Who built Reichenstein Castle?

It was built before 1255 by the knights of Reichenstein, a family known for their raids against local merchants.

Why is the castle in ruins?

It was destroyed in 1269 on the orders of Rudolf of Habsburg as reprisal for the Reichensteins' activities, and was further damaged by an earthquake in 1356 and a landslide in the 19th century.

Why is the site sometimes called the tower of Riquewihr?

Because the tower is the most visible surviving part of the ruin, located near the town of Riquewihr.

Is Reichenstein Castle a protected monument?

Yes, the ruins have been listed as a historic monument by decree of 7 December 1990.

Château de Reichenstein

Reichenstein Castle

Riquewihr

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Riquewihr

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Reichenstein stands in Riquewihr (Haut-Rhin), in the Grand Est region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 13th century). No visits are on record for this building.

The ruins of Reichenstein Castle stand in the Sambach valley, close to Riquewihr, in the hills of the Haut-Rhin. The castle was built before 1255 by the knights of Reichenstein, a family notorious for preying on local merchants. Today only a massive tower and fragments of walls remain, often referred to as the tower of Riquewihr. Listed as a historic monument, the site is visited as an open-air archaeological ruin.

Written from Château de Reichenstein, Riquewihr

What to know

The site consists solely of open-air ruins, with no visitor center or facilities on location.
The ruin stands in the Sambach valley, near the Bilstein castle ruins.
The monument has been listed as a historic monument since 1990.
There are no set opening hours or admission fees, as the site is a ruin in a natural setting with free access.

Where this château is

Riquewihr · Haut-Rhin · Grand Est

Map of the area around Château de Reichenstein

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

68340 Riquewihr

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00085761
Period of construction: 13th century

Itineraries

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built Reichenstein Castle?: It was built before 1255 by the knights of Reichenstein, a family known for their raids against local merchants.
Why is the castle in ruins?: It was destroyed in 1269 on the orders of Rudolf of Habsburg as reprisal for the Reichensteins' activities, and was further damaged by an earthquake in 1356 and a landslide in the 19th century.
Why is the site sometimes called the tower of Riquewihr?: Because the tower is the most visible surviving part of the ruin, located near the town of Riquewihr.
Is Reichenstein Castle a protected monument?: Yes, the ruins have been listed as a historic monument by decree of 7 December 1990.