Château Saint-Ulrich

Perched at 530 meters above sea level, Château Saint-Ulrich overlooks the Strengbach valley. Also known as Rappolstein, Gross Rappolstein, or Ukrichsburg, it was built around the mid-13th century on a rocky spur. Although it played a minor military role, it is a fine example of a lordly residence, home to the Ribeaupierre family until the 15th century. The building is notable for a majestic wing added later, consisting of two large stacked rooms illuminated by a double row of seven paired round-arched windows on the east side. After being abandoned in the 16th century, the castle suffered a fire in the 17th century, leaving only imposing ruins. The visible remains today reflect several periods: the square keep and main living quarters date from the 12th century, the knights' hall and large residential tower from the 13th, the entrance barbican and outer walls from the 14th, while the Saint-Ulrich chapel dates from the 15th century. Access is via a marked hiking trail, the