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Fleckenstein Castle: A Medieval Stronghold in the Northern Vosges

Explore the dramatic ruins of Fleckenstein Castle, a medieval fortress carved into a sandstone ridge in the heart of the Northern Vosges.

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Perched atop a dramatic sandstone ridge in the Northern Vosges, Fleckenstein Castle is a ruined medieval fortress with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Explore its troglodytic rooms, towers, and cisterns, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Castle of Fleckenstein

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the castle ruins and hiking the surrounding trails.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the castle and enjoy the views.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Consider combining your visit with a hike to the nearby castles of Loewenstein, Hohenbourg and Wegelnburg.
  • Dogs are allowed on a lead throughout the site, except inside the P'tit Fleck play area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Fleckenstein Castle is located near Lembach in the Bas-Rhin department of France. From Lembach, follow the D3 towards Niedersteinbach, then turn right towards Fleckenstein Castle. There is a designated parking area for cars and buses. From the car park, it's a gentle 300m climb to the reception area via the charcoal burners footpath. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Lembach is served by the Fluo Grand Est bus line 310. From Strasbourg, take a train to a connecting station like Haguenau, then take bus line 310 to Lembach. From April 18 to October 19, 2025, the tourist line Fluo 317 will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, directly connecting to Fleckenstein Castle. From the Lembach bus stop, follow the road towards the castle; it's approximately a 3km walk.

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Discover more about Castle of Fleckenstein

Fleckenstein Castle, located near Lembach in Alsace, France, is a testament to medieval ingenuity and strategic defense. First mentioned in 1174, the castle was held by the influential Fleckenstein family for six centuries. Carved directly into a 52-meter-long sandstone ridge, the castle controlled key routes between Alsace and Lorraine. Originally a basic fortification, Fleckenstein evolved into a formidable castle, admired by the architect Daniel Specklin as the 'ideal castle'. Its defenses included curtain walls, fortified gates, a 13th-century well tower, and a 16th-century stair tower. An ingenious rainwater collection system fed a cistern, and a hoist moved water to the upper floors. Despite its reputation as an impregnable 'eagle's nest,' Fleckenstein fell to Louis XIV's troops in 1680 and was destroyed with gunpowder. Today, the ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the remains of troglodyte rooms, steps carved into the rock, and the well tower. The castle's listing as an ancient monument in 1898 recognizes its architectural significance. Hiking trails around the castle provide spectacular viewpoints and connect to other nearby castles, such as Loewenstein, Hohenbourg, and Wegelnburg. Fleckenstein Castle is the second most visited castle in Alsace, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors annually.

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