Château de Pflixbourg

Château de Pflixbourg is a medieval castle sitting on a granite hill at 454 meters elevation, featuring a round tower and pentagonal defensive walls. The structure shows curved ramparts with narrow openings designed for archers, arranged to defend the position from multiple angles.

Built between 1212 and 1219, this fortress was constructed to monitor and control the entrance to Munster Valley during the medieval period. The site was abandoned in the 15th century as political changes in the region made it less strategically valuable.

The name comes from the Alsatian word meaning 'view castle', reflecting how this location was chosen for its command over the surrounding landscape. Visitors can sense this connection when standing among the ruins and looking out toward the valley below.

The ruins are accessible via a hiking trail that starts from Wintzenheim and climbs the hillside. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the path is steep and the site sits on uneven, rocky ground.

The entrance features curved inward walls that forced attackers to expose themselves while trying to breach the fortress, an uncommon defensive design for this region. This clever arrangement reveals how medieval engineers adapted their strategies to the specific terrain and threats they faced.