Château du Fleckenstein

The first mention of a Gottfried von Fleckenstein in 1174 indirectly suggests the castle's existence. However, a capital found in the ruins dates back to the early 12th century, proving that the castle was built decades earlier. Its strategic importance stemmed from its location on a vital road connecting the Hohenstaufen imperial palaces of Haguenau and Kaiserslautern. In 1276, King Rudolf of Habsburg besieged a Heinrich von Fleckenstein to free the captured Bishop of Speyer. Construction work is documented for 1407 and 1441, likely to improve living conditions. During and after the Thirty Years' War, several brothers of the knightly family played a role, including Gottfried, who fell in 1639, and Friedrich Wolfgang, who became Maréchal de camp under Louis XIV. With Heinrich-Jakob, the last Fleckensteiner died in 1720. The castle was captured twice by French troops in the late 17th century, in 1674 without resistance and completely destroyed in 1680 under General Montclar. After that, it fell into ruin until 1890.

The Château du Fleckenstein castle ruin is located in Lembach in the Bas-Rhin department, Alsace region, France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 361 meters above sea level.

The castle ruin is now accessible to visitors. Extensive restoration work in the 1990s secured the walls and improved access to the core castle. The site is educationally prepared and offers an interactive experience, especially for families with children.

• Château de Lœwenstein (castle), approx. 1.4 km away
• Château de Hohenbourg (castle), approx. 1.5 km away
• Wegelnburg Castle Ruin (castle), approx. 2.1 km away
• Château de Frœnsbourg (castle), approx. 2.3 km away