Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre

The Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre, also known as Burg Hohrappoltstein or Altenkastel, is a historic ruin located north of Ribeauvillé in the Haut-Rhin department of France. Situated at an altitude of 640 meters, it is one of the three famous Ribeauvillé Castles. The site’s history dates back to the Roman era, with the oldest parts of the structure dating to the 12th century. The current ruins largely stem from the 13th century when the Lords of Ribeaupierre reoccupied the mountaintop. The castle has a varied past, including surviving a three-day siege in 1287, serving as an observation post in the 16th century, and functioning as a regional prison in the 17th century.

Visitors can access the site freely, though they enter at their own risk. The castle is open all day, and contact details for inquiries are +33-3-89-73-23-23. The site features a cistern and remnants of a former drawbridge. However, visitors cannot climb the round keep, and access requires hiking strenuous paths. A visit to all three Ribeauvillé castles typically takes a couple of hours. While some sources indicate the site is closed to the public, others state it is accessible; visitors are advised to check current conditions. The location offers panoramic views and a tangible connection to the medieval history of the Alsace region. This ruin serves as a key destination for those interested in hiking and medieval architecture in the Ribeauvillé area.