Warthenberg Castle

In 1979, archaeological excavations revealed the existence of an unknown fortress on the Daubenschlagfelsen rock overlooking Ernolsheim-lès-Saverne. Between 1981 and 1992, the CRAMS conducted twelve years of research that uncovered the remains of a fortress built around the mid-12th century and destroyed before 1200. This is the Warthenberg Castle, mentioned only once in archives from 1158.

The excavations revealed remarkable features: a shield wall 3.80 meters thick, a square tower measuring 11 meters on each side – making it the third largest tower in Alsace after those of Greifenstein and Lutzelbourg/Zorn – as well as residential buildings, a chapel, an entrance system, and two filtration cisterns. These remains are now visible.

The site is not accessible by car. The most direct path to reach the Daubenschlagfelsen starts from the church of Ernolsheim-lès-Saverne: a marked steep trail allows access in 20 minutes on foot. For visitors less familiar with the area, it is recommended to take the "blue rectangle" trail of the Club Vosgien, which connects the Croix de Langenthal parking lot (above Saint-Jean-Saverne) to Dossenheim-sur-Zinsel via the site, for a hike of about 45 minutes.

Maintenance and promotion of the site are managed by the "Pro Daubenschlag" association.