Top 15 Castles around Kippenheim
Best castles around Kippenheim are found in a region characterized by its historical significance and scenic landscapes, nestled near the Black Forest. The area features a mix of well-preserved Renaissance castles and ancient castle ruins, offering insights into centuries of regional history. These historical sites are often integrated into local walking and cycling routes, providing opportunities for exploration amidst natural settings. The diverse architectural styles and historical narratives make the region a notable destination for those interested in cultural heritage.
Best castles around Kippenheim
- The most popular castles is Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins, a castle ruin that offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. A themed trail leads to the ruins, featuring educational stations.
- Another must-see spot is Ruins of Lützelhardt Castle, a historical monument built between 1215 and 1240, featuring a blend of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture. These well-preserved ruins can be visited year-round and offer a serene hiking experience.
- Visitors also love Ruins of Kirnburg Castle, a castle ruin located at 382 meters above sea level. It served as an administrative center in the early 13th century and offers views over the Rhine plain to the Vosges.
- Kippenheim is known for its Renaissance castles, ancient castle ruins, and historical palaces. The region offers a variety of historical sites to explore, from well-preserved structures to significant ruins.
- The castles around Kippenheim are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1700 upvotes and over 2300 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Ruins of Lützelhardt Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Ruins of Kirnburg Castle
Highlight • Castle
The 60 x 80 m area of the upper castle and its outer bailey is secured with several neck ditches to the south. This spur was once used to access the weir system. The oldest element in the center of the castle is the square tower built shortly after 1200 from humpback ashlars. The original complex also included a curtain wall and a gate, in which a certificate was issued in 1219.
In 1352 Friedrich von Üsenberg sold the castle to Heinrich IV. Von Hachberg. During this time the shield wall and other buildings were built. In 1515 it came - dilapidated and not habitable - into the possession of the knight Wolf von Hürnheim, who probably carried out the last construction work. At that time the hall was redesigned and equipped with a splendid tiled stove. After the destruction in 1638, the castle fell into disrepair and served as a quarry, so that the former building stock is only partially legible today. (van Akkeren / Jenisch 2019)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Ettenheim Palace
Highlight • Castle
Die Stadt Ettenheim gehörte seit dem 11. Jahrhundert zum weltlichen Besitz des Fürstbistums Straßburg. 1560 errichtete Bischof Erasmus Schenk von Limpurg das Gebäude als Amtshaus im Stil der Renaissance. Der dreigeschossige Bau mit hohem ebenfalls dreigeschossigem Satteldach wurde dabei auf einem noch wesentlich älteren Kellerfundament errichtet. Durch die Hanglage ist das Kellergeschoss vom Hof aus erkennbar. Einziger Bauschmuck sind die Giebelfialen, ein Steinfries unter dem Giebel und das Steinwappen über dem Eingang, zu dem eine doppelläufige Treppe führt. Der Schlussstein auf der östlichen Giebelspitze des Erkervorbaus zum Marktplatz hin zeigt das Wappen des Erbauers Bischof Erasmus und die Jahreszahl 1560.
Im 18. Jahrhundert wurde Ettenheim als Nebenresidenz neben Straßburg und Saverne im Stil des Barocks ausgebaut. 1790 musste Kardinal Louis von Rohan aus seinen linksrheinischen Besitzungen fliehen. Er zog zunächst ins Kloster Ettenheimmünster, bis das Amtshaus als fürstbischöfliche Residenz umgestaltet war. 1791 wurde Ettenheim die offizielle Residenz des Fürstbischofs und des Domkapitels. Sie mussten allerdings immer wieder vor den Revolutionstruppen fliehen. Erst 1801 konnte der Kardinal endgültig zurückkehren, wo er 1803 starb. Sein Nachlass wurde versteigert. Nur noch ein Gobelin seines Onkels Armand Gaston von Rohan-Soubise hat sich erhalten und wird im Sitzungssaal im Obergeschoss gezeigt. Dort befindet sich zudem ein Thora-Vorhang (Parochet) aus der ehemaligen Synagoge in Ettenheim. Die übrigen Gobelins schmückten später das Mannheimer Schloss, wo sie teilweise wieder gezeigt werden können.
Hinter dem Amtshaus befand sich das Wohnhaus des Vogts. Später entstand hier die Winterschule, die als höhere Bürgerschule und als Landwirtschaftsschule genutzt wurde. Heute sind hier betreute Altenwohnungen eingerichtet, und der Gewölbekeller wird von einer lokalen Kulturinitiative genutzt.
Quelle: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Ettenheim
Tip by
Geroldseck Legends Trail – Origin of Hohengeroldseck
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Kippenheim.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Kippenheim
Tips from the Community
The more than 2.8 km long, adventurous Geroldseck Castle Trail leads from the parking lot at the top of the Schönberg pass to the Hohengeroldseck Castle ruins, visible from afar. At a total of nine stations along the trail, each with a bilingual information panel and a mighty figure carved from chainsaw art explores a theme of castle life. A game and quiz questions at each station are designed to awaken children's interest in hiking and the castle's history.
