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:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Vincent Schleiffer (17 months 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 (2 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 (2 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 (4 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 (4 years ago)
The good the bad the weird

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Wikimedia Commons

Historic Site of the week

Château du Lude

The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.

Château de Greifenstein

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Château du Lude