Ribeauville, France: The 3 Castle Hike In Alsace

Are you looking for the best hike in Alsace? After 2 weeks of hiking and exploring (and wine drinking), our favourite hike was to the Three Castles of Ribeauville.

Alsace is perfect for adventure travellers who want a hit of fairytale fantasy thanks to countless castles like The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, the beautiful forests of the Vosges Mountains, and colourful half-timbered houses like those in the picturesque villages of Ribeauville, Eguisheim and Riquewihr. 

While navigating the famous wine route, we did a lot of hiking and out of them all, our favourite was to the Three Castles of Ribeauville, Les Trois Chateaux de Ribeauville, otherwise known in French.

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Hiking In Alsace: The Three Castles Of Ribeauville 

It’s a scenic castle circuit that also includes the small Notre Dame de Dusenbach Monastery and the stunning Kahlfelsen Viewpoint. 

It was a moderate hike with amazing scenery. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to Alsace’s three castles of Ribeauville.

In this post, I’m sharing our hiking experience with the Three Castles of Ribeauville. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect when planning your hike, hiking tips and why it was our favourite.

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About Les Trois Châteaux De Ribeauville

As the name suggests, this hiking route in France features three castles atop a hill just outside Ribeauville, a small village in the heart of Alsace. In total, we did four hikes in Alsace, and this one was by far my favourite. 

The castles we hiked to are known as Château Saint-Ulrich, Château du Girsberg, and Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre. Once owned by a powerful family who ruled the area for centuries, they sit in ruin today.

Château Saint-Ulrich was built in the 11th century by the Ribeaupierre family and was once a formidable fortress with thick walls and towers.

Château du Girsberg was later built in the 13th century and used as a lodging for the Ribeaupierre lords before being given to the knights of Guirsberg in the 14th century. It’s known for its impressive pentagonal tower and beautiful views of the region.

Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre, the oldest of the three castles, was built in the early 11th century and was the largest and most important of the three castles. It was a centre of power for the Ribeaupierre family and had a circular keep.

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Where Is Ribeauville, France?

Ribeauville is a village located in the northeastern part of France, near the border with Germany. It’s on the famous Alsace Wine Route at the base of the Vosges Mountains and is about 10 miles north of Colmar, a well-known city in Alsace. 

Overview: Hiking in Ribeauville, Alsace

Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time: Approx. 3 to 4 hours
Cost: Free

When planning a hike to the three castles of Ribeauville, there are a few things to consider to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Although the hike is not difficult, it does take a few hours and is primarily uphill until you reach the castles. We spent the whole morning hiking and exploring; if you’re anything like us, you’ll need at least 4 hours for a round trip.

• Consider what you’re going to wear and pack, as there are no refreshment points along the way. The first part is unshaded along the vineyards; you’ll also need hiking shoes as the ground is uneven. The weather can be hot, too, especially in summer.

• Early mornings can be the best time to visit, with an aim to reach the castles before the midday heat. The hike back down is within the forest and shaded.

• The route is not challenging, and there are a handful of signposts directing you to the castles; it was a little confusing at times, but I wouldn’t suggest you need a guide.

What To Pack For Hiking In Alsace

When hiking in Alsace, it is crucial to pack appropriately and take into account the climate. As it can get quite hot, it is essential to wear lightweight and breathable clothing, proper walking shoes, and, if it helps, hiking sticks to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

I recommended wearing light, sweat-absorbent fabrics that can keep you cool and dry. We took walking shoes, which were necessary as the terrain was uneven and loose, though generally easy to navigate.

Take a hat if you’re hiking in summer, and don’t forget to apply lots of sunscreen and bring sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you plan to visit during winter or early spring, consider packing a light rain jacket, too.

⭐ Pro tip: Remember to carry a refillable water bottle with you and pack plenty of snacks.

Where To Stay In Ribeauville, France

Although not necessary, I would suggest spending at least one night in Ribeauville. Since I recommend an early morning hike, it’s possible to spend the afternoon in Ribeauville on the same day, but who wants to do this all sweaty? 

Ribeauville is one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace; it deserves some of your time. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes along a picturesque high street and a handful of accommodations.

Although we didn’t stay at these, I wanted to include a few options to help you plan your trip. We stayed at a campsite as we were in our campervan.

• The One Apartments: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Cottage, The Coopers Workshop (min 3-night stay): Check and review prices on Booking
• Gîtes Strengbach (min 3-night stay): Check and review prices on Booking

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What To Expect? The Three Castles Of Ribeauville

Now, onto the good stuff: the low-down of the hike! I wanted to quickly run through our hike so you know exactly what to expect, as there are a few additional stops to make on this circuit you might have otherwise missed.

What Time To Start The Hike?

Jack and I planned to wake up early and head out at 8:30 am. We might have had a few too many glasses of delicious Alsatian wine the night before and didn’t actually make it to the hiking entrance until 9:30. Not advised! 

We got caught out by the midday sun, and the last 20-minute hike to Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre was a sweaty mess. 

⭐ Pro tip: With this in mind, I strongly suggest an earlier start time. If you can get going by 8:30 am, I think this is the best time to start your hike to the three castles. It takes just over an hour to reach the first castle, Chateau Saint-Ulrich, at a 20:00 p/k pace.

The Beginning Of The Hiking Loop

The hike begins at the north end of Ribeauville. Although there are a few additional starting points, we took the entrance at the end of the Grand’Rue (street).

The trail follows a short path along the old fortifications before turning left into the vineyards. From here, it’s a straight uphill trail along the vineyards. From the start, the views are already beautiful, but as you progress to the top of the ridge, they become spectacular.

Eventually, you’ll reach the forest and the first waymarker. There are a few options here, but we went left towards Château Saint-Ulrich. It took us around 20 minutes to reach this point and a further 15 minutes to the castle.

