ライヒスフェルトの洞窟・トップ18

At the end of the ridge, at an altitude of 443 meters, lies Ortenbourg Castle, built between 1260 and 1265 by Rudolf Habsburg and one of the most beautiful ruins in the Rhine Valley. A masterpiece of military architecture, with its high gorge surrounding a 32-meter-long dungeon, it is visible from afar and blends perfectly into the landscape. This dungeon offered six levels of defensive fire, and its pentagonal design allowed for better deflection of attackers' projectiles. The recently founded association "Les sentinelles de l'Ortenbourg" (Ortenbourg Sentinels) aims to preserve, expand, and revitalize the castle.

Built in 1247 to control the valley and the neighboring abbey, the castle features a large, 24-meter-high square tower and a courtyard. Fragments of polychrome frescoes can be seen on one of the ruins' arches—with the carved chimney gables, they display a rare level of sophistication in the 14th century. Over the past 20 years, it has been restored, making it more accessible.

The castle was built around 1264 by the Lords of Andlau, Knights of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, and was largely spared the destructive fury of the Thirty Years' War. During the French Revolution, the castle was confiscated as national property and sold to a merchant in 1796, who resold it piece by piece from 1806 onward, without much notice. In 1818, the Andlau family bought back the castle to preserve its remains. This painstaking and meticulous work is now undertaken by the association "Les Amis du Château d'Andlau" (Friends of the Castle of Andlau).

Beautiful castle ruins. The view of the valley is also magnificent. :)

Very beautiful in every season. Here above the fog in the sun

Unfortunately, I only realized afterwards that it can only be visited on a few days!

The tour from Dambach la ville is not too long or too difficult, and can be walked or run. However, I recommend appropriate footwear (hiking shoes, trail running shoes), as there are a few places on the descent, for which you can choose from two options, that require surefootedness. From the castle ruins you have a wonderful view over the Rhine plain to the Black Forest.

In August 2024: The entire facility is closed “for safety reasons”.