Why is Engelbourg castle in ruins?

Louis XIV ordered its demolition in 1673 once Alsace had become part of France, leaving the fortress without strategic purpose.

What is the Witch's Eye at Engelbourg?

It is the nickname for a fragment of the keep left hanging after the tower's destruction in 1673, now the site's most recognisable feature.

Can you freely visit Engelbourg castle?

The site consists of open-air ruins on a hilltop, reached by an uphill path.

How old is Engelbourg castle?

Its core, keep and adjoining lodge, dates from the 13th century, built by the counts of Ferrette.

Château de l'Engelbourg

Thann

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Where: Thann

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This week in the agenda

Guided tour of the site and archaeological excavations 2026Sun, Sep 20 · Le château de Küpelle20 km
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Château d'Engelbourg stands in Thann (Haut-Rhin), in the Grand Est region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century, 15th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Standing on a hilltop above the Thur valley, Engelbourg castle survives only as ruins, but striking ones. Built in the 13th century by the counts of Ferrette to guard the approach to Thann, it was deliberately demolished on Louis XIV's orders in 1673, an event that left a broken piece of tower hanging in place, now known as the 'Witch's Eye' and the site's best-known feature. The remains, cared for by volunteer restoration work since 2006, still show the outline of the round keep and its stepped defensive walls.

Written from Château d'Engelbourg

What to know

Reaching the ruins involves a walk uphill, with no particular facilities mentioned.
The site is an open-air ruin, with no roofed building to visit.
The monument has been a listed historic monument since 1898.
As no opening hours or fees are given here, it is worth checking locally before visiting.

Where this château is

Thann · Haut-Rhin · Grand Est

Map of the area around Château d'Engelbourg

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

château de l'Engelbourg, 68800 Thann

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 3 89 37 96 20

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00085695
Period of construction: 14th century, 15th century

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Frequently asked

Why is Engelbourg castle in ruins?: Louis XIV ordered its demolition in 1673 once Alsace had become part of France, leaving the fortress without strategic purpose.
What is the Witch's Eye at Engelbourg?: It is the nickname for a fragment of the keep left hanging after the tower's destruction in 1673, now the site's most recognisable feature.
Can you freely visit Engelbourg castle?: The site consists of open-air ruins on a hilltop, reached by an uphill path.
How old is Engelbourg castle?: Its core, keep and adjoining lodge, dates from the 13th century, built by the counts of Ferrette.