Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre, Ribeauvillé, France

The Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre is one of three castles (with the Château de Saint-Ulrich and the Château du Girsberg) which overlook the municipality of Ribeauvillé. Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre is the oldest of the Ribeaupierre's castles, its existence being known from 1084. It was constructed on an ancient Roman site. Then known as the 'Altenkastel', it was Anselme de Ribeaupierre who took possession of the castle in 1288.

Around 1368, Brunon de Ribeaupierre became owner. Dedicated to a ferocious hatred for the English, he imprisoned Sir John Harleston, who had an imperial safe conduct, in the keep from 1384 to 1387. He was only freed with the payment of a large ransom and after pressure from the Holy Roman Empire. At the end of the 13th century, the castle became a residence of the Ribeaupierres. Another noted prisoner was held in the keep in 1477. Philippe de Croy, Count of Chimay, ally of Charles the Bold, was captured by a Ribeaupierre at Nancy.

Most of the castle today is completely ruined and surrounded by dense vegetation.

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User Reviews

Serge Kovacs (2 years ago)
The highest of 3 castles Currently they are working there and the tower itself is not accessible There are 2 paths going up from the lower castles, the one marked "facille" is a little bit easier, but don't expect any miracles, it's still a climb up hill ? Obviously all 3 castles are absolutely free to visit

Bob (2 years ago)
The walk to this castle was nice. Sadly during our visit there were active construction works ongoing. Which made further exploring impossible. Plus it also kinda destroyed the image of the castle ruins

Maxime (2 years ago)
The hike to reach this castle from chateau saint ulrich is a bit more technical with roots and rock. It would deserve a little restoration as it’s seems to udr to be possible to go on top of the tower. I guess it became too dangerous.

Audrea Barth (3 years ago)
High fitness level needed to reach the Castle Ruins, but it's worth the hike. Not a lot of Ruins to see, but what is there is amazing. Definitely worth the hike.

Yihua Wu (6 years ago)
You will surely be impressed if you get here! The view is superb.

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