Discover Husseren-Les-Châteaux

Husseren-Les-Châteaux combines Alsatian wine-growing with a history that stretches from the Three Castles to the neo-Gothic Church of Saint-Pancrace. The village lies at an altitude of 380 metres and is the highest village in the Alsace wine-growing region. From the village, views extend across the Rhine Plain to the Black Forest on the horizon.

Castles, Architectural History, and Church

The ruins of Weckmund and Wahlenbourg castles are remnants of a 13th-century building phase; they have been listed as historic monuments since 1840. The Haut-Eguisheim castle complex comprised three keeps, including Weckmund, built in the south. Parts of the walls, with windows, remain on its keep and on the residential building of Haut-Eguisheim Castle.

The village’s early history is also linked to the construction of the Three Castles: the huts of Husseren-les-Châteaux housed craftsmen and workers who built the castles in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Church of Saint-Pancrace adds a later architectural feature. It was built in 1884 in the neo-Gothic style. Its choir has a pointed-arch vault; the nave is flanked by aisles and a porch tower. The church also contains a 14th-century statue of Saint Pancras—an object from an earlier period than the church itself.

Vineyards and Tastings

Wine is also part of the village’s character. Wines from the “Pfersigberg” and “Eichberg” vineyards have been renowned since the 15th century. In addition to numerous winegrowers, Husseren-les-Châteaux has several wine cellars where visitors can enjoy tastings. If you want to visit a particular cellar, check its availability in advance.

Maison Birghan welcomes visitors year-round for wine tastings, including Grands Crus, late-harvest wines, and Crémant. Confirm the tasting arrangements before your visit. Domaine Lipp François et Fils offers vineyard and wine-cellar tours by prior arrangement. Guided visits are also available to individuals; private visitors are offered complimentary wine tastings. Ask in advance about the reservation requirements and the format you prefer.

Planning the Route des Cinq Châteaux

The Route des Cinq Châteaux stretches for 10 kilometres and connects Husseren-les-Châteaux with Wintzenheim. Along the route, visitors can discover the ruins of three castles; it also offers viewpoints across the Alsatian plain and provides access to Château du Hohlandsbourg. Check its current opening arrangements separately if you plan to visit.

Seasonal closure is important to bear in mind when planning: the route is closed every year from 15 November to 15 March under a prefectural order. Check these dates before setting off. Except in winter, the route is accessible by car; it follows an unpaved road. Information about the route and its different highlights can help you choose an itinerary, castles, and wine visits that suit your interests.

Discover more destinations: Ammerzwiller, Ensisheim, Urbès, Zellenberg, Hagenthal-Le-Haut, Willer-Sur-Thur, Hagenthal-Le-Bas, Illzach

Return to the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.