THE CASTLES OF ANDLAU
Go there and contact
Visit the two majestic forts dominating the town with their Gothic towers and remains in Andlau.
Two castles dominate the heights of the city. The first, known as Haut-Andlau, reaches an altitude of 451 metres. It is characterized by its two towers and dominates the Kirneck and Barr Valley (north) and the Andlau Valley (south). Without a courtyard, the upper part was built by the Sires of Andlau between 1337 and 1344. Its entrance was designed as a succession of traps against the enemy. It was destroyed by the French troops of the Marshal of Créqui in 1678. The seigneurial dwelling was still occupied by forest guards until 1796.
The second fort is Spesbourg, built in 1247 to supervise the valley and its abbey. Planted at 460 metres, it has a square keep some 24 metres high and an inner courtyard. But it was devastated during the 30-year war. Window frames (Gothic) and remains of fireplaces suggest that it was a spacious seigneurial dwelling. These two ruins are accessible from Hungerplatz (a forest house on the Barr road), or from the Kastelberg trail that starts in Andlau.
The plus: there are horse tie bars, if you decide to come with your horse. The least: there is no restaurant nearby but picnics are allowed
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on THE CASTLES OF ANDLAU
