Falkenstein circuit

Rock of the Abrahamfels

Rock Pilsfels

The castle dates back to the 9th century. It was part of the County of Bitche in 1353 before becoming a den for knight-robbers, which earned him to be ravaged by the Strasbourg militia. It is in ruins since the 16th century. In 1938, he was integrated into the passive defense system of the Maginot Line and was occupied by the troops until 1940, but did not know the fight.

Located in the north-east of the Moselle, it is the lowest pass of the forest roads with 291 m of altitude.

An exceptional site sheltering a rare and fragile fauna and flora. Classified as a Biological Reserve, it is part of the National Nature Reserve of the rocks and peat bogs of the Pays de Bitche. Its bypass offers a beautiful view on the forest and the surrounding rocks. Warning: access to the banks and trampling of the wetland is forbidden.

Built in the 12th century by the Count of Lutzelbourg, it owes its name to the rock overhanging its courtyard, similar to a falcon. It was rebuilt after a fire caused by lightning in 1564, but its owner abandoned it to settle in the valley, creating the present Philippsbourg. A second fire in 1623 destroyed the castle, which was not rebuilt. Some of its stones were then used to build the surrounding villages. It was classified as a historical monument in 1929.

Direct neighbor of Falkenstein from which it is separated only by a ditch still well preserved, its construction dates from 1264, whereas it would belong to the duke of Lorraine Ferry III. It was besieged and destroyed by its neighbor in 1435. It served as a stone quarry and its walls disappeared. Long forgotten, he was found by Adolphe Malye in the 19th. Today, there are only scattered blocks engulfed by vegetation. More info here.