Laufenburg, the Habsburgs, the Rhine and the Piles of Amsterdam
31 March 2026
Since the glaciers melted after the last Ice Age (around 12,000 BC), the Rhine has carved its way through Switzerland. At the location of today’s Swiss and German town of Laufenburg, a gorge and a waterfall were formed, which at its narrowest point was only 12 metres wide.
This is why the waterfall was also called the Klein Lauffen (Small Laufen), in contrast to the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, known as the Grosse Laufen (Large Laufen). When the Laufenburg hydroelectric power station was constructed between 1909 and 1914, the rocks near Laufen were blasted away, bringing an end to the Small Laufen.
Laufenburg, around 1850, unknown artist. Image: www.salzstrasse.salz.ch
Following this natural development, the Celtic tribe of the Raurici founded a settlement here along the “Louffen” and on its hill, hence the name Louffenberg. The easily defensible “hill,” fishing (salmon), and trade (timber) were probably the main reasons for settling in this location. In the late Middle Ages, trade (Salt, wood and livestock) and an industry based on wood, paper, oil, and grain mills developed rapidly, along with forges producing weapons and everyday objects.
Matthäus Merian (1593–1659), Laufenburg, around 1644
The monastery of Säckingen administered the town until 1173. In that year, the House of Habsburg took possession of the settlement, with the Schlossberg serving as their residence. After the death of Count Rudolf II (1168–1232), his sons divided the inheritance and founded the Habsburg‑Laufenburg dynasty, which, however, died out as early as 1408. From 1408 to 1803, Laufenburg remained an Austrian possession of the Habsburgs.
The Schlossberg
German Laufenburg
Swiss Laufenburg
Laufenburg’s division occurred after the Peace of Lunéville (1801), when the right bank became part of the Grand Duchy of Baden. In 1803, following the Act of Mediation, the left bank was assigned to the newly created canton of Aargau. This division remains visible in the largely intact old town.
Collection: Museum Die Bastei, Nijmegen
The Laufen Bridge was first mentioned in 1207 and, for a long time, was the main crossing point over the Upper Rhine. Along with fishing, trade, and industrial activities (mills and forges), timber rafting was also an important economic sector for centuries. Large rafts loaded with wood from the Black Forest and Switzerland departed from here and travelled as far as the piles of houses in Amsterdam. However, from the 19th century onwards, steamships and rail transport took over this role.
Today, many historical features remain present. Built in the 12th century, St. John’s (St. Johann) Church underwent Baroque renovations between 1753 and 1755. The Sprachpanorama and the Museum Schiff are among the many attractions in town, and the “Laufenburger Acht” trail provides an opportunity to explore both banks’ history along a six-kilometre route.
(Source and further information: www.laufenburg.ch)
Impressions from Laufenburg
Easter in Laufenburg (Osterbrunnen in Laufenburg)
