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Château de Saint-Ulrich: A Majestic Ruin Overlooking Ribeauvillé

Explore the majestic ruins of Château de Saint-Ulrich, a medieval castle offering panoramic views of Ribeauvillé and the Alsatian landscape.

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The Château de Saint-Ulrich, also known as Château de Grand-Ribeaupierre, is one of three castles that majestically overlooks the town of Ribeauvillé in Alsace, France. Dating back to the 12th century, these impressive ruins showcase a blend of architectural styles and offer panoramic views of the Alsatian landscape.

A brief summary to Château de Saint-Ulrich

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the castle is steep and rocky.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially on warm days, as there are no facilities at the castle.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the castle and enjoy the views.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Girsberg Castle and Haut-Ribeaupierre for a complete experience of Ribeauvillé's castle.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Château de Saint-Ulrich is accessible only on foot. The shortest route starts from the Lutzelbach car park on Rue de Lutzelbach behind the high school in Ribeauvillé. Follow the hiking trail marked 'Circuit des trois châteaux' (Three Castles' Circuit) using the GR5 or signs for the Fortified Castles' Trail. Allow approximately 45 minutes for the uphill walk through the vineyards to reach the castle ruins.

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Discover more about Château de Saint-Ulrich

Perched at an altitude of 528 meters, the Château de Saint-Ulrich, also called Gross Rappolstein, is the largest and best-preserved of the three castles that dominate the skyline above Ribeauvillé. This fascinating castle complex in Upper Alsace controlled the strategic road linking the Alsatian Plain to the high valley of Lièpvre. Originally known as Rappolstein Castle, it served as the principal residence of the powerful lords of Ribeaupierre from the 11th to the 16th centuries. The castle's present name comes from the chapel dedicated to Saint Ulrich of Augsburg, erected in the 15th century. The castle is a fine example of military architecture in Alsace, with a keep and residence dating back to the 12th century. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded, incorporating Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. Key features include the Knights Hall, a rectangular room adorned with nine Romanesque windows, a barbican, an outer enceinte, and the Chapel of Saint-Ulrich. The Ribeaupierre family left the castle in the 16th century, and it was later dismantled during the Thirty Years' War. Today, the ruins impress visitors with their size and the variety of architectural styles. Climbing the keep provides great views of the surrounding area and the village of Ribeauvillé below.

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