Drachenbronn-Birlenbach is a commune in Bas-Rhin, in the Grand Est region, 10 km southwest of Wissembourg.
Its territory of 7 km² is located on the foothills of the Vosges mountains, to the north-west of the historical and cultural region of Alsace. The landscape remained very green, agricultural land covering 60% of the municipal area, natural spaces (forests, meadows, orchards) occupying 28%.
The specificity of the locality is to be made up of two entities whose destiny has been linked for more than 700 years, established in the form of "street villages" along the Birlenbæchel stream. In the twentieth century, a city was added to accommodate the personnel of an air base dissolved in 2015.
Already occupied during Prehistory and then in Antiquity (Roman coins were unearthed during excavations), the two villages are mentioned in a document of 1298 as already united and belonging to the lord of Ribeaupierre.
A first castle is then established in Birlenbach which will be replaced by the castle known as Catharinenburg, built in 1619 by Johann Casimir, count of Deux-Ponts for his wife Catharina, daughter of the King of Sweden. Only vestiges remain, because the locality, meanwhile acquired by the Reformation, is attached to France after the Thirty Years' War. The project of principality of the Swedish prince is abandoned and the castle soon dismantled and razed.
In the 20th century, the construction of the Maginot Line and the construction of the Hochwald structure put the locality back in the foreground. After the war, this site hosted an air base dedicated to monitoring traffic in the north-eastern quarter of the country. It recently closed its doors, making way for a leisure complex.
The heritage of character and the leisure offer of Drachenbronn-Birlenbach (850 inhabitants) certainly justify a visit near other tourist sites in the region.
The heritage of the locality has several sites of interest. A discovery can begin with the town hall of Drachenbronn, a building of character built in 1835 which also served for a time of school and Protestant church. The annex, on Birlenbach, was built in 1890.
In another area, the church of Saint-Maurice de Birlenbach in neo-Romanesque style dates from the end of the 19th century but in terms of religious architecture, it is he Protestant temple inaugurated in 1785 which has both a unique history and artistic elements of interest. Until 1898, the building hosted Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed cults. Renovated in 1956, it was then embellished by the installation of a stained glass window by Tristan Ruhlmann and a fresco by André Bricka representing the Holy Heavenly City. In addition, an organ and funerary slabs are preserved.
In addition to cemetery crosses, to mention again the old Lutheran school (18th century) which became a dwelling on rue Principale in Birlenbach and here and there, in the village, elements reused from the castle of Catharinenburg (oculus, sculpted elements for example) that the population "recovered" during its dismantling. Finally, note that two large-scale frescoes by the artist and illustrator Louis-Philippe Kam adorn the walls of the Drachenbronn school. Contact on +33 3 88 94 51 08.
For a pleasant stroll, the presbytery garden, initiated in 2011, highlights this old building. It includes a biblical garden, a "grandmother's garden", a historic square and a replica of Catharinenburg with its squares of herbs (medicinal plants). Free entry. For more information, call +33 3 88 94 51 08. In addition, several very flowered and nicely arranged private gardens are regularly open to visitors.
On the leisure side, you can cool off in summer and swim all year round in the municipal indoor swimming pool. Closed Mondays. Price: 2.50 and 4.20 euros. Information on +33 3 88 94 51 90.
In addition, a leisure complex was recently built on the hill long occupied by the fort of the Maginot line then the air base (which counted up to 700 military personnel). Called the "Chemin des cimes", it includes a 1050 m long path, a 29 m high panoramic tower dedicated in particular to the observation of the forest, slides and other fun facilities. Open every day. Admission: 12 to 15 euros. Information on +33 3 69 50 86 00.
The green landscapes of the town and the neighboring forest can be the subject of horseback riding (contact the Werly Equestrian Farm on +33 3 88 80 48 76) and it is also possible to join the walking club outings (call +33 3 88 80 67 90). Hiking or two-wheeler circuits are also signposted, covering the town and part of the massif (known as the Hochwald). Maps and information on +33 3 88 94 10 11.
We will not forget to find out about the activities, exhibitions, hikes offered all year round by the Regional Natural Park of the Northern Vosges, of which the town is a member: information at +33 3 88 01 49 59.