The Birseck castle ruins are located directly above the Ermitage in Arlesheim. Birseck Castle is called the lower or front castle and is one of four castles that extend north-south along the slope of the Birs plain, the Birseck. The castle consists of a core and an outer castle that is now used as an estate.
The building dates back to the middle of the 12th century, when the Counts of Frohburg were the builders. During the Basel earthquake of 1356, the castle suffered various damages, and the bishops were unable to finance repairs. The castle did not fall into disrepair until the 18th century.
The Rogue Oak
There used to be a huge oak tree on a meadow below the castle. Its trunk was so large that it took several men to wrap around it. Travellers usually camped under this oak tree. Since they were known for their thieving, the people called the tree the "rogue oak".
First burial
The oldest Neolithic burial in Switzerland was found in the Birseck-Ermitage cave. Between 5400 and 5000 BC, a 30 to 40-year-old man was buried here lying on his back with his limbs drawn up.
Access
There are a few parking spaces at the Ermitage. Tram line 10 also goes to the Arlesheim Dorf station from where the castle is easily accessible on foot.
