Bottmingen Castle

Bottmingen Castle (Schloss Bottmingen, also called Weiherschloss) is a moated castle in Bottmingen, in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, right next to the city limits of Basel. It sits on an island surrounded by a water-filled moat and is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

What is the history of the castle?

The site dates back to the 13th century. The first written record comes from 1363, when it belonged to the Kämmerer family, servants of the Bishops of Basel. The castle you see now is the product of several rebuilds. In 1645 the Palatine nobleman Johann von der Grün (1603-1666) renovated it in an early German Baroque style. Around 1720 Johannes Deucher (1673-1747) turned it into a country estate modelled on French Baroque, a layout that survives almost intact today.

Martin Wenk (1751-1830) later added Rococo stucco to the Stone Hall (Steinsaal), and in the 19th century the Oswald family of Basel bankers laid out an English-style garden. The castle then fell into steady decline until a rescue effort in 1943 stopped it. Since 1957 it has belonged to the canton of Basel-Landschaft, which placed it under heritage protection.

What will you see there?

The best view is from outside: the roofs and turrets reflect in the moat, with gardens around the walls. Today the castle works as a venue for dining and events, and it houses a restaurant, so a visit combines easily with lunch or coffee. A walk around the moat takes a few minutes.

How do you get to Bottmingen Castle?

The address is Schlossgasse 9, 4103 Bottmingen. The village lies south-west of central Basel and is linked to the city by public transport, including the tram. From the city centre the trip takes well under an hour without a car, and the castle is a short walk from the stops.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and summer suit it best, when the garden is green and the restaurant terrace is open. Autumn colours around the moat are also worth the trip. Check opening hours on weiherschloss.ch, as they vary by weekday and season.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bottmingen Castle a water castle?

Yes. The whole complex stands on an island within a moat, which is why locals call it the Weiherschloss.

How old is the castle?

Its roots go back to the 13th century. The current Baroque look comes from the rebuilds of 1645 and around 1720.

Can you eat at the castle?

Yes, a restaurant operates inside. Confirm current hours with the operator.

Who owns it?

The canton of Basel-Landschaft, since 1957. The castle is protected at both cantonal and federal level.