsingen and the surrounding area.

In the course of its history, the castle changed hands several times. In the 18th century, it came into the possession of the city of Schaffhausen. The city used the castle as a granary and as a poorhouse.

In the 19th century, the castle was sold to private individuals. It was then used for various purposes, including as a factory and as a residential building.

In the 20th century, the castle fell into disrepair. In the 1970s, it was extensively renovated and converted into a community center. Since then, it has been used for cultural events and as a meeting place for the Büsingen community.

The Junkerhaus is a rectangular building with three stories and a hipped roof. It is built in the Renaissance style and has a stately appearance.

The facade of the castle is adorned with various architectural elements, including bay windows, gables, and decorative plasterwork. The windows are framed with sandstone and have leaded glass.

The interior of the castle has been extensively renovated and modernized. However, some historical elements have been preserved, such as the wooden ceilings and the fireplaces.

The castle is surrounded by a small park with old trees and a fountain. The park is open to the public and offers a beautiful view of the Rhine.

Today, the Junkerhaus serves as a community center for Büsingen. It houses the municipal administration, a library, and various club rooms.

The castle is also used for cultural events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and lectures. It is a popular meeting place for the Büsingen community and a venue for various festivities.

The Junkerhaus is an important historical building and a landmark of Büsingen. It is a living testimony to the history of the village and a vibrant center of community life.

Special Features

• The Junkerhaus is the oldest preserved building in Büsingen.
• It is one of the few Renaissance buildings in the region.
• The castle is a listed building and is under monument protection.
• It is a popular destination for tourists and a venue for various events.