Top 7 Castles around Urschenheim
Best castles around Urschenheim are found in the surrounding Alsace region, a commune in the Haut-Rhin department of France. While Urschenheim itself features a historical Romanesque chapel, the broader area is rich in medieval architecture and historical sites. The region offers a variety of castles, ranging from well-preserved structures to significant ruins. These sites provide insights into the history of the area and opportunities for exploration.
Best castles around Urschenheim
- The most popular castles is Sponeck Castle, a castle…
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Sponeck Castle
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Burkheim Castle Ruins
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Schwendi Castle Ruins (Burkheim)
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Schlossberg Pavilion and the Höhingen Castle Ruins
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Prefecture of Haut-Rhin
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Tips from the Community
The first lord of the castle was Hildebrand Spenlin from Breisach. The word "Spenlin" means "little shavings" (from a plane). In Alemannic usage, Spenlin is called "Spänle." Without the diminutive, Span = Spon. The castle is mentioned in documents as Spenlins Eck, Span-Egge, or the Sponeck.
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Beautiful, spacious park with various water features... invites you to linger...
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The Préfecture du Haut-Rhin in Colmar is an impressive building that reflects the elegance of the city. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it offers an insight into local administration and the history of the region. It is worth a quick stop to take in the architecture and atmosphere before exploring the other sights of Colmar.
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Nice rest area, nice view. Well attended.
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Insect hotel
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Castle type: hilltop castle, hilltop location Today: only remains of ruins Date of origin: before 1064, first documented mention in 1259 Not much is known for sure about the beginning of the castle complex on the Schlossberg. However, castles are said to have existed as early as 1064 when Achkarren was first mentioned in writing on the occasion of the transfer to the Ottmarsheim monastery by King Heinrich IV. These were then expanded several times in the following centuries. After the family castle of the Lords of Üsenberg, Üsenberg Castle on the Üsenberg near Breisach, was probably destroyed by the Breisach family in the 1240s, they are said to have made Höhingen Castle available to the Üsenbergers as a replacement. It was first explicitly mentioned in writing in 1259. Around 1353 the castle was briefly pledged to the Schnewlin im Hof. In 1392, Margrave Hesso von Hachberg bought Werner von Hornberg's share in Höhingen Castle, and he already owned the other part. In 1415 the castle, together with the Margraviate of Baden-Hachberg, came to Margrave Bernhard I of Baden, who bought it from Margrave Otto II of Hachberg, the last of this branch of Baden. Otto was allowed to use Höhingen Castle until the end of his life in 1418. ... After centuries of existence, the castle itself was burned down for the first time in May 1525 during the peasant uprising with the participation of Achkarr farmers. This made Höhingen Castle one of only two margravial castles destroyed by the peasants, although a number of them had been occupied by the peasants. Long-standing disputes between the village of Achkarren and the Margraves over the use of the forest are suspected to be the motive. The farmers later had to compensate Margrave Ernst I of Baden-Durlach for the damage. ... In 1620, Margrave Georg Friedrich von Baden-Durlach rebuilt the castle as a defensive structure and put it into a state of defense, since the events of the war in the Rhine Valley and the Breisach Fortress could be observed well from here. In a contemporary report from the mayor of Breisach to the imperial governor of the Austrian provinces in Waldshut, Höhingen Castle, often referred to as a castle, is described as follows: “Its position was excellent, as it stood in the middle of the mountain's crest on hard rock, which because of its height had difficult access, and could not be commanded from any of the surrounding places. The building was surrounded by strong masonry, on the one hand with a deep ditch, on the other hand it encountered an inaccessible praecipitium [= abyss], which is used from below for a stone pit. The castle had a good cistern.” In 1633 there was an attack from Breisach. The Imperial Catholic troops captured and sacked the castle currently held by the Swedes and supported by the Protestants of Ihring. According to records at the time, the spoils included around 15,000 liters of wine. Property of Ihringen citizens stored in the castle was also lost. There are even reports of the loss of 200 horses and 300 head of cattle, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the dimensions of the facility. After several subsequent disputes about the castle, it was finally set on fire by the now imperial garrison in 1638, when it could no longer be held militarily. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
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Police Prefecture in a pretty historic building on the edge of the Champ de Mars park
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Annual events on the premises - Advent market - Dates www.Kaiserstuhl-Events.de
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular castles to visit near Urschenheim?
