Zwingen Castle with bridge, Medieval fortress in Zwingen, Switzerland
Zwingen Castle is a medieval fortress in Switzerland that consists of two separate building groups arranged like islands in the river. Bridges over the Birse connect these parts, and a distinctive conical-roofed tower stands as the main landmark.
The castle was first recorded in 1312 and served the Ramstein family for many years under the rule of the Basel bishops. In the 15th century it returned to direct control by the Diocese of Basel.
The red sandstone walls carry the coat of arms of the Ramstein family and show traces of their long rule over this place. The architecture tells of a time when such castles were centers of power in the region, not just homes.
The grounds are open to visitors with parking available nearby and good public transportation connections via the Basel-Biel railway line. The location on the river makes exploring the site a pleasant experience with natural surroundings.
The complex includes Saint Oswald Chapel and was further protected by a fortified outpost called Vorbourg with adjoining gardens. This secondary structure shows how seriously the defense of the site was taken.
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