Haut-Koenigsbourg

The castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg, located halfway between Strasbourg and Colmar, is one of the most famous in Alsace. Because Alsace borders Germany, the castle has witnessed numerous episodes of conflict between the two countries over the centuries. Its location in a beautiful setting next to the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park is perhaps its main attraction today. There is no shortage of reasons to visit!

The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is located atop the Vosges mountains in the commune of Orschwiller. Throughout the Middle Ages, its high elevation served as a crucial vantage point for France's rulers. However, following the Thirty Years' War in the 1600s, the castle was abandoned. The 12th-century château's original form has undergone numerous transformations since then. The restoration work carried out by the German emperor Kaiser Wilhelm in the early 20th century gave rise to the fairytale-like version we see today. The Alsace region of France was then a part of Germany, and the emperor wanted to have the castle restored to turn it into a museum of the Middle Ages after realizing its significance.

The castle was restored again in 1993 and now receives over 500,000 visitors each year. Many rooms have been furnished inside the castle, and there is a large collection of weapons and armour, mostly from the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle also has turrets, fortifications, and a watchtower with panoramic views of the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest.

If you're in the Alsace region of France, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is a must-see. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is in Orschwiller, about 26 kilometers from Colmar and 55 kilometers from Strasbourg. Come walk across its drawbridge and take in its slightly iridescent exterior, which is made of pink sandstone.

Location: Alsace