While Urschenheim itself is known for its historical Romanesque chapel, the surrounding Alsace region offers several notable castles. Among the most appreciated by the komoot community are Sponeck Castle, known for its Roman fort remains and accessible garden, and the Schwendi Castle Ruins (Burkheim), which offers beautiful views above Burkheim. Another popular spot is the Schlossberg Pavilion and the Höhingen Castle Ruins, featuring panoramic views and inviting forest sofas.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites near Urschenheim?
Yes, several historical sites in the region are suitable for families. The Prefecture of Haut-Rhin in Colmar is listed as family-friendly, offering an impressive building and beautiful gardens. Additionally, the Rheintor – Museum of City History, Breisach am Rhein, is a family-friendly museum housed in a historic gate, detailing 4,000 years of local history.
What kind of views can I expect from the castles around Urschenheim?
Many castles and ruins in the area offer excellent viewpoints. For instance, the Schwendi Castle Ruins (Burkheim) provides beautiful views above Burkheim. The Schlossberg Pavilion and the Höhingen Castle Ruins is specifically noted for its panoramic views over the Kaiserstuhl region. The Three Castles of Eguisheim, though ruins, also offer lovely views over the Alsace plain from their elevated position.
Are there hiking opportunities around the castles near Urschenheim?
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. While specific castle-to-castle hiking trails are not detailed, you can find numerous routes in the broader area. For example, the Hiking around Urschenheim guide features trails like the 'Burkheim Quarry Lake – gravel lake loop' and the 'Tree and animal trail loop from Widensolen', which could be combined with castle visits.
What other outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
Beyond hiking, the area around Urschenheim is great for cycling. You can explore road cycling routes like the 'Vineyard Route to Achkarren' or 'Vineyards of Kientzheim – Eguisheim loop' from the Road Cycling Routes around Urschenheim guide. For gravel biking, the Gravel biking around Urschenheim guide includes routes such as the 'View of Burkheim Castle Ruins – Burkheim Castle Ruins loop'.
What historical significance do the castles in the Alsace region hold?
The castles in the Alsace region, including those near Urschenheim, are rich in history, often dating back to the medieval period. For example, Sponeck Castle was an important fort in the late Roman Empire. The Höhingen Castle, now ruins, has a history dating back before 1064 and was involved in conflicts like the peasant uprising and the Thirty Years' War. The Three Castles of Eguisheim were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, showcasing early medieval architecture.
Are there any well-preserved castles or mostly ruins in the area?
The region offers a mix. While many castles in Alsace are in ruins, such as the Schwendi Castle Ruins (Burkheim) and the Höhingen Castle Ruins, some are better preserved or have been rebuilt. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, though not a highlight in this guide, is a prominent example of a well-maintained medieval castle in the broader Alsace region, offering insights into its history.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Urschenheim?
The best time to visit castles in the Alsace region generally depends on your preference for weather and crowds. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring and hiking, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Some sites, like the garden at Sponeck Castle, are always accessible, allowing for visits year-round.
Can I visit the Three Castles of Eguisheim from Urschenheim?
Yes, the Three Castles of Eguisheim are located approximately 14km from Urschenheim, making them a feasible visit. These intriguing towers, including Wahlenbourg, Dagsbourg, and Weckmund, stand on the Schlossberg hill and offer historical significance and scenic views. You can find more information about them on the Visit Alsace website.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in this region?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical atmosphere and the scenic views. For example, the Schwendi Castle Ruins (Burkheim) is noted for its beautiful historic walls and being 'nice to look at from all sides'. The Schlossberg Pavilion and the Höhingen Castle Ruins is praised for its 'fantastic overview' and inviting forest sofas for resting. The blend of history and nature is a common draw.
Are there any castles that are particularly good for photography?
Many of the castles and ruins offer picturesque settings for photography. The Schwendi Castle Ruins (Burkheim), with its 'beautiful castle ruins above Burkheim', is often highlighted for its visual appeal. The elevated positions of sites like the Schlossberg Pavilion and the Höhingen Castle Ruins and the Three Castles of Eguisheim provide excellent opportunities for landscape and architectural shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
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