Chateau de Fleckenstein visitor guide
Visit Chateau de Fleckenstein, France
Photo Gallery Book a visitSituated 10 kilometres from Lembach, Fleckenstein is in the Bas-Rhin department of the Alsace region. It is visited for the Chateau de Fleckenstein, which is on the 'Route des Chateaux' in Alsace.
Chateau Fleckenstein forms one of about 20 ruined castles in the region - many of them perched high on inaccessible rocky needles.
Explore Fleckenstein castle
As a measure of its popularity, it is interesting to note that the Chateau de Fleckenstein is the second most visited castle in Alsace, after the Chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg.
The chateau, dating from the 12th century, was built by one of the rich families in the region at that time although its original form was substantially altered during the following centuries. The castle position combined with its heavily fortified walls made it practically impossible to successfully attack.
Chateau de Fleckenstein was substantially taken apart by the French in 1689, under General Melac under the orders of Louis XIV. He was an enthusiast for destroying the landscape of a country rather than engaging in battles and it is suggested that Melac was the original source of the long standing differences between the French and Germans which lasted until the middle of the 20th century. Not much of an achievement to be proud of!
Despite the large scale damage to the castle the ruins continue to be an impressive and evocative reminder of the history of the region. Due to its use of the rock on which it is constructed as part of the building itself Fleckenstein is known as a 'troglodyte castle' - some of the castle rooms are troglodyte rooms built into the cliff itself.
After entering the lower courtyard at the castle the two large towers against the rock are the most important remains to be seen. One of these is for the staircase and the other for the well. On the top of the rock you can see the foundations of the castle keep and a part of the living accommodation.
Other notable features include the guard tower on the rock to one end of the castle and the moat that was crossed by a drawbridge.
From the ruins of Fleckenstein Castle you get excellent views over the surrounding woods and hills and in the magnificent pine woods around the castle there are lots of trails that start from the parking area of the chateau. There is also a restaurant and picnic area at the castle.
Attractions nearby
Because of the proximity of the German border there are numerous ruined castles in the area north of Lembach and westwards towards Bitche.
Other towns and villages you will enjoy visiting near here include Wissembourg and Hoffen.
See more castles in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Bas-Rhin guide and the Alsace guide.
Photos of Chateau de Fleckenstein
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Map of Chateau de Fleckenstein and places nearby
Visit near Chateau de Fleckenstein with France This Way reviews
Lembach
The small town of Lembach is within the heart of the wooded valleys of the Vosges Regional Natural Park
Lembach guide
Wissembourg
Close to the French border with Germany, Wissembourg has many sights of interest and is also well placed to explore this area
Wissembourg guide
Hunspach
The flowers, gardens and beautifully maintained old houses, all painted white, ensure that Hunspach is a highlight for visitors to Alsace
Hunspach guide
Hoffen
In the heart of the Outre-Foret region, Hoffen is a small village but with very lovely white half-timbered houses
Hoffen guide
Bitche
The citadel in Bitche is very interesting, with videos explaining the history and sieges of the town
Bitche guide
Haguenau
Haguenau is a town with several interesting monuments, churches and museums to visit
Haguenau guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Bas-Rhin
The French version of this page is at Chateau de Fleckenstein (Francais)