Les Trois Châteaux d’Eguisheim

Eguisheim, France

The three castles of Husseren-les-Châteaux (Les Trois Châteaux d’Eguisheim), alternatively referred to as the three castles of Eguisheim, stand in the French Vosges in upper Alsace. The group of castles is variously named after the nearby town of Eguisheim, or the village of Husseren-les-Châteaux.

The three castles, from north to south called the Dagsbourg, the Wahlenbourg and Weckmund Castle, were built close to one another, but not at the same time, on a low hill ridge. This type of arrangement, with a cluster of three castles, is found in several places in the Vosges and the nearby Palatine Forest in Germany, for example the Dreistein on the Odilienberg, the cluster of castles at Ochsenstein near Saverne, the Hohkönigsburg and the castles at Dahn.

Wahlenbourg is the oldest of the three castles. It was constructed in 1006 by Hugues IV, Count of Eguisheim and his wife Heilwige, Countess of Dabo, on the site of a Roman watch tower. In 1026, the castle was destroyed by Duke Ernest of Swabia. The edifice was divided into three distinct parts: at the top was the Count's Residence, below was accommodation for family retainers and officers, then at the bottom were barracks for soldiers and the stables.

Dagsbourg was built in 1144 by the Count of Ferrette but in 1197, after a revolt against the Emperor Henri IV, it was destroyed by Philip of Swabia, the Emperor's brother.

Weckmund: At the death of the last direct descendant of the Counts of Eguisheim-Dabo in 1225, the Counts of Ferrette became the closest heirs, but their claim was disputed by the Bishop of Strasbourg who declared war and occupied the castles of Eguisheim. In 1226-1227, King Henry of Germany, ally of the Counts of Ferrette, built this siege tower in the mower yard to control access to the castles. When peace returned, the Bishop retained the Dagsbourg and the Weckmund reverted to the Count of Ferrette.

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Eguisheim, France
See all sites in Eguisheim

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mert Feke (15 months ago)
You have to walk a little after parking the car, but it's worth seeing. Rather than its historical texture, its view and location are remarkable.
SheriLynn Gold (17 months ago)
Very interesting old ruins, just a short walk to get to from the parking lot. Nice views of the valley below. Only the red tape blocking off certain areas was unsightly!
Robert Ellis (18 months ago)
I love visiting castles, and this was no exception. It just ruins but is still magnificent. Cool to see 3 neighbors so close together.
Katie T (19 months ago)
Super cool and free!! with easy parking at the trail head and picnic tables! Easy hike.
Michael Field (21 months ago)
These three ruins were not really an eye catcher. No-one was able to walk or view the inside to these ruins.. Signs say Don't this, Don't do that, Put me off my climb up the hill side. ( Good Shoes needed )
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