Wasserbourg

Perched in the Krebsbach valley, Wasserbourg is an Alsatian village of 501 inhabitants with origins dating back to the 9th century, then part of the Carolingian domain of Colmar. Its history is marked by the Strohbourg castle, built in 1222 by André de Guirsberg and passing through several hands before falling into ruins after 1595. A symbol of the commune, its coat of arms still depicts the castle ruins, flanked by two fir trees representing the surrounding forests. The Saint Michael church, originally built in the 13th century, was expanded and remodeled in the 19th century, notably with the addition of a Valentin Rinkenbach organ in 1834. Damaged during World War I, it was restored and reopened in 1923. Five chapels or oratories dedicated to the four evangelists and Saint Anne complete this religious heritage. The remains of Strohbourg castle, also called Wassenberg, still stand on a hill overlooking the village, showing only a wall section of the residence and the foundations of a circular keep. Wasserbourg also offers a network of forest trails leading to iconic mountain farm-inns of the Munster Valley, such as Wassmatt, Buchwald, or Strohberg, as well as the high-altitude restaurant Boenlesgrab, nestled in the Petit Ballon massif.