Dagsburg, Rock castle in Dabo, France
Dagsburg is a rock formation in the Vosges made of pink sandstone that rises roughly 30 meters above the surrounding forest and reaches a height of about 650 meters. The site holds medieval castle ruins and a chapel built in the 19th century that sits at its summit.
A count named Eberhard I of Dagsburg-Eguisheim built the first castle here in 934, and it served as a strategic fortress for centuries. The structure was destroyed in 1679 on orders from King Louis XIV, after which religious buildings eventually replaced it.
The summit chapel is dedicated to Pope Leo IX, who was born in Dabo, and features religious paintings restored during recent renovation work. The site connects spiritual significance with local heritage, drawing visitors interested in this local connection.
Visitors arrive by car and use the parking area at the base of the rock, then climb a short flight of about 60 steps to reach the summit. The ascent is straightforward and takes just a few minutes for most people.
The sandstone rock itself is roughly 200 million years old and forms one of the most striking geological features in the region. This ancient foundation now supports a religious structure from the 1800s, creating an unusual mix of deep Earth history with human construction.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.