Wasserbourg

Population: 501 (source INSEE 2006)

Surface area: 943 ha

The village of Wasserbourg was first mentioned in the 9th century as part of the Carolingian fiscus of Colmar in the Krebsbach valley.
The Strohbourg castle was built in 1222 by André de Guirsberg. In 1286, it was occupied by Dietrich von Wassenberg. In 1324, half the property passed to Ulric de Huss, the other half to the Hattstatt family, who had settled in Soultzbach-les-Bains. In 1425, the Ribeaupierre family took possession of the castle, and gave it in fief to the Stoer de Stoerenbourg family until their extinction in 1595. The castle is depicted on the village coat of arms, surrounded by two fir trees representing the surrounding forests.
In 1714, Colmar sold the village to the college of canons of Strasbourg Cathedral.
Bunkers and a cable car station bear witness to the First World War.

What to see - What to do

Saint-Michel church and chapels

Saint-Michel church was first built in the 13th century. It was enlarged between 1830 and 1835 (Wasserbourg had 900 inhabitants at the time). In 1870, the bell tower was raised. Damaged during the First World War, the church was renovated after the end of hostilities and inaugurated in 1923. The church boasts an organ built by Valentin Rinkenbach in 1834. Also worth seeing are the five chapels or oratoriums dedicated to the four Evangelists and St. Anne.

Remains of Strohbourg castle

Also known as Wassenberg, the remains of this castle are located on a hill overlooking the village. Today, only a section of the dwelling wall and the base of the adjoining circular keep are still visible.

Hiking

Wasserbourg is criss-crossed by numerous footpaths and forest tracks leading to the Munster Valley farm inns in the Petit Ballon massif, including Wassmatt, Buchwald, Strohberg and the Boenlesgrab mountain restaurant.

Office de tourisme de la vallée de Munster