Neunkirch: History and Nature in the Klettgau

Neunkirch is a municipality in the canton of Schaffhausen in Switzerland, located in the Klettgau, about 13 kilometres from Schaffhausen. The town offers several distinct options when choosing where to stay: medieval life on town tours, the history of the Oberhof, a Vita Parcours in the nature reserve and the outdoor swimming pool. You can choose your destination according to whether local history, nature or swimming and leisure activities should be the focus of your trip.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Neunkirch railway station is part of the section of the German Rhine Valley Railway (Mannheim–Basel Bad Bf–Constance) that lies in Switzerland. Bicycle parking is available at the station. If you are travelling by train, check the connection that suits your travel date; you can factor the bicycle parking into your arrival plans.

Medieval Life and the Oberhof

Various town tours bring medieval life in this small town to life. They offer a way to explore local history with a focus on life in the town. Check the current dates before making your plans. The Oberhof offers a different perspective: it is a castle complex whose history can be traced back to the town’s founding period. The tours focus on medieval life, while the history of the Oberhof can be traced back to the town’s beginnings.

Nature and the Outdoor Swimming Pool

The Vita Parcours in Neunkirch is located in a nature reserve. There, oak trees are actively encouraged to preserve a population of middle spotted woodpeckers. Nature enthusiasts will find not only the course here, but also a specific conservation goal to explore.

The Neunkirch outdoor swimming pool welcomes people from Neunkirch and the surrounding area, both near and far, to enjoy its facilities. It has a diving board and water slides. Check the current operating status of the facilities before your visit.

The Place Name and Political History

The place name Neunkirch is explained as meaning “New Church.” Historical forms of the name include Niuchilchun, Nuinchilchen, Niunchilchen, Nüwenkilch, Nükilch and Nünkilch.

The political history can also be traced through specific dates. In 1525, the rule of the Bishops of Constance over Neunkirch came to an end. The heavily indebted bishopric sold the town to Schaffhausen for 8,500 guilders. In February 1799, representatives of 22 municipalities in Schaffhausen met at the Neunkirch municipal hall to draft a memorial calling for equality between town and countryside. The two events mark distinct political themes: the change in rule over Neunkirch, and later, the demand for equality between town and countryside.

Ecclesiastical and Archaeological Details

The organ in the mountain church has 1,367 pipes. During excavation work, the semicircular apse of a church dating from the post-Carolingian period was uncovered in the choir.

Pétanque Tournament in 2021

In 2021, Neunkirch held an annual pétanque tournament. If an event like this matters to your trip, check in advance which dates are currently scheduled.

Discover more destinations: Gächlingen.

Return to the regional travel overview: Oberklettgau.