Château d'Engelbourg & the Œil de la Sorcière
Perched on a wooded spur above Thann, the ruined Château d'Engelbourg offers one of the most theatrical viewpoints in southern Alsace — and its most famous feature is a single circular tower wall that collapsed into a perfect stone ring, nicknamed the 'Œil de la Sorcière' (Witch's Eye). Frame the Rhine plain through it and you have one of the region's most iconic photographs.
The Hike Up
A marked trail from the town centre climbs through chestnut and oak forest to the ruins in roughly 30–40 minutes. The path is well-maintained but steep in places, so wear proper shoes; the reward at the top is an unobstructed panorama stretching from the Vosges ridgeline to the Black Forest on clear days.
In autumn the forest canopy turns copper and gold, making the walk itself as rewarding as the destination.
The Witch's Eye Up Close
The tower fragment stands about 10 metres tall and its circular window frames a perfect disc of sky — photographers queue at golden hour to shoot the Rhine plain glowing through it. The ruin is freely accessible year-round.
The castle itself was blown up by French troops in 1673 to prevent it falling into enemy hands; the dramatic collapse of the tower happened later, creating the accidental sculpture you see today.
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