In the footsteps of the castles of Alsace Essentielle
In Alsace, castles aren’t just to be visited: they’re to be discovered along the way. Perched on ridges, hidden in the forest or overlooking the villages of the Wine Route, they tell the story of centuries of history and offer spectacular views of the landscape. In Alsace Essentielle, there are a number of castles that lend themselves particularly well to a stroll or hike. Here are 5 castles to discover in Alsace, between vineyards, mountains and panoramic views over the plain. It’s impossible to miss the Schlossberg Castle in Kaysersberg! Its silhouette dominates the village and naturally draws the eye from the narrow streets. From the center, the path climbs quickly up the hill before reaching the castle ramparts. In just a few minutes, you’ll be in the courtyard, at the foot of the great tower. the castle has watched over the valley since the 13th century. As you climb to the top of the freely accessible keep (you’ll need a bit of courage to climb the 122 steps), you’ll discover an open view of the village rooftops, the Vosges mountains to the west and the Grand Cru Schlossberg vineyards to the east, as far as Mambourg and the Black Forest. From this promontory, you’ll quickly understand why this location was chosen to watch over and protect this strategic passage. From Ribeauvillé, several trails lead up to the heights. Following the forest, you gradually reach a ridge line where three stone silhouettes stand. Ribeauvillé’s Three Castles – Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre – tell the story of several centuries of history. Between the ruins, views open out over the vineyards and the Alsace plain. The atmosphere changes as you walk: a forest passage, a clearing, then the castle walls appearing between the trees. It’s also a great way to get some height above the wine route. Above the circular village of Eguisheim, another silhouette catches the eye: that of the Trois Châteaux d’Eguisheim. These three fortresses – Wahlenbourg, Dagsbourg and Weckmund – are built just a few metres apart on the same rocky spur. Arriving at the site, you discover their closely spaced towers and the space they once occupied. From the ruins, the view opens out over the Alsace plain, the wine-growing villages and, on a clear day, as far as the Black Forest. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints around Eguisheim! Did you know? the Wineck Castle is the only castle in Alsace surrounded by vines. Starting from the village of Katzenthal, the trail climbs through the steep vineyards of the Wineck Grand Cru. A few minutes later, the reward: the ramparts of Wineck Castle appear. The castle is easily recognized by its well-preserved square tower, which overlooks the vineyard slopes. Once there, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view over the valley and vineyards to the Colmar plain. It’s a quiet spot, ideal for a short break before heading back down to the village. Benches and picnic tables await you. Perched at an altitude of over 600 meters, the Hohlandsbourg Castle dominates the entire region. Exploring the castles in Alsace Essentielle means combining hiking, heritage, and stunning scenery. You’ll walk through vineyards, cross forests, and eventually find yourself standing before stone walls steeped in history. Each castle tells a story of the past… and often offers a new perspective on the surrounding villages and valleys. If you have the chance, take the time to visit several: each site has its own atmosphere, its own view, and its own story to discover. Why not set out on the Alsace Castle Trail during your next getaway? 5 fortresses to explore
Between vineyards and mountains
Climb up to Kaysersberg castle
Walk to Ribeauvillé’s Three Castles
Take a tour of Eguisheim’s Three Castles
Discover Wineck Castle above Katzenthal
History at Hohlandsbourg Castle
Unlike many ruins, this castle can be visited with specially designed areas, exhibitions and events. As you walk along the ramparts, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Colmar, the Alsace plain and the Vosges mountains.
Another way to discover Alsace