Hiking To Château Saint-Ulrich

Château Saint-Ulrich was quite spectacular. Even though it lies in ruin, it’s still accessible, and it’s possible to climb to the top of the old keep. We met an American couple here and began talking with them for some time, which meant we spent longer here than planned about 45 minutes. 

In reality, you’ll only need about 15 minutes to explore the castle, climb the tower and take some stunning shots. The views from the top of the tower are breathtaking.

⭐ Pro tip: To reach it once you come out of the forest. You’ll come to a junction to go either left, right or upwards. It’s obvious as you’ll be able to see the castles, but you’ll go left for Château Saint-Ulrich or right for Chateau du Girsberg.

Hiking To Château du Girsberg

Afterwards, head to Chateau du Girsberg. The couple we had just been talking to had read it wasn’t worth visiting, and so skipped it, but it’s worth seeing. The castle is only 5 minutes from Château Saint-Ulrich along a flat path and so easy to reach. 

Return along the path and follow the sign to Chateau du Girsberg. Although you can’t enter the castle tower, there is a viewing platform which overlooks the valley and provides fantastic views of Château Saint-Ulrich.

There was no one at this castle when we arrived, which was nice; however, we did notice more people arriving at Château Saint-Ulrich. It was around 11 am by the time we set out for Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre.

Hiking To Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre

Reaching Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre was the only time we were left a little confused as the signs were not so clear. It became clear there were two ways to reach this castle, and I’m not certain we went the easiest route; however, it was certainly the fastest.

We managed to reach Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre before our American friends, even though we spent 15 minutes at Chateau du Girsberg.

As for the route, you’ll need to return along the path to the junction and head upwards. The sign actually tells you to go left (which is what I guess the others did), but we went right and upward instead, as it was the direction our map was telling us. 

It’s a steep, slightly overgrown, and rocky climb that takes around 15 minutes, but it will bring you to Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre. It’s somewhat more strenuous than the other route, so it’s a great option if you want a more challenging climb. 

We spent 15 minutes at Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre. It’s not possible to climb the keep, however, you can walk around the castle. At the time of visiting, some building works were happening, possibly reconstruction.

Kahlfelsen Viewpoint

Afterwards, you’ll want to begin the hike back down to Ribeauville. It’s possible to return the way you came, but for a more extended adventure, continue the loop through the forest to Kahlfelsen Viewpoint. This stunning location overlooks the Vosges Mountains.

⭐ Pro tip: To find the viewpoint, follow the dirt track down from Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre until a junction. At this point, the track continues straight, and there is a clear turning to the right. To the left, there are a few signs directing hikers into the forest. Look for a smaller trail leading into the forest on the left. 

Follow the trail and go right and the next junction until you reach a fork; go left to Kahlfels. It should take around 20 minutes. There are some stone benches at the viewpoint, although when we arrived, they were under the sun, so it wasn’t pleasant to sit there. 

Notre Dame de Dusenbach Monastery

The final stop on this circuit is the Notre Dame de Dusenbach Monastery, which was a little treasure. To reach the monastery, head downwards from Kahlfelsen Viewpoint along a trail to the right (as if you’re facing the direction of the viewpoint) into the forest and not along the dirt track, which runs parallel. 

Notre Dame de Dusenbach Monastery is a beautiful monastery founded in the 13th century and registered as a Historic Site. It’s known for its stunning architecture, which includes neo-gothic architecture.

If you’re looking for a peaceful and spiritual place to visit in Alsace, Notre Dame de Dusenbach Monastery is definitely worth a visit.

Finally, continue along the path out of the village and pass by the Stations to the Cross. Keep an eye out for the trail which leads through the woods back to Ribeauville. Our campsite was actually located on the main road, so we left the trail at the bottom of the road.

In total, we took about 4 hours to complete the hike, stopping regularly at the sites, but I think 3 hours is enough.

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Tips To Help On Your Alsace Hike

I want you to have the best hike to the three castles of Ribeauville, so here is a quick summary of essential Alsace hiking tips to make sure you do.

• Wear appropriate hiking gear, such as comfortable and sturdy shoes, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen during summer hikes. 

• Carry enough water and snacks to sustain you through the hike. You won’t find any refreshment points along the way.

• Plan your hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds. 

• Study the route map and signposts carefully to avoid getting lost. 

• Respect the environment and avoid littering. Remember to take all your waste with you and use designated waste disposal facilities.

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Resources For France

Is it your first time visiting France? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip.

• If you’re in Alsace, you won’t want to miss Strasbourg. It was our favourite city in the region; here are 25 reasons why!
• Staying in France longer? If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you might be interested in our Paris 3-day itinerary to help you plan a trip.
• We spent weeks driving around Alsace, and since it was so much fun, we wanted to share our 14-day Alsace itinerary with you.
• Finally, hopefully, you don’t need it, but if you have any problems with your flight, you might be able to claim compensation for delayed or cancelled flights with AirHelp.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs, and download a digital data pack.

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Hiking In Ribeauville, France FAQs

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In Summary: Hiking The 3 Castles Of Ribeauville, Alsace

As always, I leave you with our final thoughts about hiking to the three castles of Ribeuville in Alsace. It was a fantastic hike, which was not difficult and only took a few hours, which is great for me as the longer I go, the stiffer I get. The views are spectacular, and the chance to visit not one but three castles, plus a monastery, made it even better.

We had a beautiful day, which certainly helped. If you’re flexible with the dates, aim for a sunny day, as you’ll get the best views over the valley. Our hike was in early September, which was still hitting the high 20s, so make sure you go prepared by packing sunscreen, a cap and snacks and always carry a water bottle.