The Birkenfels castle is located on the Ottrott locality, in the Bas-Rhin, 35 km south-west of Strasbourg. It was erected from 1260 on behalf of Burkhand Berger, a minister (high-ranking official) in the service of the bishop of Strasbourg.
In the forest of Obernai, not having a major strategic interest, the building was primarily intended to serve the prestige of a family, the Shepherds, who envied the nobility of the region. It was in their possession until 1532 and was ceded to the family of Mundolsheim until the Revolution.
Burned in the fourteenth century, rebuilt and restored in the fifteenth century, it fell into ruins after the Thirty Years' War and became the nineteenth property of the municipality of Obernai.
It is now an association that is in charge of the preservation of the remains and initiates restoration campaigns led by volunteers.
The site, 675 m above sea level, can be hiked on the edge of the Mont Sainte-Odile massif via marked trails. Information on +33 3 88 95 64 13.
Classified since 1984, the ruins of this castle, of which some of the defensive and residential elements can still be observed, can also be discovered during a guided tour. Contact the association at +33 6 82 04 87 64.
