Ruins of Schloss Neu-Falkenstein

Naturpark Thal - Neu-Falkenstein Castle was probably built in the early 12th century. During the 13th and 14th centuries it was the feudal seat of the counts of Falkenstein and Bechburg.

It became renowned during the Saffron War: The Bishop of Basel Johann von Vienne (in office from 1365-1381) obtained the help of Henmann von Bechburg for a military venture, but had omitted to pay von Bechburg. In 1374, Henmann raided a shipment of Basel merchants at St. Wolfgang and captured a large quantity of expensive saffron. This resulted in a 14-day siege, seizure of the castle and the beheading of the sixteen mercenaries who had defended the castle. From 1417 onwards, ownership passed to the town of Solothurn and was subsequently used as the seat of the provincial governor. The castle was set on fire by “Rössli Jean” and followers of the French Revolution in the night of 1st to 2nd July 1798, destroying most of the castle.