슐레트슈타트‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪20‬개의 동굴

The large wall at the rear of the ruins has been reinforced. The keep is also now dilapidated. To prevent anyone from climbing the tower, the lower staircase has been removed.

Saunt Ulric Castle is the largest of the three ruins. It is currently undergoing partial renovation. A small section is cordoned off, and caution is advised in other areas. However, the keep is accessible.

The castle of Haut-Ribeaupierre (Hohrappoltstein) was probably built during the turmoil of the Interregnum around the mid-13th century. It served as an outpost at a time when the King of France was planning to invade Alsace. Later, it served as an observation tower for early warning of forest fires. The entire castle complex is dominated by an imposing circular keep, which offers a magnificent view of the Alsatian plain and the surrounding mountain ridges.

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.

Ulrichsburg is the most impressive and best-preserved of the three castles. It was built on the rocky promontory around the mid-13th century. Until the 15th century, it was the residence of the Rappoltstein family and therefore has little military significance. Remains still visible today include: - the square keep and the main building (12th century), - the knights' hall and the large residential tower (13th century), - the barbican in front of the entrance and the outer wall (14th century), - the Chapel of Saint Ulrich (15th century). Girsberg Castle, built around 1250 opposite Ulrichsburg, was intended to strengthen its defenses.

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.

Among the four ruins that dominate Ribeauvillé, Saint Ulrich seems undoubtedly one of the most fascinating castle complexes in the Haute- Alsace. It used to control the strategic road that connected the Alsace plain with the upper Lièpvre valley. Witness to the power of the lords of Ribeaupierre, it was their main residence until its final abandonment in the 16th century. It has different architectural styles: Romanesque parts are combined with Gothic and even Renaissance elements. Not far away, Girsberg Castle was built in the 13th century to house a new branch of the Ribeaupierre family: the house is still clearly visible there. Haut-Ribeaupierre was certainly built during the troubled period of the Great Interregnum, around the middle of the 13th century. on the site of a first castle, probably from the 10th century: it will serve as an advance post during the planned invasion of Alsace by the King of France, and then as a watchtower intended to prevent forest fires. The entire building is dominated by an imposing circular keep that offers beautiful views of the Alsace plain and the adjacent mountain ridges. A fourth castle was recently discovered under Saint Ulrich. Source: https://www.chateauxfortsalsace.com/fr/chateau/le-chateau-du-girsberg/

Beautiful castle ruins, the view of the vineyards and the Rhine plain is gigantic. The climb is very varied, but not without its challenges! There are a few short rocky passages that can be slippery, especially when wet, and may need to be managed with the help of your hands. Good footwear is definitely recommended.