Bottmingen Castle: We have passed thru this castle several times as it's just in one of the suburbs of Basel – but did it again during one of the evening bike ride with our daughter to formally tick it off the list. The moated castle of Bottmingen, was originally built in 13th century is one of the few such buildings in Switzerland that are still intact. Later it was transformed into French Baroque style in 18th century and got its own English Garden in 19th century. For the last 70+ years it's under Swiss federation and site of national importance - not only that it's a famous restaurant and private events venue. We also planned a personal event in this castle, which unfortunately had to cancelled at the last minute, and that is a topic reserved for discussion over a glass of Red Wine..!

Rotteln castle: it is 12 kms out into Germany from Basel. We have been there several times, but the last time around I had only an hour to bike back/forth and barely managed to get in there. The castle was originally constructed in 11th and being on the Swiss-German border, it has exchanged ownership between the Knights, Counts, Bishops of Baden Wurttemberg state in Germany and Basel. On a clear day, one can see all the way to the Swiss snow covered Alps from top of this castle, and like many other castles in the region – most of the renovated castle like this one is a great private event venue as well.

Binningen Castle. It is another castle in the neighboring suburb of Basel called Binningen, and this time I went around the castle when I was out for evening run. It was built in the 1290s, originally as a moated castle. Two earthquakes destroyed the foundation walls, and the castle was almost burned to the ground. It was rebuilt in 1414 but destroyed again in 1444 during a famous local battle. Since then it have had several owners - including an attempt by Bailiff of Dorneck (the castle that we visited last weekend). It has been used as a military outpost, old Inn, local tavern, and an attempt was even made to convert it into a summer casino in early 19th century. Now its owned by municipality of Binningen (in Basel Country) and is a famous hotel with a well-known restaurant.

Birneck and Reichenstein Castle: Another late evening bike ride, and figured yet another castle around 12kms away from the city. Guess, with this I probably visited all the major castles around the city, and, led to me to write another blog post on Castles and the Ruins around Basel. 

Birseck castle is a prominent castle as it rises high above the suburb of Basel at Arlesheim. It is visible for miles, appears to watch over the Ermitage (place where hermits used to live in the past). It also boast of largest English Garden in Switzerland that surrounds a nice lake, grottos/caves, wonderful views over the town surrounded by vineyards, and of course the various parts of the Castle. It was built in 13th century, like other castles in the region was destroyed in quake of 1365 and then rebuilt. Since then it has been rebuilt, auctioned off, and finally, used as a quarry. Today, the site belongs to a Foundation. It has been renovated and is open to visitors during the summer season - but only on specific days. So, we went back along with the kids to make sure that we are able to visit it from inside as well. The next visit also allowed us to Ermitage as well as the Apollo Grotto (caves) and that is probably equally or more beautiful. If one enters from the side of Ermitage, then it is a good climb up the hill passing through the caves in between. Overall, it’s a beautiful place to spend at least half a day and visit various parts of the castle, caves and the Ermitage. 

So far, I didn’t get a chance to visit Reichenstein castle, that is just around the corner from Birneck castle and one can see it through the woods. Unfortunately, it was already evening by the time we were done with our visit to Birseck castle and ‘visiting all Major Castles around Basel’, is still somewhat of a unfinished agenda. Perhaps, sometime soon...!