Top 16 Castles around Itterswiller
Best castles around Itterswiller are found in a region known for its vineyards and traditional Alsatian architecture, situated in the Vosges foothills. The area offers a blend of historical significance and natural landscapes. Itterswiller itself is a charming village, with its surroundings providing access to numerous historical sites. This region is characterized by its rich medieval history and viticultural heritage.
Best castles around Itterswiller
- The most popular castles is Bernstein Castle, a castle that offers an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding area from about 560 meters above sea level. These large castle ruins feature a lookout tower that can be climbed.
- Another must-see spot is Andlau Castle, a castle, viewpoint, and historical site. This atypical fortification features two towers standing on the heights of the Alsatian vineyard. Visitors can expect a ruin with a magnificent view over Barr, complemented by information panels explaining the building components in multiple languages.
- Visitors also love Ortenbourg Castle, a castle ruin located at an altitude of 443 meters. Built between 1260 and 1265, it is considered one of the most beautiful ruins in the Rhine Valley. This masterpiece of military architecture features a high gorge surrounding a 32-meter-long dungeon, visible from afar.
- Itterswiller is known for its hilltop castles, medieval ruins, and historical fortifications. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from well-preserved ruins to those integrated into active wine estates.
- The castles around Itterswiller are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 600 upvotes and 500 photos shared.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Andlau Castle
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Bernstein Castle
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The tower can be climbed.
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Ortenbourg Castle
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Rathsamhausen Castle
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The Ottrott castles are open to the public when volunteers are present on the site:
TUESDAY mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m
SATURDAY all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
They are closed in bad weather.
Outside these slots, the castles can be visited upon special request, which you can send to us on the GROUP VISITS page
amchott.fr/infos-pratiques/acces
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Spesbourg Castle
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At the end of the ridge, at an altitude of 443 meters, lies Ortenbourg Castle, built between 1260 and 1265 by Rudolf Habsburg and one of the most beautiful ruins in the Rhine Valley. A masterpiece of military architecture, with its high gorge surrounding a 32-meter-long dungeon, it is visible from afar and blends perfectly into the landscape. This dungeon offered six levels of defensive fire, and its pentagonal design allowed for better deflection of attackers' projectiles. The recently founded association "Les sentinelles de l'Ortenbourg" (Ortenbourg Sentinels) aims to preserve, expand, and revitalize the castle.
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Built in 1247 to control the valley and the neighboring abbey, the castle features a large, 24-meter-high square tower and a courtyard. Fragments of polychrome frescoes can be seen on one of the ruins' arches—with the carved chimney gables, they display a rare level of sophistication in the 14th century. Over the past 20 years, it has been restored, making it more accessible.
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The castle was built around 1264 by the Lords of Andlau, Knights of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, and was largely spared the destructive fury of the Thirty Years' War. During the French Revolution, the castle was confiscated as national property and sold to a merchant in 1796, who resold it piece by piece from 1806 onward, without much notice. In 1818, the Andlau family bought back the castle to preserve its remains. This painstaking and meticulous work is now undertaken by the association "Les Amis du Château d'Andlau" (Friends of the Castle of Andlau).
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Beautiful castle ruins. The view of the valley is also magnificent. :)
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Very beautiful in every season. Here above the fog in the sun
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Unfortunately, I only realized afterwards that it can only be visited on a few days!
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The tour from Dambach la ville is not too long or too difficult, and can be walked or run. However, I recommend appropriate footwear (hiking shoes, trail running shoes), as there are a few places on the descent, for which you can choose from two options, that require surefootedness. From the castle ruins you have a wonderful view over the Rhine plain to the Black Forest.
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In August 2024: The entire facility is closed “for safety reasons”.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most prominent castle directly in Itterswiller?
The most prominent castle directly associated with Itterswiller is the Château d'Ittenwiller, located just one kilometer away in Saint-Pierre. Originally an Augustinian priory from 1115, it is one of Alsace's oldest wine estates and remains inhabited today. You can find more information about its history and features on visit.alsace.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views of the region?
Several castles around Itterswiller provide excellent panoramic views. Bernstein Castle, situated about 560 meters above sea level, offers an excellent vantage point. Similarly, Andlau Castle provides a magnificent view over Barr, and Ortenbourg Castle boasts terrific views over the Rhine Valley, Kaiserstuhl, and the Black Forest.
Are there hiking trails that lead to or past these castles?
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking trails that incorporate these historical sites. For example, you can find routes like the "Belvédère Haydi – Square du Souvenir Français loop from Itterswiller" or the "Andlau Bear Statue – View of Andlau loop from Itterswiller." You can explore more hiking options in the Hiking around Itterswiller guide.
What kind of historical or architectural features can I expect to see at the castles?
The castles showcase a rich variety of historical and architectural elements. Ortenbourg Castle is considered a masterpiece of military architecture with its 32-meter-long dungeon and pentagonal design. Spesbourg Castle features well-preserved ruins with notable Gothic windows and large chimneys. The Château d'Ittenwiller, a former priory, includes fortified walls, moats, square towers with cannon emplacements, and ancient Roman remains.
Are there any castles that are part of active wine estates?
Yes, the Château d'Ittenwiller is particularly noteworthy for being one of the oldest wine estates in Alsace, with a winemaking culture spanning over eight centuries. It is one of only three vineyards in Alsace permitted to bear the "Château" name, signifying that the castle is directly situated on the vineyard property.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near the castles?
Beyond hiking, the area around Itterswiller offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can find various routes for mountain biking, such as the "Mont Sainte-Odile Abbey – Bernstein Castle loop from Epfig," or explore gravel biking trails like the "Mount Sainte-Odile – Bernstein Castle loop from Nothalten." More details are available in the MTB Trails around Itterswiller and Gravel biking around Itterswiller guides.
Are there any castles that are still inhabited or have specific visiting hours?
The Château d'Ittenwiller remains inhabited and is an active wine estate. For other historical sites like Rathsamhausen Castle (also known as Hinter-Lützelburg Castle), public access is often managed by volunteers. For Rathsamhausen, the castles are typically open on Tuesday mornings and Saturdays all day, but it's advisable to check the Friends of the Castles website for the most current information, as they may be closed in bad weather.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Itterswiller?
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning panoramic views offered by many hilltop castles, such as Bernstein Castle. The historical significance and well-preserved ruins, like those of Spesbourg Castle, are also highly valued. Many enjoy the combination of exploring ancient architecture with the natural beauty of the surrounding Alsatian vineyards and forests.
Are there any castles that are particularly good for photography?
Many of the castles offer picturesque settings for photography. Ortenbourg Castle, with its impressive dungeon and integration into the landscape, is highly photogenic. The ruins of Andlau Castle, with its two towers standing on the heights of the Alsatian vineyard, also provide excellent photo opportunities, especially with the views over Barr.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Itterswiller?
The region's castles are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring, with vibrant foliage in autumn and blooming vineyards in spring. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter visits are possible, but some volunteer-run sites might have limited access, and trails can be slippery.
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