Randegg is associated with several distinct themes: the history of the castle’s construction, places commemorating Jewish history, the pilgrimage to Saint Ottilia and the Murbacher Ried nature reserve. When planning your visit, you can decide whether cultural history, religious tradition or the landscape should be your main focus.
Castle History and the “Experimentelle”
Randegg 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 from the reconstruction by Gebhard von Schellenberg in 1567. This means a broadly dated early building phase and a specific year of reconstruction are both part of its history. The castle also experienced a turning point: Swedish troops occupied it in 1638 and set it on fire the following year.
The castle is associated with the Expressionist painter Otto Dix. It also hosts the “Experimentelle” art exhibition. The exhibition is presented in eleven rooms, the chapel and parts of the castle park, and has been held every two years since 1998. If you would like to include the exhibition in your travel plans, check the current dates in advance.
Places Commemorating Jewish History
Randegg Synagogue Square is located where the synagogue once stood in the centre of Randegg. A slender steel structure traces the outline of the former building. The square was redesigned in 2013 and 2014. The structure’s shape thus makes the memory of the former building a tangible part of the place.
Randegg’s cemetery is another point of reference for Jewish history. The Jewish community established it in the 17th century in the area known as “Flözler”, right next to the Swiss border. As a stone witness, the cemetery stands for a centuries-old and eventful Jewish history. Together with the synagogue square, these places show different aspects of Jewish life in Randegg.
Murbacher Ried and the Castles Trail
The “Murbacher Ried” nature reserve provides long-term protection for a valuable marsh and wetland covering just over eleven hectares. It lies at the foot of Rauhenberg, near Murbach, a district of Gottmadingen, within the municipality of Randegg and right next to the Swiss border. The Ried is therefore a distinct landscape attraction alongside the town’s historical themes.
The Castles Trail 12 is a specific circular hike from Randegg, a district of Gottmadingen, to Bietingen and back. For parts of the route, it runs more or less within sight of the small river Biber. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a named circular hike and the distinctive landscape of the protected marsh and wetland.
Pilgrimage, Spring and Church Tower
The pilgrimage to Saint Ottilia in Randegg probably began around the year 1400. The Ottilien Spring is considered one of Randegg’s landmarks. Visits to the spring can be arranged for groups by prior appointment; check the arrangements again before travelling.
The church tower and a dated bell also give the town’s history specific dates: the tower dates from the 12th century. It houses Germany’s oldest dated bell, dated 1209. Together with the castle’s approximate construction date, these provide a range of historical dates, from a presumed early foundation to a precisely dated individual object.
Gottmadingen as a Separate Point of Interest
Another attraction is in Gottmadingen itself, not Randegg: the weekly market takes place on Fridays from 7:00 to 12:30 on the Rathausplatz in the centre of Gottmadingen. If a public holiday falls on the market day, check locally for possible changes to the market schedule.
For the broader travel overview: Gottmadingen.
