Our FORTE CULTURA travel recommendation
Route der Burgen und befestigten Städte im Elsass (Seite 2/4)
Developed by FORTE CULTURE Partner Alsace Destination Tourisme (ADT).
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13 Le château de Kaysersberg
Once an imperial city, Kaysersberg features an imperial castle built around 1200 to control the roads from Lorraine. This strategic site plays a key role in the conflict between the Empire and the dukes of Lorraine. The castle is notable for its massive cylindrical keep, one of the oldest round keeps in Alsace, with walls over 4 meters thick. Inside, admire the lordly residence with its pointed arch windows. Don't miss the stunning view from the top of the keep: a panorama of Kaysersberg, the valley, the vineyard, and even the Black Forest on clear days. Two staircases and a path through the vineyard lead to the ruins.
68240 Kaysersberg Vignoble
www.kaysersberg.com
(Bild ©OTVKB)
14 Château de Kintzheim
First mentioned in 1270, the castle was purchased by the city of Sélestat in the 15th century and resold in the 17th. It features a circular donjon, a curtain wall, living quarters, and a chapel. The site hosts the Eagle Aviary, which offers an impressive show: the world's largest birds of prey fly freely among the castle ruins. It's a unique opportunity to observe birds that are often inaccessible in nature up close. In this medieval setting, the raptors soar just centimeters from the audience, creating a memorable experience.
67600 Kintzheim
www.voleriedesaigles.com
(Bild ©A. Meyer-Freund – SHKT – ADT)
15 Château de La Petite Pierre
Built in the 13th century, the Château de La Petite Pierre and its fortifications were modernized by Vauban in 1684. It served as a strategic point for controlling the passage between Alsace and Lorraine. Today, the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park has its headquarters there. The castle is closed to the public, but the outer courtyard is accessible via a tour with information panels about its history. This site thus offers insight into its rich past while preserving its historical character.
67290 La Petite Pierre
www.parc-vosges-nord.fr
(Bild ©C.Fleith – ADT)
16 Le château du Hohnack
Classified as a historic monument since 1905, Hohnack Castle was built in the 11th century by the counts of Eguisheim. It is the second highest castle in Alsace, standing at 940 meters altitude. Modifications in the 16th century adapted the fortress for artillery. The name "Hohnack" comes from "Hohen Acker," meaning "high field." Today, its ramparts and keep are still visible, offering a panoramic view of the Munster and Kaysersberg valleys. This site provides a beautiful glimpse into history and breathtaking scenery.
68910 Labaroche
(Bild ©M. Schampion – ADT)
17 Château de Fleckenstein
The Fleckenstein Castle, located in Alsace, is an impressive medieval remnant built in the 12th century. Perched on a rock, it offers a panoramic view of the Zorn valley. Its complex structure includes defensive elements such as towers and ramparts, illustrating the architectural ingenuity of the time. Abandoned in 1680 after suffering destruction, the castle is now a popular tourist site where visitors can explore its ruins and appreciate its fascinating history. Surrounding hiking trails allow for the discovery of the region's natural beauty.
67510 Lembach
www.fleckenstein.fr
(Bild ©C. Fleith – ADT)
18 Château de Froensbourg
An impressive semi-troglodytic castle built in the 13th century by a branch of the Fleckenstein, the Froensbourg became a den of robber knights. It was besieged and destroyed in 1348 by the Alliance for Public Peace. Reconstructed in 1389 by brothers Emich and Sygfrid of Loewenstein as a Palatine fief, it partly belonged to the Fleckenstein in 1481, who added a residential tower in 1484. After the annexation of Alsace to France, the castle was dismantled in 1677 but may have been abandoned long before. As of March 11, 2022, access to the castle is prohibited for safety reasons.
67510 Lembach
(Bild ©INFRA – ADT)
19 Fleckenstein, le Château des Défis
Embark on a journey to the heart of the Middle Ages! Accompanied by the new character Kim, take on 25 challenges to free the baron and save the lands of Fleckenstein. A gigantic playground where reality blends with imagination awaits you. It’s a fun outdoor adventure for the whole family! It all begins with the theft of a grimoire that contains the formula to turn iron ore into gold. The worst calamities are descending upon the lands of Fleckenstein. Fortunately, the castle’s alchemist managed to take refuge in the forest and called Kim for help. An exciting and captivating quest awaits you in and around the castle.
67510 Lembach
www.chateaudelichtenberg.alsace
(Bild ©ADT-E.List)
20 Château du Landskron
Perched in the Alsace Jura, just steps from the village of Leymen and Switzerland, Landskron Castle overlooks the entire valley. Transformed into a barracks according to Vauban's plans in 1689, it was burned and bombarded in 1817 and finally classified as a historic monument in 1923. The 13th-century donjon, towers, and remnants of the chapel and well provide a pleasant destination for a stroll in nature. Open for free visits year-round.
68220 Leymen
www.prolandskron.fr
(Bild ©D. Foucré – ADT)
21 Château de Lichtenberg
A site to rediscover memory, live in the present, and embrace the future. The restored fortress, rich in history since the 13th century, blends tradition and modernity. A mix of sandstone, wood, and copper adapts the site for new tourism functions while remaining reversible to preserve its original state. Now an essential place for history and exhibitions, it is also a Centre for Heritage Interpretation. Interactive modules allow visitors to explore architecture and the castle's rehabilitation. Open for free visits during operating hours.
67340 Lichtenberg
www.chateaudelichtenberg.alsace
(Bild ©C.Fleith – ADT)
22 Château de Lorentzen
The castle of Lorentzen, a Wasserburg from the 14th century, was once protected by a moat fed by the Eichel river. The 18th-century barn and mill provide a lovely view of the castle, which was rehabilitated in 2008. Although the castle is privately owned and inhabited, its exterior is accessible, and the outbuildings are open to the public. The tithe barn houses the exhibition "Secrets of Landscapes" and the Tourist Office, while the castle mill has been converted into accommodation and dining space for groups.
67430 Lorentzen
(Bild ©ADT-E.List)
23 Le château de Guirbaden
Guirbaden, a testament to the time when Alsace was part of the Holy Roman Empire, was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Located 1 km from the village of Mollkirch, it stands on the hills overlooking the Bruche Valley, surrounded by the Vosges forest. Spanning 2 hectares, it is the largest and one of the oldest castles in Alsace. Today, one can still see the main residence, the keep, the Hunger Tower, sections of the surrounding walls, and the Saint-Valentin chapel. The site offers a stunning view of the Alsace plain and the Bruche Valley.
67190 Mollkirch
www.sauver-le-guirbaden.fr
(Bild ©C.Fleith – ADT)
24 Château du Frankenbourg
From the castle, visitors can easily understand why this conical peak (703 m) was chosen for the construction of Frankenbourg. Located at the confluence of the Argent and Villé valleys, it allowed control over the ancient Salt Route and other important paths. The construction likely dates back to the early 12th century. In 1196, the Frankenbourg-Werd family became Landgrave of Lower Alsace, representing the Emperor. Rapidly declining, the fief passed to the Bishopric of Strasbourg and was managed by various families. The Grand Chapter managed the castle from 1489 to 1789, but it was gradually abandoned from the 17th century, with its last mention in 1634.
67220 Neubois
tourisme.valleedeville
(Bild ©M. Schampion-ADT)
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