Haut-Koenigsbourg castle: a 900 years long history …

When I was a kid, we went to the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg with our school. It was always a romantic and magical day out that struck our minds of children. For several years since, the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg is at my window. And it is still magical … Of course, for almost a millennium, it has not moved. I just came nearer to it. Its silhouette crowns the ridge of the mountain. At night, its fortified walls are a spot of light above the dark forest. When I look up over my screen I see it. Yesterday, at dusk, I dropped my keyboard and I went to the mountain facing me …

The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle in Alsace, in the dark.
The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle in Alsace, in the dark. Visible for tens of miles around and from the Black Forest on the other side of the Rhine valley, it is the beacon which accompanies all those who circulate in the plain.

The famous medieval castle of Haut Koenigsbourg is nestled at a strategic location on a high hill overlooking the Alsatian plain; as a result it was used by successive powers from the Middle Ages until the Thirty Years’ War (17th Century) when it was abandoned. For a few hundred years the castle of Haut Koenigsbourg was left unused and became overgrown by the forest. Various romantic poets and artists were inspired by the castle during this time. In 1900 it was restored under the direction of Emperor Wilhelm II. Today it is a major tourist attraction, overlooking the Alsace wine route.

The famous castle Haut Koenigsbourg is the most visited attraction and monument in Alsace
The famous castle Haut Koenigsbourg is the most visited attraction and monument in Alsace and one of the first in France. Accessible even in Winter with a touch of magic with snow and ice.

The famous castle of Haut Koenigsbourg, the most visited site of Alsace and one of the first of France (1 million visitors / year), is only fifteen minutes away from our House of the 4 Travelers in La Vancelle. Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg, a landmark of heritage and cultural tourism in Alsace, is one of the finest examples of a mountain fortress in the late fifteenth century. It overlooks the village of Orschwiller in the Bas-Rhin county in Alsace, at an altitude of 757 meters.

The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is open all year round
The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is open all year round, every day except on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.
The castle is open all year round, every day except on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Ticket office opening hours 2017
January, February, November and December
9:30 – 12:00 then 13:00 – 16:30
March and October
9:30 – 17:00
April, May and September
9:15 – 17:15
June, July and August
9:15 – 18:00
The castle closes 45 minutes after the ticket office in the evening.
Pets not allowed, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs.
To get the most out of your visit, get in touch with the castle and make sure you book a guided tour.
Link to the official website of the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle.
Medieval garden of the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle
The medieval garden of the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle covered by snow and ice.

For our guests staying in our MOUNTAIN HIKER holiday apartment in La Vancelle, you will see the castle from your apartment by simply looking out of the window. Reaching the castle of Haut Koenigsbourg is simple: drive down to the next village Liepvre and up to the castle on the opposite side. It will take only 15 minutes …
For our guests staying in our holiday apartments in Riquewihr, it is a short drive along the wine route until Bergheim, up to Tannenkirch and then the castle is very near. It takes only 20 minutes by car.

The famous castle Haut Koenigsbourg seen from our window in La Vancelle
The famous castle Haut Koenigsbourg seen from our window in La Vancelle

4 Comments Add yours

  1. i like, i reblogged 🙂

  2. Bonjour, je me souviens effectivement que vous aviez séjourné chez nous en Ile de France. N’hésitez pas à venir goûter à l’Alsace!
    Oui, il est important que les photos rendent justice au sujet! L’appareil photo est important (Nikon D800 et zoom FX 18-120 mm) mais pas suffisant. Il faut savoir s’en servir, comprendre la lumière et… se trouver au bon endroit au bon moment 🙂

  3. virginie herve says:

    Bonsoir Mr Krebs,

    Vos photos sont toujours magnifiques ! Quel appapreil photos utilisez vous? Merci et bonne année 2013 ainsi qu’à votre épouse.

    Virginie Bonnefoy, ancienne cliente du “Clos de la Rose”.

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