Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

Perched at 757 metres on a rocky spur of the Vosges, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle overlooks the entire Alsace plain, with views as far as the Black Forest and, on clear days, the Alps. It is one of the most visited castles in France.

Getting there

By train: Sélestat station (TGV stop), then the seasonal Haut-Koenigsbourg shuttle bus or a taxi. By car: from Sélestat, allow 10 to 15 minutes along the winding road; car parks are located at the foot of the castle.

History

First mentioned in the 12th century, the castle was ruined during the Thirty Years' War after a siege in 1633. Fallen into oblivion, it was given to Emperor Wilhelm II, who had it fully restored between 1900 and 1908 by the architect Bodo Ebhardt, giving it back the look of a medieval fortress.

Culture & stories

The visit takes in the drawbridge, the banqueting hall, the keep, the medieval garden and the arms collections. The panorama from the great bastion is breathtaking.

Visitor tips

The castle is open all year round (closed on 1 January and 25 and 26 December). Tickets on site and online. Bring good shoes and a light jumper, even in summer.

Location