Located near the Hohenburg, the Loewenstein occupies the southern spur of the Schlossberg, an imposing sandstone cliff. Dating from the 12th century, the first mention of its existence dates back to 1283; year during which the great imperial bailiff Otto III of Ochsenstein seized the castle, occupied by knights who refused to recognize the new king, Rudolf of Habsburg, who took over the empire. Around 1370, the site was divided into two distinct parts held, one by the Ochsensteins, the other by Hans Streuff de Landenberg. In 1386, Hennel and Hans de Bitche, associated with the Ochsensteins, launched raids on the lands of the Lords of Lichtenberg with whom they were in conflict, from the castle. This was then dismantled by a veritable army dispatched by the City of Strasbourg and Sir Jean de Lichtenberg to put an end to this "nest" of looting knights. The castle would have subsequently been rebuilt, at least partially, and occupied until the 16th century. Its final destruction remains an enigma. Not much remains of it today, but a stop is essential for the beauty of the place and the view, from the top of the rock, over the Northern Vosges and the Palatinate.
Access: from the Fleckenstein reception site, take the path marked with a red rectangle to the Schlossberg pass. From there, follow the path marked with a red-white-red rectangle which will lead you to the ruin. Count 30 minutes of walking.
Visit
Type of clientele
- Families
- Couples
- Adults (individuals)
Type of guided tour
- Free tour