It is one of the 'Three Castles of Ribeauvillé', sitting alongside the Girsberg and Haut-Ribeauvillé ruins.
The castle was abandoned during the 16th century following the decline of the Ribeaupierre dynasty.
The name Saint-Ulrich comes from a chapel once located within the castle walls, dedicated to Saint Ulrich of Augsburg.
The masonry includes distinct 'bossage' (rusticated stonework) characteristic of 12th-century Alsatian military architecture.
The site remains largely unrestored to preserve its authentic state as a medieval ruin.
The knights' hall contains remnants of original biforate windows that provided views over the valley.
Château de Saint-Ulrich is the largest and most well-preserved of the three castles overlooking the town of Ribeauvillé in the Alsace region. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the site served as the ancestral seat of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. The complex features a Romanesque keep, a 13th-century knights' hall, and a residential palace decorated with gothic windows. It is situated at an elevation of 528 meters along the GR5 trail. The structure shows clear historical evidence of multiple defensive expansions and residential modifications made during the Middle Ages. Visitors access the ruins via a forested footpath from the town center. The site remains an open-air historical monument maintained by the local municipality.
The view from the top of the Romanesque keep looking down toward the Ribeauvillé vineyards and the plain.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes, as the path is steep and the terrain within the ruins is uneven.
Carry sufficient water, as there are no amenities or vendors once you begin the ascent.
Combine the visit with the neighboring Girsberg castle, which is only a few minutes' walk away.
Attempting the climb in flip-flops or open sandals; underestimating the steepness of the forest path.
Stay on marked paths and do not climb on the loose stone walls or structural ruins to ensure personal safety and site preservation.
