Obertorturm

Obertorturm rises at Rheinfelden’s southeastern entrance, forming part of the medieval fortifications beside the old town. Its lower section dates from the Middle Ages, while the upper section and small belfry were added in the seventeenth century. At about twenty-eight metres high, the tower gives the surviving city walls a strong vertical landmark.

Historical records first mention the structure in 1256 as Glunkins Gate, when Rheinfelden’s walls protected roughly 730 metres of the town. The walls reached eleven metres in height and originally included four gates. Bastions appeared during the Thirty Years’ War, while French troops destroyed parts of the fortifications in the eighteenth century. About half of the old wall remains around the historic centre.

The clock makes this fortified tower especially memorable: its hands show the correct time, but the bell strikes seven minutes early. Medieval farmers heard that warning while working outside, then hurried back before the gates closed for the night. The town hall clock followed three minutes later, creating a final signal for anyone still outside.