Alt Rued ruins

Alt Rued in Schlossrued is a medieval castle ruin in the Swiss canton of Aargau, set on a hill known as Unteri Burghalde. Little masonry survives, but the site marks the origin of the lords of Rued, the family that gave the surrounding valley and village its name.

What is Alt Rued?

The name means "Old Rued". It was the first seat of the lords of Rued, as opposed to the later castle on the opposite side of the valley. The Aargau heritage inventory lists it as a castle ruin (entry DSI-SRU001). Its coordinates are roughly 47.2875 N, 8.0896 E.

What did the castle look like, and what is left?

According to the cantonal inventory, the hilltop first held a castle built of wood. Its outline can still be read in the terrain. A stone residential tower, about 11 by 12.5 m with walls 2 m thick, was later built on the same spot.

Most of the tower ruin was pulled down around 1800, and the stones went into houses in the village. Do not expect standing walls. The visit suits people who enjoy reading a landscape and spotting earthworks.

Who were the lords of Rued?

The lords of Rued held the lordship covering mainly the Ruedertal valley. The family died out in 1369 or around 1375. The old castle was abandoned in the 14th century and the seat moved to the other side of the valley. The lordship later passed through the von Büttikon, Rüssegg and Willisau families, and in 1520 to the May family of Bern.

What else is nearby?

Pair the walk with Schloss Rued, a separate and younger castle in Schlossrued. It was rebuilt in 1792 to 1796 after a fire in 1775, and since a restoration in 2015 to 2019 it works as a seminar centre. It is an occupied, working building, so do not confuse it with the Alt Rued ruin. The municipality of Schlossrued itself was created in 1816 when the old Rued municipality was split, and it takes its name from the castle.

Frequently asked questions

Is Alt Rued the same as Schloss Rued?

No. Alt Rued is the old castle ruin on Unteri Burghalde hill. Schloss Rued is the later castle, built 1792 to 1796 across the valley.

Are there walls left at Alt Rued?

Very few. The tower was largely demolished around 1800 and its stone reused in the village. The layout is best seen in the shape of the ground.

How old is the castle?

A wooden stronghold stood here first, later replaced by a stone tower. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century.

Who is the site for?

Visitors interested in regional history, castles and quiet walks in Aargau. The appeal is the historical story and the view over the Ruedertal rather than dramatic ruins.