Froensbourg Castle

Perched on a rocky spur, this semi-troglodyte fortress was built in the 13th century by a branch of the Fleckenstein family who took the name Froensbourg. It became a den for robber knights and was besieged and destroyed in 1348 by the Alliance for Public Peace. Rebuilt in 1389 by brothers Emich and Sygfrid de Loewenstein, it then became a palatine fief. In 1481, the Fleckenstein family partially regained possession and carried out works, including the construction of a residential tower on the southern rock, dated 1484. After the annexation of Alsace to France, the castle was dismantled in 1677, although it was probably already abandoned for a long time. Today, it is closed to the public for safety reasons, as stated in the municipal decree of March 11, 2022. To approach it, go to Niedersteinbach, follow the D 3 towards Lembach, then take a path on the left before the bridge over the Steinbach. A picnic area with parking and shelter marks the start of a marked trail with a yellow diamond, offering about a 30-minute walk to the site.