Best castles around Volgelsheim are found in a region strategically located near the Rhine River, bordering France and Germany. This area features river plains and hills, providing diverse settings for historical sites. While Volgelsheim itself is known for military fortifications like Fort Mortier, its position allows access to a variety of castles in the surrounding Alsace region. Visitors can explore Roman-era forts, medieval ruins, and restored fortresses.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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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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Museum of City History in the Rhine Gate with exhibits from 4,000 years of Breisach's settlement and city history.
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The Rhine Gate is located on the western edge of today's old town of Breisach am Rhein. It is an entrance portal in the French Baroque style and belonged to the former Breisach fortress. Originally, the gate bordered the Rhine; this only changed with the straightening of the Rhine in the 19th century.
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You can experience 4,000 years of Breisach's settlement and city history in the Museum of City History in the Rhine Gate! Guided tours are available. The Rhine Gate is currently closed due to construction work.
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The magnificent baroque Rhine Gate at the Schwanenweiher is now a museum of city history.
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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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For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Château du Hohlandsbourg in France, situated at 620 meters, offering 360-degree vistas of the Alsace plain, Vosges mountains, Black Forest, and even the Bernese Alps on clear days. Similarly, Schlossberg Pavilion and the Höhingen Castle Ruins provide great views from its hilltop location, and Burg Breisach offers excellent views of the Rhine River.
Yes, Sponeck Castle is built on the site of an important Roman fort that secured the Rhine crossing. While the castle itself is privately owned, the garden with works of art and the remains of the Roman fort are always accessible to visitors.
Château du Hohlandsbourg is an excellent choice for families, offering free or guided tours, historical reconstitutions, medieval banquets, and workshops that engage both children and adults. The Rheintor – Museum of City History, Breisach am Rhein, also offers family-friendly exhibits on 4,000 years of local history.
The best time to visit the castles around Volgelsheim is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant for exploring and the landscapes are particularly scenic. Summer (June-August) is also popular, but can be warmer, and some sites like Sponeck Castle and the Rhine Floodplains might require insect repellent.
Yes, many castles are situated near scenic hiking routes. For example, the area around Schlossberg Pavilion and the Höhingen Castle Ruins offers inviting forest sofas for resting after a walk. You can find various hiking trails in the region by exploring the Hiking around Volgelsheim guide, which includes routes like the 'Sculptures in the moat – Boat loop from Volgelsheim gare'.
Absolutely. The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg in Orschwiller, France, is one of the most visited monuments in Alsace and is a fully restored medieval fortress. It offers a deep dive into the Middle Ages with its stunning turrets, Renaissance rooms, and impressive collections.
The castles offer a rich tapestry of history. From the Roman origins of Sponeck Castle to the medieval fortifications like Burg Breisach and Château du Hohlandsbourg, you can explore centuries of strategic importance. The Rheintor – Museum of City History, Breisach am Rhein, specifically details 4,000 years of settlement history, including the Zähringer castle and Breisach's role as a fortress.
Yes, Sponeck Castle is privately owned, but its garden with works of art and the remains of the Roman fort are freely accessible to the public. Schloss Rimsingen is also privately owned and houses an art gallery, event spaces, and a cabaret.
The region boasts a variety of unique features. Sponeck Castle features Roman fort remains and an art garden. Schwendi Castle Ruins (Burkheim) is known as a romantic wedding venue. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is notable for its comprehensive restoration under Kaiser Wilhelm II, showcasing Renaissance rooms and medieval gardens. Schloss Rimsingen, in contrast, is an elegant example of French early classicism.
Absolutely. The area around Volgelsheim offers excellent cycling opportunities. You can find routes that pass near historical sites and natural landscapes. For example, the Cycling around Volgelsheim guide includes routes like the 'Old Rhine (Vieux Rhin) – Old Town of Breisach am Rhein loop from Volgelsheim gare' which could be combined with a visit to Burg Breisach or the Rheintor.
Visitors appreciate the diverse historical experiences, from exploring ancient Roman remains at Sponeck Castle to the romantic atmosphere of Schwendi Castle Ruins. The panoramic views from hilltop castles like Schlossberg Pavilion and the Höhingen Castle Ruins are also highly praised, as is the immersive historical experience at fully restored sites like Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
Yes, Schloss Rimsingen, while a historical residence, now houses an art gallery, event spaces, and a renowned cabaret, offering a blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Château du Hohlandsbourg also hosts medieval banquets and workshops, making it a vibrant cultural site.


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