The plague in Rheinfelden
On the road with the plague doctor in Rheinfelden in the Middle Ages. Learn how the plague raged and which expressions still remind us of it today.
On the road with the plague doctor.
The guide will take you on a journey back to the Middle Ages, when a lack of hygiene encouraged epidemics. You will also learn which idioms were created during the plague period that we still use today.
Optionally, you can visit the plague exhibition in the Fricktal Museum after the tour.
Sebastiani Brotherhood Rheinfelden.
A Rheinfelden tradition that continues to this day is the fountain singing of the Sebastiani Brotherhood at Christmas and New Year's Eve. Its members go from well to well and sing their song. They ask the inhabitants to be spared from the plague. This custom dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was believed that the wells were contaminated and the polluted water was to blame for the deadly disease.
In the town church of St. Martin there is an altar dedicated to the plague and the Sebastiani brotherhood.
Further information
Highlights on this tour
- scenic tour with the city guide dressed as a plague doctor
- town church of St. Martin
- common anecdotes and idioms dating back to the Middle Ages
Information about the city tour
- Duration: 1.5h
- Price up to 24 persons: CHF 230.-
- School class: CHF 170.-
Bookable for groups on any date.
Booking & request
Tourismus Rheinfelden
Stadtbüro, Marktgasse 16
4310 Rheinfelden
+41 61 835 52 00
tourismus@rheinfelden.ch
