Château de Spesbourg, Medieval castle ruins in Andlau, France.
Château de Spesbourg is a medieval castle ruin made of granite sitting on a hilltop in Andlau in the Alsace region. The structure has a square stone tower about 24 meters tall and an inner courtyard positioned at 452 meters above sea level.
A nobleman called Alexander of Stahleck-Dicka had the castle built between 1246 and 1250 to protect Andlau Abbey and control the surrounding lands. It later successfully defended itself in 1431 against a major military assault during Holy Week.
The remaining painted walls and decorative chimney pieces give clues about how wealthy lords lived in the 14th century and furnished their homes. They show the power and resources these families had in the region.
The ruins are reachable via marked trails from the RD 854 road heading toward Mont Sainte-Odile, about a 10-minute walk from the parking area. The route follows a hiking path through the forested landscape of the area.
The site has a dramatic past as a place where defenders stood against overwhelming odds during conflict. This history of resistance is still visible in the wall remains, which show traces of siege damage and the struggles of the past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
