Discover Duggingen through several distinct themes: medieval fortifications, the parish church, the protected rocky landscape of Falkenflue and a digital puzzle experience through the Birs landscape. The historic sites tell stories of building phases and former rulers; Falkenflue and the Birs Trail put nature and environmental knowledge in the spotlight. You can choose which highlights to focus on according to your interests.
Church and Local History
Duggingen’s present-day parish church is dedicated to John the Baptist. It was built in 1835, replacing the St. Jost Chapel, which had been built in 1735. The village’s history goes back further: Duggingen was first mentioned in a document in 1330 under the name “Tuggingen.” Archaeological finds point to Roman settlement in the area. Historically, the municipality belonged to the lordship of Pfeffingen and thus to the Bishopric of Basel. From 1330 onward, the Lords of Bärenfels, Angenstein and Thierstein were also appointed as the bishop’s feudal lords.
Angenstein Castle and Bärenfels Ruins
Angenstein Castle dominates the narrow rocky gorge on the Birs, which marks the transition from the Laufental valley to the Birseck region. Later buildings cluster around the imposing medieval residential tower. The rectangular tower was built shortly after 1286. After the devastating fire of 1517, Angenstein remained in ruins for several decades. In 1562, Wendelin Zipper, commissioned by the Bishop of Basel, built new residential buildings and a chapel around the tower. Today, only the tower’s outer walls remain, and it has no interior fittings.
Bärenfels Ruins are also located within the municipality of Duggingen. Remains of the castle, the defensive tower and the complex can still be seen there. The three-part fortification was probably built around 1200 by the Lords of Aesch. The ruins can be reached on foot from both Oberaesch farm and nearby Angenstein Castle. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Falkenflue and the Birs Trail
On the southwestern edge of the Gempen Plateau, Falkenflue forms a sharp escarpment. The rock face is around one kilometre long and 50 metres high. Falkenflue is a protected natural feature and a climbing area. Many rare plant and animal species live in the protected area; fire salamanders use crevices at the foot of the rock face as a wintering site. Climbing is subject to conservation management, and restrictions may apply seasonally. Check the relevant regulations in advance.
The Birs Trail is an interactive puzzle experience through the Birs landscape. Along the way, visitors learn about the animals and plants that live there. To take part, you need an internet-enabled smartphone: a virtual map leads to various stations, where digital content appears on the screen at the specified coordinates. One station in Duggingen explores how a wastewater treatment plant works and what happens to wastewater.
Getting There and Getting Around
Duggingen is served by the S3 regional line on the Jura Railway; the train journey from Basel takes approximately 15 minutes. Check the timetable for your travel day. Duggingen station has twelve covered bicycle parking spaces. According to SBB, P+Rail Duggingen has 13 free parking spaces on municipal land. Check the station’s current facilities before travelling. The A18 motorway ends at Angenstein Castle and is about a two-minute drive from Duggingen. It is a good idea to check the current route before setting off.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Grellingen, Liesberg, Laufen, Zwingen.
Back to the main travel guide: Laufen.
