Château du Grand Ringelstein, Medieval castle in Oberhaslach, France.
Château du Grand Ringelstein is a castle ruin in the Vosges with a pentagonal keep standing at the summit and a polygonal outer wall on the southwest side. The preserved wall features arched openings that show how the medieval fortress was designed for both defense and function.
The fortress was built in 1125 by the Eguisheim family and later came under control of the Bishop of Strasbourg. It was destroyed in 1470 during regional conflicts and has remained in ruins since then.
The castle displays medieval construction methods through its distinctive pink sandstone walls, which remain visible today. These building techniques reflect the craftsmanship typical of the Alsatian region during that era.
The ruins are reachable by marked hiking trails from the village of Oberhaslach, with the climb leading through forest and taking several hours. Proper hiking boots are important as the terrain is uneven and the hilltop site can be exposed to wind.
A cistern carved directly into the rock reveals how residents managed water collection and storage at the site. This feature was essential for maintaining a water supply during times of siege.
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