Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle

Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle, locally known as Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre or Burg Hohrappoltstein, lies north of the village of Ribeauvillé in the Haut-Rhin department in France. This area is also known as the Southern Alsace or the Vosges.

Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle is one of the 3, so-called, Ribeauvillé Castles. The others are; St. Ulrich Castle and Girsberg Castle, both of which lie further down the mountain.

Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle was also known as 'Altenkastel' (Old Castle). It was built on the mountaintop at an altitude of 640 meters, and the site was first mentioned in 1038. This mention could apply to the large enclosure which Haut-Ribeaupierre occupies partially.

In the 12th century the Lords of Ribeaupierre moved down the mountain to build St. Ulrich Castle. But in the 13th century they reoccupied the mountaintop and built Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle. In 1254 this castle was called Altenkastel perhaps in reference to the earlier enclosure. In 1287 the castle was besieged by Rodolphe de Habsbourg because of a conflict he had with its keeper; Anselme de Ribeaupierre. However he didn't succeed and ended the siege after only 3 days. In the 16th century the castle was primarily used as an observation post to watch out for fires and approaching enemies. During the 17th century it was used as a regional prison.

The round keep, dating to the first half of the 13th century, dominates the castle. There's a cistern in the bailey and the entrance was formerly equipped with a drawbridge in the 14th-16th century.

At present Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle is freely accessible, although at your own risk. You can not climb the keep anymore, sadly enough. This is a nice ruin.

All 3 Ribeauvillé Castles are only reachable by walking some quite strenuous paths. Prepare to spend a couple of hours if you want to visit all 3 of them.

Gallery