Tannegg Castle

Tannegg Castle is a ruined medieval castle in the municipality of Fischingen in the Swiss canton of Thurgau, near the village of Dussnang. It is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance and is also an archaeological site. For travellers who enjoy quiet, uncrowded places with real history, it is a rewarding stop in north-eastern Switzerland.

Where is Tannegg?

The ruins lie in Thurgau, in the area of Dussnang, which has belonged to the municipality of Fischingen since 1972. That year four former municipalities were merged: Dussnang, Fischingen, Oberwangen and Tannegg. The coordinates are roughly 47.430 N, 8.951 E, in the rolling hill country of Thurgau, not far from the borders with the cantons of Zurich and St. Gallen.

Who built the castle, and when?

According to the Historical Lexicon of Switzerland (HLS), the castle was probably built in 1237 on the order of Heinrich von Tanne, Bishop of Constance. Other sources only give the years of his time in office, 1233 to 1248, so the exact construction date is presented differently depending on the source. The castle's name echoes the bishop's family name.

What is its history?

In the 14th century a small town grew up beside the castle. Both castle and town burned down in 1407. The castle was rebuilt and became the centre of the Tannegg administrative district (Amt). Church matters in the district always followed the fate of the Dussnang parish.

For a century, from 1300 to 1402, the Tannegg bailiwick was firmly in the hands of the Toggenburg family. In 1693 the castle and the whole district passed to Fischingen Abbey, one of the region's important religious centres.

What remains today?

The following centuries were not kind to the buildings. Parts of the castle complex survived until 1837, when the main tower finally collapsed. Today what remains is a ruin, which according to available descriptions can be visited freely. It is classed as a category A object in the Swiss inventory of cultural property, meaning it is of national importance.

Is it worth a visit?

Tannegg suits lovers of castles and ruins, fans of medieval Swiss history, and anyone planning a short walk in Thurgau. It is not a developed attraction with tourist facilities. It is a place to look calmly at the remains of a former stronghold and to picture life in a medieval district run from a castle. It pairs well with a visit to nearby Fischingen and its abbey, whose history is closely tied to Tannegg.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the ruins paid? Available descriptions say the ruins are freely accessible. It is wise to check current local information before you go.

Does the castle survive intact? No. Only ruins remain. The main tower collapsed in 1837.

Who founded the castle? It is credited to Heinrich von Tanne, Bishop of Constance, with construction usually dated to 1237.

Is it an important monument? Yes. Tannegg is a Swiss heritage site of national significance and an archaeological site.

When did the castle burn down? In 1407 both the castle and the town around it burned. The castle was rebuilt afterwards.

Who owned it in later centuries? In 1693 the castle and the Tannegg district became the property of Fischingen Abbey.