The heart of our medieval adventure is the Three Castles of Eguisheim (Les Trois Châteaux d'Eguisheim), a majestic defensive complex that has reigned over Alsace's picturesque landscape for centuries. These impressive ruins, located on the Schlossberg hill, are not only a magnificent example of medieval defensive architecture, but are also a testament to the region's turbulent history.

The complex consists of three castles: Weckmund, Wahlenburg and Dagsburg, which, despite their name, form a single defensive complex. Each represents a different stage of fortification development, making them a fascinating site for history and architecture enthusiasts. The castles were built between the 11th and 13th centuries and played a key role in the region's defense system for centuries.

A hike to the Three Castles of Eguisheim is a true journey through time. The path leading to the hill leads through picturesque vineyards, offering unforgettable views of the countryside. According to one tourist's opinion: 'The access from Eguisheim interesting, at first gently among the vineyards then steeply uphill. Despite the name there is one castle, or rather the ruins of three donjons. Beautiful view of Alsace from the top.'

Upon arriving at the site, visitors are greeted by a spectacular view of the ruins of the three donzons, which are still very impressive despite the passage of time. Although not all parts of the complex are open to the public, just walking around the ruins allows you to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages and imagine what life within these walls was like centuries ago.

One tourist shares his impressions: 'An extremely interesting castle complex consisting of three castles. Very picturesque ruins with an amazing panorama of the area.' This perfectly captures the atmosphere of this place, which combines history, scenic beauty and an unforgettable experience.

It is worth noting that the complex is accessible all year round, making it an attractive destination regardless of the season. In winter, the snow-covered ruins create a magical scenery, while in spring and summer the surrounding vineyards and forests delight with luscious greenery.

For families with children, the Three Castles of Eguisheim is the perfect place for an educational adventure. Young explorers will be able to let their imagination run wild, imagining the lives of medieval knights and court ladies. It's also a great opportunity to learn history in practice, observing the differences in the architecture of the various parts of the complex.

There are many legends and stories surrounding the Three Castles of Eguisheim, which add to the mystery and charm of the place. One of the most famous legends tells the story of the origin of these impressive fortifications.

According to local tradition, the three castles were built by three brothers - knights who competed for the favor of a beautiful lady of the court. Each of them decided to build the most powerful and beautiful castle to impress his heart's choice. The brothers worked day and night, erecting their fortresses on top of the Schlossberg hill.

Legend has it that when the castles were almost finished, the lady of the court visited the construction site to assess the works of the contenders for her hand. Seeing the three majestic buildings, she was greatly impressed. However, instead of choosing one of the brothers, she suggested that they join forces to create one united defensive complex that would be impregnable.

The brothers, understanding the wisdom of this proposal, agreed. They combined their castles into one powerful fortification system to defend the region from invaders. Since then, the Three Castles of Eguisheim have become a symbol of unity and strength, as well as a romantic reminder of extraordinary love and rivalry.

This legend, passed down from generation to generation, adds to the magic of the ruins we can admire today. Walking through the remains of the castles, one can almost hear the echoes of ancient stories and imagine scenes from the lives of medieval knights and court ladies.

In addition to the legend of the origins of the castles, there are many other stories associated with the place. One tells of a hidden treasure that is said to be still waiting to be discovered in the vaults of the ruins. Another tells of the ghosts of the former residents, which are said to be found on moonlit nights, walking the walls and reminiscing about the castles' former glory days.

These legends and stories not only enrich the history of the Three Castles of Eguisheim, but also make a visit to the site even more fascinating. For families with children, this is an excellent opportunity to spark imagination and interest in history. Young explorers are sure to be delighted by the opportunity to search for traces of legendary treasures or to look out for the ghosts of ancient inhabitants.

It is worth remembering that while the legends add to the charm of the place, the real history of the Three Castles of Eguisheim is equally fascinating. These castles played a key role in the turbulent history of Alsace, witnessing numerous conflicts and political changes in the region. Their strategic location on the Schlossberg hill made them an important defensive point for centuries, guarding the surrounding lands and trade routes.

When planning a visit to the Three Castles of Eguisheim, there are some practical tips to consider to help you fully enjoy this remarkable attraction.

Access and parking: the castle complex is located about 2.5 kilometers from the center of Eguisheim. For those traveling by car, a large parking lot is available at the foot of the hill. As one tourist noted: 'Large parking lot, 5 minutes to the ruins. Excellent place for big and small. I recommend. This makes access much easier, especially for families with children or the elderly.

Route and accessibility: The path leading to the castles is well marked and maintained. However, it is worth remembering that the last section can be quite steep. As one visitor describes: 'The approach from Eguisheim is interesting, at first gently among the vineyards then steeply uphill.' It is recommended to take comfortable footwear and a supply of water, especially on warm days.

Sightseeing time: it is advisable to set aside about 2-3 hours to thoroughly explore the complex and savor the views. This will allow you to explore the ruins in peace and take souvenir photos.

Best time to visit: The castles are accessible all year round, but the most enjoyable visits are in spring and autumn, when temperatures are moderate and the landscape is particularly picturesque. Early morning or late afternoon hours offer the best light for photography.

Facilities: Please note that there are no refreshment facilities or toilets at the ruins. It is advisable to stock up on provisions and drinks before heading out on the trail.

Safety: Although the ruins are secure, caution should be exercised, especially with children. Some parts of the complex may not be accessible for safety reasons.

Admission and prices: Admission to the Three Castles of Eguisheim is free, making this attraction accessible to all. However, it is advisable to check the current information on the official website before planning a visit, as it may change.

Additional attractions: After visiting the castles, it is worth going down to charming Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace. A stroll through the medieval streets and a tasting of local wines will be the perfect complement to the tour.

Photography tip: The castles offer great photo opportunities. Particularly beautiful shots can be obtained at sunrise or sunset, when the light highlights the structure of the ruins and the surrounding landscape.

For families with children: This is a great place for a family trip. It's a good idea to prepare a mini field game or quiz related to the history of the castles for the kids to get them even more involved in the tour.

Keep in mind, however, that opinions on attractions can vary. As one tourist noted: 'Generally poor. Views poor, towers closed, can't go up.' It's worth keeping this in mind and adjusting expectations, keeping in mind that the main attraction here is primarily the ruins and the surrounding landscape.

All in all, the Three Castles of Eguisheim is a fascinating place to immerse yourself in the medieval history of Alsace. Whether you're a lover of history, photography, or just looking for unusual views, this attraction is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.