Morimont Castle

The site is currently closed to the public for works. You will nevertheless be able to take a tour of the ruins and see the interior of the castle and its vaulted cellar through the gates. 

Nestled in lush greenery, the Château du Morimont is mentioned for the first time in 1183 and controlled the upper valley of the largue. It was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War by French troops.

In 1826, a group of Jura patriots took an oath there to free their country from the Bernese yoke to form a new canton, which was the case in 1978.

Visit of the ramparts, guard towers, an exceptional vaulted cellar whose dimensions make it unique in Alsace. An access path allows you to go around the castle.

A guidebook entitled "Discovering the Three castles of the Alsatian Jura" presents the castle and offers a walking tour around the castle.

FAQ – Visiting Morimont Castle

Is the Morimont castle open to the public?

Yes, the castle is accessible all year round. Even though ongoing works limit access to the interior, it is still possible to admire the ruins, walk around the site and look inside from the secure viewpoints.
The visit is free.

How does the visit take place?

The castle is accessible in a few minutes on foot from the nearby car park.
A marked trail leads to the ruins and allows you to peacefully walk around them.
The visit lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What can you see today at the Château du Morimont?

• The ramparts and artillery towers of the 16th century.

• A large vaulted cellar (visible through a grille), one of the most impressive features of the site.

• The access road and a circular path allow you to discover the castle from several angles.

• A preserved and very peaceful natural setting.

Is the castle secure / in good condition?

The site is a partially consolidated medieval ruin.
Some areas remain fragile, as is the case with any ruined castle.
It is recommended:

• to stay on the trails,

• to supervise the children,

• not to climb the walls,

• to wear appropriate footwear.

Can we visit the castle with a dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash.

Are there guided tours or resources available to help understand the site?

Visits can be arranged on an ad-hoc basis or upon request.
A printed guide is also available to discover the history of the castle as well as the other fortresses of the Alsatian Jura.
Information panels and explanations on site also help to understand the main architectural elements.
Audio tours are also available via QR codes.

Do you need a particular level of physical fitness to visit?

Access is very easy: the path is short and presents no particular difficulty.
However, as the terrain around the ruins can be uneven, walking shoes are recommended.

Can the visit be combined with a hike?

Yes, several hiking trails pass by the Morimont castle.
A loop of approximately 9 to 10 km allows you to discover the local heritage including the source of the Ill, the Mannlefelsen caves, the hilly landscapes of the Alsatian Jura and its panoramas and the calm of the valley.
It's an excellent outing idea that combines heritage and nature.