Ruine Randenburg, Medieval castle ruin in Schleitheim, Switzerland

Ruine Randenburg is a medieval castle ruin near Schleitheim that sits on a steep rock outcropping at around 896 meters in elevation. The remains include sections of stone walls and traces of the surrounding moat, which still run along the eastern and western sides.

The castle was built around 1175 by Diethelm von Krenkingen as a stronghold for the emerging von Randenburg family. It was abandoned during the 15th century as the family's influence waned, leaving only stone remnants behind.

The Randenburg family, originally ministeriales of Reichenau Abbey, held the office of Schultheiss of Schaffhausen from 1298 to 1376. The line split into the Schultheissen and the Roten von Randenburg, and lost its position in 1415 when it was removed as Habsburg bailiffs of the city. The family died out in the 15th century.

The ruin lies on a rock spur of the Schlossranden at 896 m, reached on foot from Schleitheim; the ground is steep and uneven. The Schleitheimer Randenturm observation tower stands directly on the ruin, so the site is visited together with the tower. Sturdy footwear is advisable, and the exposed limestone spur offers little shelter in wet weather.

Today, an observation tower called Schleitheimer Randenturm stands at the same spot where the castle once dominated the landscape. This modern structure continues the tradition of using this elevated position for viewing the surrounding region.