Château de Hohbarr, Medieval rock castle in Saverne, France
Château de Hohbarr rises on three sandstone rocks at about 470 meters altitude and spreads across roughly 250 meters along the hilltop. The complex consists of several buildings and fortifications woven together within the rock formation.
Construction began in 1170 under orders from the Bishop of Strasbourg to control passage between the Alsatian plain and Lorraine plateau. The fortress played a key role in regional power dynamics for centuries to follow.
The Brotherhood of the Horn, established as a gathering for wine enthusiasts, shaped the character of this place and remains part of its identity today. Visitors can still sense this tradition in the castle's rooms and spaces.
The castle is reachable from Saverne by car in about 10 minutes or via a marked hiking trail in roughly 90 minutes. Visitors choosing to walk should wear proper footwear and allow enough time to explore the route comfortably.
A distinctive bridge connects two of the three rocks and creates a striking link between the highest points of the complex. The Renaissance gates and watchtower offer rare views across the valley below.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
