Our historic heritage covers all man's works left on the region by history. Without a doubt, castles are the most striking traces on the territory of the biosphere reserve. In fact, the region of the reserve has the highest density of castles in Europe. There are over 95 throughout the territory, 35 on the French side and 60 on the German side

Since the beginning of time, the territory of the cross-border biosphere reserve was coveted by man. People wanted to set up home here and establish families, wealth and power. For these reasons, numerous castles were constructed in the region, both as a defence against the enemy and as a sign of wealth and power.

Numerous battles were waged here, often leaving their mark on the inhabitants and in memoirs.

The territory also contains archaeological remains from the Neolithic and Gallo-Roman periods. These traces prove that man lived in the region of the reserve a very long time ago.

Fleckenstein Castle. © SYCOPARC

Trifels Castle © NPP