Randegg: Castle History, Places of Remembrance and Nature on the Border
Accommodation in Randegg
Randegg combines an impressive history with distinctive landscapes. Randegg Castle, the synagogue square, the Jewish cemetery and the Murbacher Ried nature reserve offer very different ways of experiencing this place. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Randegg can therefore shape their stay around their own interests: cultural discoveries, religious history and a hike through the landscape are clearly distinct experiences here.
Randegg Castle and Art in the Village
Randegg Castle represents a complex past. It was probably built between 1000 and 1100 on the foundations of a Roman fort. Swedish troops occupied the castle in 1638 and set it on fire a year later. The stone structure, which has largely survived to this day, dates back to its reconstruction by Gebhard von Schellenberg in 1567.
Today, the castle is also associated with the Expressionist artist Otto Dix and houses the “Experimentelle” art exhibition. The exhibition is presented in eleven rooms, the chapel and parts of the castle park. Since 1998, the “Experimentelle” has taken place every two years. For a stay in Randegg, this creates an interesting connection between architectural history, art and a recurring cultural event.
Places of Remembrance and Religious History
Randegg Synagogue Square is located where the synagogue once stood in the middle of the village. Following an extensive planning and participation process, the square was redesigned in 2013 and 2014. A thin steel structure traces the outlines of the former synagogue building. The site makes Jewish history visible without presenting the former synagogue as a surviving building.
The Jewish cemetery is also part of Randegg’s historical orientation. The Jewish community established it as early as the 17th century in the “Flözler” district, directly on the Swiss border. Today, it is a stone witness to centuries of turbulent Jewish history. The cultural picture is complemented by the church tower from the 12th century. It contains Germany’s oldest dated bell, from 1209.
The pilgrimage to Saint Ottilia probably began around the year 1400. The Ottilien Spring is one of Randegg’s landmarks. Visits to the spring are available for groups by prior arrangement. Those interested in religious traditions can take these historical connections into account when planning their trip.
Moorland and Hiking
Another focus is the “Murbacher Ried” nature reserve. Covering a good eleven hectares, it provides long-term protection for a valuable moorland and wetland area. The area lies at the foot of the Rauhenberg near Murbach, a district of Gottmadingen, in the Randegg district directly on the Swiss border. The landscape thus complements the historical destinations with a natural area of its own character.
The Castles Trail 12 is also suitable for an active day out. The circular hike leads from Randegg, a district of Gottmadingen, to Bietingen and back. In sections, it runs more or less within sight of the small River Biber. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer your stay to focus on the castle, art and culture of remembrance or on nature and hiking. Randegg offers concrete points of interest for both interests, without the individual experiences forming a single circular tour.
For the overarching travel overview: Gottmadingen.
