Beringen, Switzerland

Beringen
Coat of arms
Beringen
Location of Beringen
Coordinates: 47°41′N 8°34′E / 47.683°N 8.567°E / 47.683; 8.567Coordinates: 47°41′N 8°34′E / 47.683°N 8.567°E / 47.683; 8.567
Country	Switzerland
Canton	Schaffhausen
District	n.a.
Area
• Total	18.64 km2 (7.20 sq mi)
Elevation	456 m (1,496 ft)
Population (Dec 2015)
• Total	4,541
• Density	240/km2 (630/sq mi)
Postal code	8222
SFOS number	2932
Surrounded by	Hemmental, Löhningen, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Schaffhausen, Siblingen
Website	www.beringen.ch Profile (German), SFSO statistics

Beringen is a municipality in the canton of Schaffhausen in Switzerland. On 1 January 2013 the former municipality of Guntmadingen merged into the municipality of Beringen.

In the Eschheimer Valley near Beringen, a gravesite had been discovered that is believed to reach back to the early Bronze Age. Several feet below the surface and covered by a layer of rocks, a skeleton was discovered, along with a bronze ax with a blade and dagger, as well as a decorative needle, a piece of wire, and several bronze nails. This grave was typical for the burial customs of the early Bronze Age.

There is good evidence that a "Hof" (cluster of buildings) in the Lieblosen-Valley dates back to the time when the Romans governed the territory, as can be seen by an ancient supporting wall embracing the living quarters and two economy buildings. A spectacular find was discovered when a military tile was unearthed showing the imprint of the 11th and 21st legion was well as the 26th cohort, indicating the presence of a corps of volunteers made up of Roman citizens. Similar tiles have been found in Windisch, Bechtersbohl, and Baden-Baden. Further indications of a Roman presence is a complex of walls found near the Aasheimer-Hof in Beringen.

Beringen grew up along the creek that now runs though the village. The water drove mills in Beringen, such as the flour mill (no longer in operation), the gypsum mill (replaced by homes), and the so-called Oele (now the site of the municipal swimming pool). Water was needed for the dye-shops in the former Doktorhaus (house for Doctors, now a business establishment). Along the banks of the town creek, people washed everything, including pails, troughs, and related objects. The creek also served as drinking water for livestock, and was the only help in case of a fire.

Naturally, the first settlers established themselves close to the creek, one house next to the other. Two rows of houses formed the original village. When fire consumed one of the houses, it was not replaced; instead, a building for public use was erected. This made it possible that six or more households could be supplied with water instead of only one or two. The best and best-preserved example of this is the Leunhof, a well-known restaurant. Others are the Huggehof, Chloesteril, Kellerhof, Vogelhof, and Paradieserhof, Prinzenhof, and the Winkel. The Chelhof stands close to the church and far away from the creek, next to the well.