A black bear’s head with a red tongue on a golden shield. This is the emblem that once represented the Lords of Sellenbüren. We are standing in Sellenbüren a hamlet in the municipality of Stallikon. It is located in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland. Sellenbüren may be small but its history is rich.
Sellenbüren sits in the lower Reppisch valley. It lies between the Reppisch river and the western slope of the Uetliberg. Above the village on the Ofengüpfi stood Sellenbüren Castle. Today only the name Ofengüpfi reminds us of the castle.
In 1566 Jos Murer’s map depicted Sellenbüren. The map featured the family coat of arms of the Barons of Sellenbüren. This shows the historical importance of this small hamlet. Sellenbüren is significantly larger than the village of Stallikon. It has a much higher number of settlements.
Stallikon itself has a fascinating past. It was first mentioned in 1124 as Stallinchoven. Baldern Castle is located within Stallikon’s boundaries. It sits on the Albis ridge. Early chronicles suggest Ludwig the German built it in 853 AD. He was the first king of East Francia. The Counts of Lenzburg owned the castle in the 12th century. The reason for its abandonment is unknown.
Stallikon stretches along the Albis hills. It includes the Uetliberg. Near the hills are the hamlets of Mädikon Baldern and Buchenegg. The Reppisch valley includes Stallikon Tägerst Gamlikon and Sellenbüren.
Sellenbüren may be a small part of Stallikon but it has its own story. Its location in the Reppisch valley and its connection to the Lords of Sellenbüren give it a unique character. As we leave Sellenbüren remember the black bear’s head. It symbolizes the history of this special place in the heart of Switzerland.