Burg Stein

Burg Stein in Rheinfelden (canton of Aargau, Switzerland) was a medieval fortress on a rocky island in the middle of the Rhine, right beside the old bridge. Nothing of it stands today, but the island is a pleasant riverside park with a long story behind it.

What was Burg Stein?

The castle occupied the Inseli, an islet about 280 m above sea level. The rock rises several metres out of the water and pinches the river channel, so whoever held it controlled both the crossing and river traffic. For centuries it had a reputation as impregnable and formed part of the town's defences. The Counts of Rheinfelden built it, with sources placing the start around the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries.

Who owned it?

The Zähringen dukes inherited the site. When their line died out in 1218, Emperor Frederick II took the castle for the Empire and Rheinfelden became an imperial city. From 1273 Rudolf I of Habsburg held it, and it served as an important Habsburg residence that housed the imperial regalia for several decades. In 1283 Rudolf issued the town's house rules here.

How did it disappear?

• 1445-1446: during the Old Zurich War, Basel, Bern and Solothurn besieged it. The garrison gave up after four weeks and the castle was dismantled, sparing only a bridge tower and the chapel.
• 1684-1692: Austria built a modern artillery fortress on the island, designed by Johann Martin Gumpp the Younger. The old chapel was pulled down.
• 18 December 1744: French troops, having taken the town, blew the fortress up.
• 1843: the last rubble was cleared.

What can you see today?

The island became a park around 1900. Of the castle only a small, overgrown stretch of retaining wall survives on the south-east side. The real reward is the setting: views along the Rhine, the old town skyline and the historic bridge, plus a quiet walk by the water.

How do you get there?

The Inseli lies in central Rheinfelden, a few minutes on foot from the old town. Start from the bridge over the Rhine. Rheinfelden has direct rail links to Basel. Note that a second Rheinfelden (Baden) sits on the German bank, so check you are on the Swiss side.

When should you visit?

Late spring to autumn is best for strolling along the river. If you like regional history, pair the walk with the Fricktaler Museum on Marktgasse in the town centre, which shows archaeological finds from Roman times onward and religious art.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside Burg Stein? No. The castle was destroyed in 1744 and the ruins were cleared. You can walk in the park on the island.

Is there an entrance fee? No fees or opening hours are listed; the island is a public park in the town centre.

Is this the same as the castle at Stein am Rhein? No. Stein am Rhein is in canton Schaffhausen. This Burg Stein stood in Rheinfelden, canton Aargau.

How long does a visit take? About an hour covers the island, the wall remnant and the views from the bridge.