Alt-Thierstein Castle

Alt-Thierstein Castle (also spelled Alt-Tierstein) is a ruined medieval fortress on a wooded hillside above Gipf-Oberfrick in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It occupies the eastern slope of the Tiersteinberg, roughly 600 metres above sea level, just west of the village. It is a place where the story of a noble dynasty meets an easy half-day walk through the Aargau Jura.

What was Alt-Thierstein Castle?

The castle is regarded as the ancestral seat of the Counts of Thierstein, an important family of north-western Switzerland. Archaeological finds show the hill was in use from the 11th to the 15th century. Accounts disagree on the beginning: some say the castle dates from around 1180, while others, including cantonal sources, point to an earlier start in the 11th century.

Why was it abandoned?

The Thierstein family moved its main seat to Neu-Thierstein Castle at Büsserach. The old hillside fortress was no longer needed and was given up in the 15th century, though it stayed in the family's hands until then. Over the following centuries it decayed into the ruin visitors see today, with wall remains and the outline of the former buildings.

Excavation and protection

In 1934 and 1935 the ruin was excavated and conserved under Hans Erb. The project was notable as the first Swiss archaeological labour camp run by the voluntary work service. Unfortunately the dig was poorly documented and the finds were later mixed together, so they can no longer be re-evaluated. Today the site is listed as a Swiss cultural property of class A, meaning national significance.

How to visit

Walking is the best way to get here. From Frick the hike takes a little over an hour and follows part of Aargauer Weg 42. The route is part of the popular Fricktal Chriesiwäg, the "cherry trail", which is especially lovely when the orchards bloom. At the ruin there is a picnic area with a fire pit, so bring food along.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Alt-Thierstein? Above Gipf-Oberfrick in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland, on the slope of the Tiersteinberg.

Can I drive to the ruin? No, there is no parking on site. The nearest public transport is the train to Frick or the bus to Gipf-Oberfrick, Rösslibrücke, and the rest is on foot.

How long is the walk from Frick? A little over an hour.

Is the ruin protected? Yes, as a class A cultural property of national significance.

Is there a picnic spot? Yes, there is a picnic area with a fire pit next to the ruin.

Who owned the castle? It was the seat of the Counts of Thierstein until the family moved its main residence to Neu-Thierstein.