Château de Hohenfels

Dambach, Bas-Rhin, France, France

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Château de Hohenfels is a ruined medieval castle located near Dambach in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace, northeastern France.

Built at the end of the 13th century, it occupied a strategic position overlooking routes leading toward Lorraine and helped monitor movement through the surrounding region. The castle was constructed on a sandstone rock platform and is notable for its semi-troglodytic design, with parts of the structure carved directly into the rock. Originally rising across six levels, it combined natural defenses with impressive masonry and defensive features.

Hohenfels suffered repeated destruction during regional conflicts, first in 1423 by forces from Strasbourg and Haguenau and again during the German Peasants’ War in 1525. It was later abandoned, leaving the ruins that can be seen today. Today, visitors can explore the remains of walls, a rock-cut cistern, and carved chambers while enjoying the forested setting of the Northern Vosges.