Wangenbourg-Engenthal

ince 1974, the commune of Wangenbourg-Engenthal has comprised seven hamlets: Schneethal (Val des Neiges), Wolfsthal (Val des Loups), Engenthal (Val Serré), Freudeneck (Coin de la Joie), Obersteigen (Haut de la Montée), Windsbourg (Bourg du Vent) and Wangenbourg (le bourg or château Fort des Wangen). Not to mention the Schneeberg farms. The commune is one of Alsace?s oldest listed tourist resorts, dating back to 1929. Highly appreciated for its climate, Wangenbourg-Engenthal offers a mountain micro-climate: protected from westerly winds, many people come here to breathe in the fresh air and admire the marvellous scenery. Its scattered settlements in small valleys and plateaus create a bucolic, alpine landscape that once earned it the nickname ?Little Switzerland of Alsace? The village has a population of 1,360 and a surface area of 3,075 hectares, with altitudes ranging from 400 to 961 meters, with the Schneeberg as its highest point.
Tourism is fueled by Wangenbourg castle and the 13th-century Obersteigen chapel, as well as the 14th-century Freudeneck castle. Not forgetting history, which came to Wangenbourg during the Second World War, when Charles de Gaulle, still a colonel, and his Fifth Army stayed in the village for several months during the so-called "Drôle de Guerre" episode. Their stay left many traces, which can be seen throughout the village. Numerous festivities are held throughout the year, such as the medieval festival at Château de Wangenbourg in early September, a Christmas market, the mountain festival and many others.