The Château de Lichtenberg combines more than 800 years of history with exhibitions and a variety of hiking options. If you are looking for a hotel in Lichtenberg, you can plan your stay around whether you want to focus on the Château and its cultural programme or a hiking stage.

The Château: discover its history and architecture

The Château de Lichtenberg has served in turn as a lordly residence, a medieval fortress and a garrison. Today, it is a cultural and tourist destination. Its architecture brings together medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, military and contemporary elements. Different periods of construction and use thus meet at this historic site, from its former role as a residence to its time as a fortress and garrison.

The permanent exhibition “Le château de Lichtenberg, un chantier perpétuel” explains how the Château has changed over the centuries. Models and reconstructions bring this development to life, while interactive displays and educational resources complement the exhibition. Since 2010, the Château has been a Centre d’Interprétation du Patrimoine (CIP), an institution run by the Conseil départemental du Bas-Rhin. Its thematic focus is “Patrimoine et Création artistique”.

The cultural programme also includes “Les Médiévales du château de Lichtenberg”. Each edition features activities such as treasure hunts, guided tours, craft demonstrations, talks and parades; dates and activities vary from one edition to another. The treasure hunt “À la recherche des sculptures de Johann” is also available. The activity booklet is available at reception for €2. If you would like to take part, it is best to check its availability before your visit.

Hiking: compare GR53 stages and the circular walk

The GR53 long-distance trail includes two stages through Lichtenberg. The stage from Niederbronn-les-Bains to Lichtenberg is 18.9 km long, with 841 metres of ascent. The stage from Lichtenberg to La Petite Pierre is 17.2 km long, with 406 metres of ascent. The first stage is therefore 1.7 km longer and has 435 metres more ascent. Compare these details with your hiking plans and check trail conditions and waymarking locally.

A shorter option is the “Circuit des fontaines”: the circular route is 7 km long and takes about 2 hours. It follows forest paths and minor roads and passes through hamlets at the foot of the Château de Lichtenberg. Along the way, you will find various springs, fountains and washhouses. The route therefore differs from the two GR53 stages in both length and character.

There is also an educational trail around the Château that is suitable for pushchairs. Information panels cover the history of the village of Lichtenberg, the Château and its natural surroundings. The route brings together several local themes along one path, with the panels offering pointers on what to look out for along the way.

Practical information for your visit

The Château’s cafeteria serves hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks throughout the season. Light meals are available depending on the season. Two outdoor terraces offer views of the Northern Vosges. If you are splitting your time between the exhibition, a hike and a break, bear in mind that the selection of light meals varies by season.

You can reach the Château de Lichtenberg by car and bicycle, and—with some limitations—by public transport. If you plan to travel by bus or train, check the latest timetables. This will help you plan your journey alongside your chosen stage or the shorter circular walk.

Discover more destinations: Wolfisheim, Triembach-au-Val, Beinheim, Ittenheim, Dossenheim-Kochersberg, Erstein, Weiterswiller, Climbach.

Return to the main travel overview: Bas-Rhin.