Chateau Greifenstein

Saverne, France, France

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Château de Greifenstein is a medieval castle ruin located in the hills above Saverne in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace, northeastern France.

Built in the 12th century, the site actually consists of two neighboring castles, the older Grand Greifenstein and the later Petit Greifenstein, which together overlooked the Zorn and Ramsthal valleys. The castle was closely linked to the bishops of Strasbourg and several noble families, including the Greifensteins and Ochsensteins.

It played an important role in regional medieval politics and defense before gradually falling into decline and becoming a ruin by the 17th century. One of its most remarkable features is the massive Romanesque keep of Grand Greifenstein, considered the largest medieval keep in Alsace, measuring about 13 meters on each side.

Visitors can also see remnants of towers, walls, ditches, and residential buildings spread across the rocky ridge. Today, the castle is a protected historic monument and a popular destination for hikers. Its elevated position offers impressive views of Saverne, the Zorn Valley, and nearby castles such as Haut-Barr and Grand Geroldseck.