1
1
Great varied path when ascending or descending to the castle
1
1
One of the numerous stations on the adventure trail up to Hohengeroldseck Castle
2
1
Very beautifully designed adventure trail for the climb to the castle.
3
1
A ruin that is easy to reach and the way there is fun. Paths over hill and dale or well-developed hiking trails offer something for everyone. The remains of the castle are well maintained.
4
0
The knowledge gained during the excavations in 1926-1929 about the completely removed outer and middle castle lead to the floor plans exhibited on site. Of these parts, only the worked rock can be seen. In the former middle castle there is a rain-protected rest area. There are still a few walls from the main castle, which have also been supplemented and secured. I have no idea why a millstone was walled in with it. In any case, the ruin is nice and quiet and is worth a visit.
7
0
Great castle ruins - wonderful view, stairs to climb around and explore the walls.
8
0
The legend of the Grüselhorn has grown up around Lützelhardt Castle, according to which a gentleman from Geroldseck was abducted to Lützelhardt, discovered his whereabouts through a familiar horn call and was then able to free himself. After that, Lützelhardt was said to have been destroyed (around 1235).
6
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical castles and ruins can I explore around Kippenheim?
The region around Kippenheim offers a mix of well-preserved castles and ancient ruins. You can visit Schloss Schmieheim, a Renaissance castle in Kippenheim itself. Other notable sites include the 13th-century Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins near Seelbach, the Ruins of Lützelhardt Castle with its Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, and the Ruins of Kirnburg Castle above Bleichheim. Additionally, Ettenheim Palace, now serving as the city administration, is also nearby.
Are there family-friendly castle ruins near Kippenheim?
Yes, several castle ruins are suitable for families. The Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins feature a themed 'Geroldseck Castle Trail' with educational and interactive stations, making the ascent entertaining for children. The Ruins of Kirnburg Castle are also considered family-friendly, offering well-signposted routes for hiking.
Can I bring my dog to the castle ruins in the Kippenheim area?
Generally, castle ruins like Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins, Ruins of Lützelhardt Castle, and Ruins of Kirnburg Castle are accessible for dogs, especially on the surrounding hiking trails. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to preserve the historical sites and natural environment.
What kind of views can I expect from the castle ruins?
The castle ruins in the region offer impressive panoramic views. From the Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins, you can enjoy magnificent vistas of the surrounding valleys. The Ruins of Kirnburg Castle provide great views over the Rhine plain to the Vosges mountains.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The castles and ruins are often integrated into local walking and cycling routes. You can find numerous hiking trails around the castles, such as the themed 'Geroldseck Castle Trail' leading to Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins. For more outdoor options, explore the hiking routes around Kippenheim or consider cycling tours that pass by these historical sites.
Is there parking available at the castle sites?
For castle ruins like Kirnburg Castle Ruins, there are often designated parking lots for hikers at the base of the trails, such as the one between Bombach and Heimbach. For Schloss Schmieheim, parking is typically available within the village of Schmieheim.
What is the best time to visit the castles and ruins around Kippenheim?
The castles and ruins can be visited year-round. However, spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather for hiking the trails to the ruins, with spring bringing lush greenery and autumn providing vibrant foliage. The panoramic views are especially clear on sunny days.
Are there any specific historical facts about Schloss Schmieheim?
Schloss Schmieheim is a Renaissance castle built between 1607 and 1610. It features distinctive three towers and 17th-century architecture. Historically, it served as a lazaret for Napoleonic soldiers in 1812 and even housed one of the country's first kindergartens. Today, it's a protected monument and houses local administration, with its vaulted cellar used by a local winegrowers' cooperative.
What makes the Ruins of Lützelhardt Castle unique?
The Ruins of Lützelhardt Castle are the oldest historical monument in Seelbach, built between 1215 and 1240. They showcase a blend of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, with impressive remains of the main building featuring Romanesque windows and chambers carved into the rock. These well-preserved ruins offer a serene hiking experience and are free to visit year-round.
Can I access the castles using public transport from Kippenheim?
While direct public transport to every castle ruin's doorstep might be limited, you can often use local bus services to reach nearby towns like Seelbach or Bleichheim, and then proceed to the castle ruins via hiking trails. For Schloss Schmieheim, it is located within the district of Schmieheim, which belongs to Kippenheim, making it more accessible locally.
Are there any cafes or accommodation options near the castle sites?
The towns and villages surrounding the castles, such as Kippenheim, Seelbach, Bleichheim, and Ettenheim, offer various amenities including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. It's advisable to check in advance for specific locations near your chosen castle destination.
What is the historical significance of Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins?
The Hohengeroldseck Castle Ruins date back to the 13th century and were once the ancestral home of the Lords of Geroldseck. The castle was destroyed by French troops in 1688, but its prominent ruins still stand, offering a tangible glimpse into medieval history and providing magnificent panoramic views.
Most popular routes around Kippenheim
Most popular attractions around Kippenheim
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Kippenheim:
