Live in the Munot moat

A game preserve for fallow deer

In the 19 th century, Schaffhausen’s fortifications became obsolete and were largely demolished. In 1905, at the request of the “Verschönerungsverein Schaffhausen”, the now obsolete section of the moat by the Munot was turned into a game preserve for fallow deer.

Even today, these elegant animals are the true stars of the fortress. Some of them even have names. The stag of the herd is traditionally named after the sitting mayor of Schaffhausen.

Many other animal species find refuge here. Robins, tits and sparrows build their nests in the bushes, pigeons and jackdaws make their homes in wall cavities. The hazel bushes attract squirrels and mice. Even a fox has been spotted on occasion. And if you look closely, you can sometimes see bats flying around the darker recesses of the halls.

Bild: Stadtarchiv Schaffhausen, J 02.05.03/01

Bild: Stadtarchiv Schaffhausen, J 02.05.03/01

Fallow deer have lived in the Munot moat for more than 100 years. These elegant animals, and particularly their young in the springtime, are one of the attractions of the Munot. Photograph circa 1920.


Numerous jackdaws (a) visit the Munot every year. The clever cavity-nesters are clearly happy in amongst the battlements high above Schaffhausen. Sparrows (b), pigeons (c), great tits (d), magpies (e) and robins (f) can all be found here too.