THE GRAND TOUR OF CASTLES

The Rothenburg Castle is several hundred metres from the Falkenstein but has only a few visual remains. Its origins are unknown. The castle is cited in 1353 as belonging to the Count of Bitche. several years later, it became a hideout for highwaymen and was eventually destroyed by the Strasbourg militia. In the 16th century, it is sited as a small old ruined castle. Access: By the forestry road, a small steep path will take you up to the ruins.

On the same ridge, to the side of the Falkenstein, is Helfenstein castle, "the rock that brings help". In 1410, this castle was built with the money from the villagers in Butten, Kirspach and Birsbach, the Duke of Lorraine's fieifs. It was destroyed in 1435. Several signs can still be seen: walls, a well, carved steps in the rock... Access: The access is indicated from Philippsbourg. Once at the forestry carpark, it takes 20 minutes to reach the ruin.

Lieschbach Lake at Philippsbourg is a small peaceful peat mire and lake. On the outskirts of the villages, the 2km walk around the lake offers an exceptional panoramic of the forest and the rock outcrops. Thanks to a small wooden jetty, you can have a close up view of the wide variety of dragonflies that nest here. This lake is a nature reserve and is thus protected. Swimming and canoeing is strictly forbidden. You can reach the lake via the Hanau Lake following the path with the blue cross leading to the Falkenstein castle (35min). By car: coming from Haguenau towards Bitche, turn right after Philippsbourg into the small hamlet called Lieschbach. After 200m, turn right onto a track, continue 100m and there is a small forest car park on your right. Continue on foot to the lake (10min) Coming from Bitche: follow Haguenau and before entering Philippsbourg turn left into the hamlet of Lieschbach.

The ruins of Grand Arnsbourg, a castle dating back to the middle of the 12th century, are between Philippsbourg and Niederbronn. The castle was built to survey the Zinsel valley leading to Bitche. Louis d'Arnsbourg was the first occupant in 1229; from 1332, it was in the hands of the Lords of Lichtenberg until the last descendant died in 1481. The Count of Deux-Pont-Bitche became proprietor until the castle was partially destroyed during the Peasant War. For security reason access is strictly forbidden. Access: Forestry car park on the D87. Follow the red rectangles up to the path which lead you to the ruin in approximately 30 minutes

L'étang de Hanau, au coeur du Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord, est un site touristique très apprécié des visiteurs, qui le fréquentent autant pour le délassement qu'il procure que pour ses richesses naturelles environnantes. Dominé par les ruines du château médiéval de Waldeck, l'étang de Hanau s'étend sur 18 hectares. Sur place, on peut y trouver un hôtel, deux restaurants, un camping**, un point d'accueil et de renseignements touristiques, un sentier botanique, des aires de pique-nique et de nombreux sentiers de randonnée balisés.