Balsthal, Switzerland (castles galore)

In my previous post I cycled out of a long narrow valley and now I'm coming down into Balsthal (population 6,100). I see this castle off in the distance and it makes me scratch my head. Why is this castle so far away from town? What strategic importance does it provide so far away from town? I better check it out. 
 

The ruins of Neu-Falkenstein castle dates back to 1100. Why is it here? Behind the first two houses there's a two lane road leading out of the valley. That explains--it did have strategic importance. 

Leaving Balsthal via another road I pass Alt-Falkenstein castle. Built around 1100 it guarded another entrance to Balsthal.

The only way up to Alt-Falkenstein castle is via a walkway and I waste 20 minutes trying to find the pathway. 

I stop a few miles from Balsthal and look back. Whoa, I spot a castle up on the hills.  

Using the zoom lens on my camera I snap a photo. I later learn it's Neu-Bechburg castle and dates back to 1280. It went through a slew of owners and is now owned by a foundation--which rents it out for marriages. 

Coming to this roundabout I see this javelina. I grew up up in Arizona and that's what they call 'em. I know Switzerland has wild pigs as you can buy them in supermarkets in the winter--usually in a sauce and meat is tough. 

I haven't seen my friend outside a pastry shop in quite a while. 

Passing through a tiny village I spot a castle in the distance.

I asked three locals how to get up to the schloss (castle) but no one can tell me. I'm pretty sure it's private.