Ruine Urgiz

Ruine Urgiz is the ruin of a medieval castle in the municipality of Densbüren, in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. What remains are mainly well-exposed foundations and lower wall sections, and the site is listed as a cultural property of national significance.

What is Ruine Urgiz?

Urgiz was a modest noble castle that gave its name to a small lordship covering Densbüren and the neighbouring village of Asp. Today, conserved wall remains can be seen on the hill above the surrounding villages. It makes a quiet short outing for anyone curious about regional history and the castles of the Aargau Jura.

When was the castle built?

The exact date of construction is unknown. It is usually placed in the 13th century, with more cautious estimates saying no later than the 12th. One source names the lords of Herznach as founders, but this is not confirmed. The first firm mention dates to 1277.

Who held Urgiz?

In 1277 the castle belonged to the lords of Uriols, who held the lordship of Urgiz as a fief from the Bishop of Strasbourg. After 1315 the family disappears from the records. In 1429 the Effinger family of Brugg acquired the estate, in 1444 it passed to the Rätz family of Säckingen, and in 1475 to the Hasfurters of Lucerne. The change to the Rätz family stemmed from a debt dispute: after the so-called Brugg Murder Night, Ludwig Effinger had to issue a promissory note, and after his release he refused to pay interest. After a long legal fight the estate went to Konrad Rätz.

What happened to the castle?

Some sources link the collapse of the castle to the 1356 Basel earthquake, although sources disagree. It then fell into decay. In 1502 Bern bought the lordship together with the abandoned fortress. In the 17th century the Bernese authorities set up a beacon lookout (Hochwacht) on the ruin for relaying warning signals.

What does the ruin look like today?

In 1996-97 the wall remains were uncovered and conserved. The ruin now belongs to the municipality of Densbüren and is included in the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national importance. The conservation work makes it easy to picture the layout of the former stronghold.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ruine Urgiz? In the municipality of Densbüren in the canton of Aargau, northern Switzerland, near the village of Asp.

What century is the castle from? Most often the 13th century, at the latest the 12th. It was first mentioned in 1277.

Did an earthquake destroy it? Some sources point to the 1356 Basel earthquake, but sources disagree.

Who owns the ruin? The municipality of Densbüren.

Is the ruin protected? Yes, it is in the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national significance.

Is it worth a visit? Yes, if you enjoy medieval ruins and quiet places with a well-documented history of owners.