For several centuries, the castle served as an aristocratic residence until it was acquired by the town of Bad Säckingen in 1928 after many conversions and private changes of ownership. Initially it housed the town library and private flats - during the Second World War it was even the seat of the district governors of the French occupation. Since the Second World War, Schönau Castle has served as an important cultural centre for the region with its museum, changing art exhibitions and events. The castle park also offers a variety of events in the summer months, such as the Sunday promenade concerts.
Town and regional history
In the 6th century, St Fridolin founded a monastery on the settlement area of the former Rhine island, which developed into an influential convent for ladies. The town grew up around the convent, the image of which can still be seen in the old town today. The exhibition rooms present exhibits on the history of the town as well as the history of Schönau Castle. The Hotzenstube provides an insight into the history of the region and shows the domestic culture of the Hotzenwald region
ScheffelRooms
1854 saw the publication of the epic poem "Der Trompeter von Säckingen. A song from the Upper Rhine" by Joseph Victor vom Scheffel (1826-1886) was published in 1854. This epic poem became a bestseller and travelled around the world. The two exhibition rooms shed light on Scheffel's life, which led him to Säckingen among other places, and on his most famous work "The Trumpeter of Säckingen".
Trumpet Museum
The epic poem "The Trumpeter of Säckingen" by Joseph Victor von Scheffel (1826-1886) made Bad Säckingen famous worldwide as the "town of trumpeters". So it was a stroke of luck in 1985 that the important trumpet collection of the Basel jazz trumpeter Ernst W. Buser (1925-2004) was acquired by the town. The extensive collection, which is constantly being expanded, covers the broad spectrum of trumpet making over four centuries - from baroque to jazz - and is unique in this form in Europe. One focus is on the chromatisation of the instrument in its various forms.
Prehistory and early history
On the two upper floors, the prehistoric and early history section displays a comprehensive collection of artefacts from the German Upper Rhine region between Basel and Schaffhausen. Starting with the Ice Age fauna, through the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age to the Romans and Alamanni, the collection provides impressive insights into the way of life of our ancestors and shows the influence they had on our present-day culture. A collection of coins from Austria, Switzerland and Germany rounds off the prehistoric and early historical collection at Schönau Castle.
Visitors can choose between three guided tours with different focal points depending on their preferences:
Guided tour ofSchönau Castle, duration: 1.5 h
Guided tour of the Trumpet Museum, duration: 1 - 1.5 h
Guided tour ofthe archaeological department, duration: 1.5 h
Price:
up to 20 persons - 60,- €
up to 30 persons - 120,- €
from 31 persons - 180,- €
School classes on request - € 2/person, Säckingen schools free of charge
During the summer season (April-October), public guided tours of the castle take place on selected dates. Prices: € 8* / € 6 reduced with guest card. Registration is not required. The dates can be found on our website.
*Discounts: Guest card (with and without KONUS), DreiWeltenCard, school pupils, students, unemployed persons, severely disabled persons, pensioners, recipients of transfer benefits. Children up to 16 years free admission.
Bookings & enquiries: Bad Säckingen Tourist & Cultural Office Tel.: +49 (0)7761 - 56830
