The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle: Alsace Emblematic Fortress
Built in the 12th century, this historical jewel is considered as one of the flagship monuments to visit in Alsace, attracting half a million tourists from all parts of the world every year!
Classified as historic monuments since 1993, this imposing fortified castle has witnessed numerous changes in terms of owners and regarding its architectural aspect. This is mostly due to a series of war-related episodes throughout the centuries and also to a great renovation initiated by Kaiser Wilhelm II and led by the architect Bodo Ebhardt from 1900 to 1908.
Full immersion into a medieval era
As soon as you arrive at the bottom of the castle, you will feel so tiny compared to these gigantic towers and donjon that showcase beautifully this particular sedimentary rock from Alsace: the sandstone « Grès des Vosges », which gives a nice warm pinky and ochre color to this fortress.
Once inside, you get pretty much an idea of how life was back then, while walking across the living areas, the courtyard and the inner parts of the castle. Collection of arm manufacturing and trophies can be found in the south and north areas of living quarters as well as very nice sculptures and furnitures in the 2nd floor.
The access to the grand bastion is definitely one of the highlights of the tour with its cannons, harquebuses and other military weapons.
An exceptional panoramic view
Perched atop one of the Vosges peaks at an altitude of 750 meters, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is one the greatest high spot to admire the sceneries and take beautiful photos of the Vosges mountains, the Black Forest and even the Alps depending on the weather.
Localisation
Between Kintzheim and Orschwiller, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is ideally located, very close to the Wine Route and can be easily integrated as one of the stop-overs in your touristic trip from Colmar to Strasbourg.
Useful information
Tickets
Full rate of 9EUR for adults, reduced rate of 5EUR for children between 6 and 17 years old and free entrance for children below 6 years old.
Free entrance on the first Sunday of the month from November to March, also during the European Heritage Days (3rd week-end of September) and the Museum Night.
How to get there
- By car: The castle is accessible by the motorway A35, exit 17 via Kintzheim or 18 via Saint-Hippolyte. N59 via Lièpvre. Free parking along the road leading to the castle.
- Public transportation: You have the possibility to take the Haut-Koenigsbourg shuttle bus from the train station of Selestat. Don’t forget to check in advance the dates and hours to get there.
Opening hours
You can buy the tickets on site and also directly at the Office of Tourism of Obernai, which can be helpful in case of long waits during the peak season.
- January, February, November, December: from 9h30 to12h00 and from 13h00 to 16h30 (10h30 on Monday morning)
- March, October: from 9h30 to 17h00 (10h30 on Monday morning)
- April, May, September: from 9h15 to 17h15 (10h30 on Monday morning)
- June, July, August: from 9h15 to 18h00 (10h30 on Monday morning)
The castle is opened during the whole year except on 1st January, 1st May, 10th of July and 25th December.
La Villa du Coteau – What We Have Particularly Liked
An imposing fortress
We have been simply amazed by the raw beauty of this castle! This building is massive, intimidating by its height and aesthetically beautiful thanks to the color of natural stones, especially on sunny days at sunset, which create some warm rosy ochre reflections on the facades.
A daunting effort into construction and renovation
An incredible work has been done since the creation of the castle, on a field of 270 meters long and about 40 meters wide. While walking in the courtyard and in the upper parts of the castle, we can deeply imagine the complexity of the work that has been achieved.
An unforgettable panoramic view
The view on the plains and the mountains from the grand bastion is simply fabulous!
Hoby et Nicolas vous font découvrir l’Alsace comme ils l’aiment, nos conseils seront donc volontairement orientés
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