Randegg: Castle History, Places of Remembrance and Nature

Randegg Castle: Architectural History and Art

The castle was probably built between 1000 and 1100 on the foundations of a Roman fort. The stone structure, which has largely survived to this day, dates back to its reconstruction by Gebhard von Schellenberg in 1567. Its history also tells of upheavals in later years: Swedish troops occupied the castle in 1638 and set it on fire a year later. These events, separated by a relatively short time, give the castle’s history several distinct chapters.

The Expressionist painter Otto Dix, who lived there for a time, is also associated with Randegg Castle. The “Experimentelle” art exhibition is presented in the castle’s eleven rooms, the chapel and parts of the castle park. It has been held every two years since 1998. If you would like to include the exhibition in your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

Another historical trace leads to the church tower in Randegg. It dates from the 12th century and houses Germany’s oldest dated bell, dating to 1209. The tower and bell provide a distinct chronological note alongside the castle’s architectural history.

Synagogue Square, Cemetery and Ottilia Spring

Synagogue Square is located where a synagogue once stood in the heart of Randegg. A slender steel structure traces the outline of the former building. The square was redesigned in 2013 and 2014 following an extensive planning and public participation process. The shape of this place of remembrance thus refers to the building that once stood there.

Another place associated with Jewish history is the cemetery in Randegg. The Jewish community established it as early as the 17th century in the “Flözler” district, directly on the Swiss border. As a witness in stone, it represents Randegg’s centuries-old and eventful Jewish history. Together, Synagogue Square and the cemetery invite visitors to explore the different traces of this history.

The Ottilia Spring is also considered one of Randegg’s landmarks. The pilgrimage to Saint Ottilia probably began around the year 1400. Visits to the spring are available to groups by prior arrangement; it is best to check the current arrangements before your trip.

Murbacher Ried and Castle Trail 12

For a different focus alongside the historical themes, the “Murbacher Ried” nature reserve offers a protected landscape. The moorland and wetland covers just over eleven hectares and is protected for the long term. It lies at the foot of Rauhenberg near Murbach, a district of Gottmadingen, within the Randegg district and directly on the Swiss border.

Castle Trail 12 is a specific option for a circular hike: the route runs from Randegg, a district of Gottmadingen, to Bietingen and back. Some sections pass more or less within sight of the small River Biber. This allows you to weigh up different interests in your travel plans, from a circular hike with named start and end points to Randegg’s cultural and historical themes, without combining these outings into a single route.

Gottmadingen as a Wider Setting

The wider destination of Gottmadingen offers other activities you can consider independently of Randegg’s attractions. The weekly market takes place on Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Rathausplatz, in the centre of Gottmadingen. Market times may change on public holidays, so check the current schedule. The slowUp Schaffhausen-Hegau route also passes through Gottmadingen. As dates and schedules vary from year to year, it is worth checking the specific event date before making plans.

If Gottmadingen’s wider setting is also part of your plans, consider its market or slowUp as separate activities. This makes it clear which interests bring you to Randegg and which to the wider destination of Gottmadingen.

For the wider travel overview: Gottmadingen.