City fortification

The fortification system in Rheinfelden comprises several towers and a stone wall with a moat surrounding the old town on its southeastern side. The Obertorturm at roughly 28 meters high is the most prominent structure, displaying the typical construction of a medieval defensive system.

The fortification was built in the Middle Ages to protect the town from attacks and control trade routes. The Obertorturm started as a gate tower and was later expanded to provide stronger defensive capabilities.

The towers and walls shape how the old town looks and feels today, reflecting how medieval Rheinfelden was organized and defended. Visitors walking along the fortification can sense how these structures controlled movement and defined the town's boundaries.

The fortification is accessible from outside via paths along the wall, and you can view the towers from various vantage points throughout the town. For detailed information and interior visits to the towers, contact the local Tourist Office.

The bell in the Obertorturm served a practical purpose beyond timekeeping: it warned farmers seven minutes before the gates closed so they could return safely to the city. This reveals how tightly urban and agricultural life were connected in medieval times.

Location: Rheinfelden

Part of: list of cultural properties in Rheinfelden

GPS coordinates: 47.55407,7.79335

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:23