Château de Greifenstein, Saverne, France

The Château de Greifenstein is a ruined castle in the commune of Saverne. The Grand-Greifenstein was, without doubt, founded in the first half of the 12th century by the knight Meribodo de Greifenstein who had close links to the Ochenstein family. The Petit-Greifenstein dates from the end of the 13th century or start of the 14th century.

Visitors can distinguish two castles separated by a large ditch. The older part has the largest keep in Alsace with 13 metres a side. A renovated tower stands between the two keeps at the centre of the site. It was probably part of Grand-Greifenstein. From the terrace there is an unimpeded view of Saverne, the Château du Haut-Barr, the Château du Grand-Geroldseck, the valley of the Zorn and the Saint-Vit chapel.

To reach the castle, leave Saverne on the D132 road towards Lutzelbourg and turn right towards the Ramsthal lake. Then follow the Club Vosgien path signposted by a blue rectangle.

References:

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User Reviews

Vincent Schleiffer (2 years ago)
A small ruin lost in the forest on the heights of Saverne, you can also go to see the cave of Saint Vit which is very pretty, it makes for a nice walk.

Bluehorse John (3 years ago)
Ruins of a medieval castle unfortunately left abandoned by the town of Saverne, becoming almost inaccessible over the years. Too bad, the place is magical.

Tyra Moonlight (3 years ago)
I went there more than 3 years ago, and the place was accessible and visitable. Unfortunately, now that I've returned, this is no longer the case, but there is a sign that warns only at the end of the route. I hope they manage to restore everything anyway. Because there is a beautiful view from the tower.

Mark Deraeve (5 years ago)
The monument is in a bad state. Wooden staircase is missing 2 steps and I am sure that there will come more. nice view on top of the tower if you dare to ascend the stairs.

Sébastien offner (5 years ago)
The good the bad the weird

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Château de Greifenstein

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