Damn it...! To Rheinfelden

Visit the executioner Mengis and experience the cruel justice of the Middle Ages.

 

Meet executioner Mengis.

The last executioner in Rheinfelden was named Theodor Mengis. He carried out all death sentences handed down in civil trials in Switzerland from 1879 to 1918.

On this spine-chilling tour, you’ll accompany executioner Mengis through the Old Town. Learn his stories about the justice system, what his life was like, and how the executions took place.

DATES OF PUBLIC TOURS

Kurt Rosenthaler als Henker Mengis mit einer Gruppe im Vorzimmer des Rathaussaal Rheinfelden

Executioners led a very ambivalent life.

On the one hand, they became quite wealthy, as they often traveled to other towns and regions that, lacking their own judicial authority, had to hire and pay an outside executioner; on the other hand, they were extremely ostracized, so in many towns they were even forced to live outside the city walls. Even in church, the executioner presumably always sat in a separate seat right by the entrance.

DATES OF PUBLIC TOURS

Kurt Rosenthaler als Henker Mengis mit einer Gruppe in der Kirche St. Martin Rheinfelden
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Accessible City Tour.

We are happy to accommodate your individual requests. Do you have participants with mobility impairments? Please let us know so that the tour guides can take this into account. The route will then be planned to ensure that there are sufficient seating options available at short intervals.

This tour is also accessible to people in wheelchairs. However, the City Hall auditorium cannot be visited. St. Martin’s Church has a small step. By opening the double doors, entry with a wheelchair is easily possible.

Please note this in the comments field when booking online or give us a call.
 

Step back in time with Henker Mengis.

On this tour, you will be accompanied by our experienced city guides.
Robi Conrad, Michael Mittag, Kurt Rosenthaler

Our team of city guides

Further information

Highlights of this tour

  • Scenic tour with the executioner Mengis
  • Spooky tour through the Old Town

This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years of age.

Information about the city tour

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Price for up to 24 people: CHF 230
  • School groups: CHF 180

Bookable for groups on any date.

Booking and Inquiries

Rheinfelden Tourism
City Office, Marktgasse 16
4310 Rheinfelden
+41 61 835 52 00
tourismus@rheinfelden.ch
 

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