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Ribeauvillé

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Landmark
—°12
Ribeauvillé (France)

Weather…

Ribeauvillé is a pretty town located between vineyards and the Vosges mountains. It was the ancestral seat of the powerful Ribeaupierre family, who built the three castles overlooking the town: Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg, and Haut-Ribeaupierre. A popular hiking trail leads from the town center to these ruins, offering panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest in Germany. The town's main street (Grand-Rue) is lined with Renaissance buildings and ornate fountains. Ribeauvillé is known for its long tradition of minstrelsy; since the Middle Ages, it has hosted the 'Pfifferdaj' (Fiddlers' Day) on the first Sunday of September, the oldest festival in Alsace. The town is also a major wine center, particularly noted for its Pinot Gris and Riesling production. Visitors can enjoy the local thermal baths and the casino, which add a modern touch to the historic setting. The town is well-connected to Colmar and Selestat via regional buses. Autumn is particularly beautiful during the grape harvest, but the medieval-themed Christmas market is also a significant draw. Traditional Alsatian bakeries here are famous for their kouglof cakes.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C0151014182019151051
Rain mm604856579683858664786470

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The entire historic center of Ribeauvillé is freely accessible. The three castle ruins (Haut-Ribeauvillé, Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg) are reachable on foot, entry is free.
🕒
Typical hours
The old town is walkable at any time. The castles are unguarded and thus accessible during daylight, with no regulated hours.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere in town and on the castles. The castle ruins offer superb views over the Alsatian plain.
⏱️
Time needed
For a town stroll and hiking up to the three castles, allow 3-4 hours. For just one castle, 2 hours suffice.
➕
Combine with
Combine Ribeauvillé with neighboring Riquewihr and Hunawihr along the Alsace Wine Route. By car, it's only a 10-minute drive.
🧭
Getting there
By car: parking on the edge of town, fee applies. By train to Ribeauvillé station (from Colmar about 20 minutes, then 15 min walk).
💡
Insider tip
Try the local Gewürztraminer in one of the town's wine shops. The best view of the castles is from Rue des Forgerons.

Geography

Population
4,961 (2019)
Coordinates
48.19528, 7.31833

Facts

  • Three castles town
  • Pfifferdaj festival
  • Alsace Wine Route
  • Vosges foothills
  • Medieval fountains
  • Pinot Gris wines
  • Saint-Ulrich ruin
  • Thermal baths

Explore nearby

Notable places around

RiquewihrRiquewihr4 km · SWExplore →
Haut-Koenigsbourg CastleHaut-Koenigsbourg Castle5 km · NExplore →
📍Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines11 km · NWExplore →
📍Sélestat12 km · NEExplore →
ColmarColmar13 km · SExplore →
📍Wintzenheim14 km · SExplore →
📍Horbourg-Wihr14 km · SEExplore →
EguisheimEguisheim17 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ribeauvillé (12)

Ruines couvent des Dominicaines de Sylo🏺 historical

The Ruines couvent des Dominicaines de Sylo are the historical remains of a Dominican convent in the town of Ribeauvillé.

Notre-Dame de Dusenbach⛪ religious

Notre-Dame de Dusenbach is a notable place of worship and a famous pilgrimage site in Ribeauvillé.

Espace Culturel Le Parc🎭 culture

Cultural center set in a park, hosting exhibitions and events in Ribeauvillé.

Hôtel de Ville de Ribeauvillé🏺 historical

The historic town hall of Ribeauvillé, serving as a notable local landmark.

🕒 Mo-Tu 09:00-12:00,14:00-17:00; We 09:00-12:00,14:00-18:00; T♿

Chapelle Sainte-Catherine⛪ religious

A recognized chapel and place of worship historically tied to the hospital in Ribeauvillé.

Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre📍 landmark

A prominent ruined castle attraction standing above the town of Ribeauvillé.

Château de Saint-Ulrich📍 landmark

One of the three historic castles overlooking the city of Ribeauvillé.

Château du Girsberg📍 landmark

A recognized historic castle ruin set in the scenic area of Ribeauvillé.

Vue sur les ruines du Girsberg et du Haut Ribeaupierre🌿 nature

A scenic viewpoint in Ribeauvillé offering views of the Girsberg and Haut Ribeaupierre ruins.

Jardin du Château Bas des Ribeaupierre, dit Jardin de l'Hôpital ou Jardin du Diaconat🌳 park

The heritage-listed garden of the Lower Ribeaupierre Castle in Ribeauvillé (grade 3).

Vue sur le château du Haut-Koenigsbourg🌿 nature

A designated viewpoint in Ribeauvillé showcasing the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle in the distance.

Église Saint-Grégoire⛪ religious

A notable historic church and prominent place of worship in Ribeauvillé.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get to the three castles?
Via a marked hiking trail starting directly from the town center.
Is the hike difficult?
Medium difficulty; sturdy footwear is necessary for forest paths.
What is Pfifferdaj?
A historical town festival of minstrels held on the first Sunday of September.
Is there an entry fee for the castles?
No, visiting the ruins is free of charge.
Are there public toilets?
Yes, at the town hall and at the parking lot at the entrance.
Ribeauvillé: where is it located?
Ribeauvillé is located in Grand Est, France.
Ribeauvillé: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ruines couvent des Dominicaines de Sylo, Notre-Dame de Dusenbach, Espace Culturel Le Parc.
Ribeauvillé: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ribeauvillé: why is it worth visiting?
Ribeauvillé is a pretty town located between vineyards and the Vosges mountains.
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