The Guirbaden Castle

" The castle of Guirbaden, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, is a testament to the period when Alsace was a part of the Holy Roman Empire. "

Guirbaden dates back to the time when Alsace was part of the Holy Roman Empire and was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Surrounded by the Vosges forest, Guirbaden is located 1 km from the village of Mollkirch, on the hills overlooking the Bruche Valley. It is the largest castle in Alsace (2 hectares) and certainly one of the oldest.

All that remains of the walls and buildings are the main building, the keep, the hunger tower, sections of the surrounding walls and the Saint-Valentin chapel. It offers a magnificent view over the Alsace plain and the Bruche Valley.

Situation and access: From Grendelbruch on foot via the GR 531, 45 minutes, 3 km path, signposted red-white-red rectangle: from Fischhutte: path (steep climb over 3 km), signposted red cross or via the "Sentier des Demoiselles de Pierre".

The “Sauver le Guirbaden” association was founded in April 2015 with one great mission, to save and restore the ruins of the castle. This work of course takes place under the benevolent eyes of its private owner and the municipality of Mollkirch, on whose land the castle stands. Workdays are organised throughout the year according to a monthly pre-set schedule : After a personal tour of the site with the volunteers, you will then be shown the different activities available (rebuilding a sandstone wall and the subsequent filling of masonry joints, the sorting and identification of shards of pottery discovered, an introduction to archaeological excavation, the reconstitution of elements of the castle, the clearing of undergrowth, to mention but a few). At the end of the day, you can say you have “added your own stone to the edifice”, as the French would say. No special skills or knowledge required. The only thing to bring is your good will!

Workdays and tours may be cancelled in the event of bad weather. Please check with the association (see above).