Incontournables

The three dungeons, silhouetted against the Schlossberg hill, dominate the Alsace plain at an altitude of 591m. The three castles were built between the 11th and 12th centuries. In the center is the oldest, the Wahlenbourg, with its seigniorial dwelling, owned by the Count of Eguisheim, Hugues IV. Next came the castle to the north, called the Dagsbourg. The third, called Weckmund, was built in the 12th century. All that remains today are three pink sandstone keeps that once formed a single castle, gradually destroyed and abandoned from the 15th century onwards. It is said that Bruno d'Eguisheim, the future Pope Leo IX, was born in this castle, first mentioned in the "Bulle de la Rose" in 1049. According to local belief, the Egusheim castles are a source of fire, water and gold. It is also said that the three towers served as a sundial for the workers of the plain. At eleven o'clock, the castle's shadow completely covered the façade of the Dagsbourg, at midday that of the Wahlenbourg, and at one o'clock that of the Weckmund. The remnants of the castles stand on a wooded hillside with a lovely view over the Alsace plain, including Eguisheim, one of France's most beautiful villages. Les Trois-Châteaux is located on the 14 km-long Route des cinq châteaux, which also includes Château du Hohlandsbourg and Pflixbourg. Please note: from November 15 to March 15, access to the site is by foot only.