As I said before somewhere, I did not know how many castle ruins are in the area. For this reason I went this time again to the ruin Fleckenstein in Alsace and from there I walked to the nearby ruins Loewenstein and Hohenburg. Unfortunately almost nothing of Loewenstein has survived the times. But from the ruins of Hohenburg Castle you can still clearly see the former mightiness.
In this video, I explore the castle ruins of Löwenstein and Hohenburg in the Alsace region of France. Nestled in the northern Vosges mountains, these ruins tell stories of medieval power, shifting borders, and centuries of history, all set against the backdrop of rolling hills, forests, and sandstone cliffs that make Alsace such a unique destination.
The ruin of Löwenstein sits on a high sandstone outcrop, offering commanding views over the surrounding valleys. Built in the 12th century, it was originally a stronghold of the Holy Roman Empire, later controlled by regional lords who shaped its role in defending trade routes and nearby settlements. Today, only parts of the walls, towers, and foundations remain, but the setting is spectacular. The combination of pink sandstone and deep green forests creates a striking contrast, and standing among the ruins gives a sense of how strategic—and symbolic—the site once was.
A short distance away is the ruin of Hohenburg Castle, equally dramatic and atmospheric. Constructed in the medieval period and expanded over time, Hohenburg was part of the network of fortifications in the Vosges that controlled the borderlands between France and Germany. Like Löwenstein, it was eventually destroyed during conflicts, especially in the turbulent centuries when the region shifted between powers. Today, Hohenburg is partially preserved, with crumbling towers, thick stone walls, and stairways that lead to viewpoints overlooking the forested hills. Exploring the site feels like stepping back into another age, with each stone a fragment of a long and complex history.
The hike to both castles is part of the experience. Trails lead through forests of the Vosges, with sandstone formations, moss-covered rocks, and the quiet of nature surrounding you. Along the way, there are glimpses of other ruins and hints of the region’s layered past. The Alsace is filled with castles—over 400 once stood here—making it one of the most castle-rich regions in Europe. Löwenstein and Hohenburg are less famous than some of the restored fortresses, but precisely because of this they retain a sense of wilderness and discovery.
Visiting these ruins is not just about architecture—it is about atmosphere. The castles are silent, broken shells of their former selves, yet they still dominate their surroundings with a powerful presence. From their high vantage points, you can see why they were built here: to control valleys, watch over trade routes, and signal authority. Standing on the remains of towers, you can imagine knights, nobles, and soldiers who once lived and fought here, as well as the conflicts that ultimately left the castles in ruin.
This video captures the impression of visiting Löwenstein and Hohenburg castle ruins in Alsace: the forest trails, the pink sandstone cliffs, the dramatic silhouettes of ruined towers, and the sweeping views over the Vosges. It is not a step-by-step guide but an overview of the mood and history of these sites, where nature and heritage blend seamlessly.
For travelers, these ruins are part of the charm of Alsace beyond its famous vineyards and villages. They are reminders that this land has long been a borderland, shaped by shifting empires and local lords. Hiking to them combines the pleasure of outdoor exploration with the discovery of a cultural landscape rich in stories. Whether you come for history, hiking, or simply the views, Löwenstein and Hohenburg offer an experience that is both peaceful and deeply evocative.