The “Ruins” at Hohenklingen Castle

High above Stein am Rhein, Hohenklingen Castle has towered over the Rhine landscape for centuries. Its imposing walls, the view over the rooftops of the old town, and the castle’s unique atmosphere have long made this historic site a popular destination for visitors from the region. On Saturday evening, the castle will now serve as the stage for an extraordinary concert experience by the band “Ruinen” from Wagenhausen.

The German-Swiss band has made a name for itself in recent years with its intense live performances. For the six musicians, however, it’s been about much more than just the music for quite some time. “For us, every concert should create a world of its own,” explains singer and guitarist Dany Horowitz. In fact, the band is known for elaborately designed stage sets, handmade projections, and thematically coordinated visuals that turn every performance into a small total work of art.

Preparations are already underway at Hohenklingen Castle as well. Amid ancient stone walls, wooden beams, and the open castle courtyard, a scene of light, fabrics, and projections is taking shape, deliberately adapted to the unique setting. When the first notes echo through the courtyard after sunset, the castle and the concert are sure to merge into a single, impressive whole.

Musically, “Ruinen” moves somewhere between modern folk, progressive rock, and atmospheric soundscapes. Alexander Ehrat’s deep bass meets the natural warmth of the acoustic guitar and Frederik Will’s melancholic piano melodies. Added to this are the rhythmic drums of Mirjam Wernigk and Simon Seidenschnur, which unfold at times in a restrained and hypnotic manner, and at other times with power and urgency. Over it all are the distinctive voices of Horowitz and Ehrat, as well as the experimental guitar lines of Moritz Wagner.

This blend is sure to have a special impact, especially in this unique setting. Hohenklingen Castle offers the perfect backdrop: rugged, steeped in history, and at the same time open to new sounds. Admission to the concert is free; it begins on Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m., and the castle restaurant team will be serving refreshments. The band will organize a hike to the castle. The meeting point is at 6:30 p.m. at the Untertor in Stein am Rhein. A shuttle will also be available, departing at 7:00 p.m. from the Stein am Rhein train station.

For the band, however, the evening is anything but ordinary. “You don’t often find places like this,” says singer and guitarist Dany Horowitz. “You don’t just want to play there—you want to create something that will be remembered.”

It will be exciting to see how “Ruinen” will bring the old castle to life on Saturday evening.