The Büsingen Exclaves Trail passes the Rheinmühle mill, Junker House and the Romanesque hilltop church. In doing so, it connects specific places with the history of Büsingen am Hochrhein. Two themes are especially clear: the Romanesque character of St. Michael’s Church and the abduction in front of Junker House, which is connected to today’s enclave and exclave situation. The stops link architectural history with local history, although the two do not cover the same period.

St. Michael’s Hilltop Church

St. Michael’s Church on Kirchberg hill near Büsingen is one of the oldest places of worship in the local area. Despite various restorations and structural changes, St. Michael’s Hilltop Church still has the appearance of a Romanesque building, which likely dates back primarily to the 11th and 12th centuries. This date is a cautious estimate, not an exactly established year of construction. Restorations and structural changes are as much a part of the building’s description as its enduring Romanesque character. Those interested in historic religious architecture will find a tangible example here of the interplay between an inherited appearance and change.

Junker House and Local History

From 1535 to 1854, the noble Im Thurn family from Schaffhausen held Büsingen as a fief from Austria. On 10 April 1693, Eberhard Im Thurn was abducted in front of Junker House. This event ultimately prevented Büsingen from becoming part of Switzerland and led to today’s enclave and exclave situation. The two facts mark different periods: the fiefdom lasted for more than three centuries, while the abduction was a single, precisely dated event. Together, they show how local history was shaped both by long-term relationships and by a specific turning point.

More to Explore in the Wider Konstanz Destination

In the wider Konstanz destination, the Butterfly House on Mainau Island offers a distinct nature-focused attraction. It is home to up to 120 different butterfly species and subspecies from tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa and Asia; collection details may change. Ring bus routes 4/13 and 13/4 run between Konstanz railway station and the districts of Litzelstetten, Wallhausen, Dingelsdorf and Dettingen, stopping near the entrance to Mainau Island. Check the current timetable before travelling. This gives you a specific way to reach the island, while its wildlife is the main focus of a visit.

The wider Konstanz destination also offers a variety of route experiences. The well-signposted, 53-kilometre SeeGang premium hiking trail connects Überlingen and Konstanz and passes through the Bodenseekreis and Konstanz districts. The West Lake Constance Cycling Routes lead through landscapes in the Konstanz district and combine nature, culture and regional highlights.

Guests staying overnight in 14 participating towns receive the BODENSEECARD WEST at check-in. It provides free travel in the Konstanz district as far as Stein am Rhein and Überlingen, a 20% discount on Untersee boat trips and reduced admission to museums. Check which towns are currently participating before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Öhningen, Stockach, Mühlingen, Tengen, Litzelstetten, Orsingen-Nenzingen, Engen, Konstanz

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