Büsingen on the Upper Rhine – History along the Exclave Trail

Büsingen on the Upper Rhine combines a distinctive local history with striking buildings. St. Michael’s Church stands on the Kirchberg hill near Büsingen and is among the oldest places of worship in the region. Despite various restorations and structural changes, the mountain church of St. Michael still retains the appearance of a Romanesque building. Its essential features probably date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The coexistence of these changes and its recognisable Romanesque form makes the church an interesting starting point for a trip focused on architecture and history.

Local history between feudal rule and exclave status

Büsingen’s history is also connected with the noble Im Thurn family from Schaffhausen. From 1535 to 1854, they held Büsingen as a fief from Austria. A decisive event followed on 10 April 1693: Eberhard Im Thurn was abducted in front of the Junker House. The event ultimately prevented Büsingen from becoming part of Switzerland and led to its present-day enclave or exclave status. The long period of feudal rule and the abduction are two distinct chapters in the same local history: one describes the power relations over an extended period, while the other marks a specific turning point.

The Junker House is also one of the notable places along the Büsingen Exclave Trail. The trail passes the Rhine Mill, the Junker House and the Romanesque mountain church. Several different points along the route offer ways to explore Büsingen: local history at the Junker House, the architectural history of the mountain church and the Rhine Mill. These stops bring together different aspects along a specific route, rather than limiting the town’s history to a single building. Those interested in the historical context can connect the waypoints in their minds with the periods from feudal rule to today’s enclave or exclave status.

More topics in the wider Konstanz travel destination

The wider Konstanz travel destination offers its own nature, culture and regional themes. On Mainau Island, the Butterfly House is home to up to 120 different species and subspecies of butterflies from tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa and Asia. The specific composition of the collection may change. This nature-themed attraction in the wider Konstanz travel destination can be considered alongside the architectural and local history that define Büsingen itself.

Bus connections are also described to help you get to Mainau Island: Ring bus routes 4/13 and 13/4, between Konstanz/Bahnhof and the districts of Litzelstetten, Wallhausen, Dingelsdorf and Dettingen, stop near the entrance to Mainau Island. Check the current timetable before travelling. Another way to explore the wider Konstanz travel destination is the well-signposted, 53-kilometre SeeGang premium hiking trail. It connects Überlingen and Konstanz and passes through the Lake Constance district and the district of Konstanz.

The RadgenussRouten cycling routes on the western shore of Lake Constance are also part of this regional offering. They pass through the most beautiful landscapes in the district of Konstanz and combine nature, culture and regional highlights. Different themes therefore sit side by side: a hiking trail with a stated total length, a cycling network focused on scenery and culture, and the Butterfly House on Mainau Island. When planning your trip, you can consider which of these interests matter to you alongside Büsingen’s historical sights.

Another point to consider when planning an overnight stay in the wider Konstanz travel destination is the BODENSEECARD WEST. Overnight guests in 14 participating towns receive one at check-in. It serves as a free travel pass in the district of Konstanz as far as Stein am Rhein and Überlingen, offers a 20 percent discount on Untersee boat trips, and provides reduced admission to museums. Check which towns are participating before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Eigeltingen, Mühlingen, Radolfzell on Lake Constance, Volkertshausen, Gailingen on the Upper Rhine, Rielasingen-Worblingen, Mühlhausen-Ehingen, Seelfingen.

Go to the main travel overview: Konstanz.