RIBEAUVILLE, FRANCE: This time our excursion took place in the French Vosges. The Vosges are a low mountain range in the east of France near the Rhine plain. The Vosges are full of historic buildings and the Saint Ulrich ruin is one of them. The ruin is located not far from the small town of Ribeauville on a hill with a beautiful view over the Rhine Valley.
In this video, I visit the Castle Ruin Saint Ulrich (Château de Saint-Ulrich), one of the most iconic medieval castles in the Alsace region of France. Perched high above the charming wine town of Ribeauvillé, the castle is a powerful reminder of Alsace’s medieval history, where fortresses once guarded the valleys and trade routes across the Vosges mountains.
Castle Saint Ulrich dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries and was once the residence of the lords of Ribeaupierre, a noble family who controlled the surrounding lands. For centuries, the castle served both as a fortress and as a symbol of power in the region. Its strategic location offered commanding views over the Alsace plain, the vineyards, and the routes leading into the Vosges. Although abandoned in the 16th century and left to decay, the ruins remain remarkably impressive today.
Walking through the site, visitors can explore the fortified walls, towers, and remains of the great hall, which once hosted banquets and gatherings. The massive keep still dominates the ruin, giving a sense of the strength and importance of this castle during its peak. From the top, the views stretch across Ribeauvillé, the vineyards of Alsace, and even the Black Forest in Germany on clear days. The setting combines both cultural history and breathtaking landscapes, making it a favorite stop for travelers and hikers.
Reaching Saint Ulrich Castle is itself part of the experience. The hike begins in Ribeauvillé, a medieval town known for its cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and wine-making traditions. From there, a trail climbs steadily up into the forested slopes of the Vosges. The walk takes about 30–45 minutes and is not too difficult, rewarding visitors with a gradual transition from village streets to mountain paths before arriving at the dramatic ruins.
The area around RibeauvillĂ© is also home to two other castle ruins—Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre—making it a fantastic region for exploring medieval heritage. Together, these three castles are often referred to as the “Three Castles of RibeauvillĂ©,” and they form one of the most striking castle groups in Alsace. Saint Ulrich, however, is the largest and most historically significant.
This video captures the atmosphere of exploring Castle Ruin Saint Ulrich: the stone walls, the towers, the sweeping views, and the feeling of stepping back into medieval history. It is not a detailed guide, but rather a way to experience the impression of the site and the beauty of the Alsace landscape.
For anyone traveling in Alsace, a visit to Ribeauvillé and the nearby castles is highly recommended. The combination of vineyards, medieval towns, and castle ruins makes this region one of the most picturesque in France. Castle Saint Ulrich is especially rewarding for those who enjoy hiking, history, and photography, as it offers both dramatic ruins and stunning views.
Exploring the ruins is a reminder of the region’s complex history, where French and German influences have mixed for centuries. Standing among the stones of Saint Ulrich, with the vineyards below and the Vosges behind, visitors can truly feel the layers of history that define Alsace.