A marvel in Alsace: Haut-Koenigsbourg castle under the snow …

Our mountain Hiker apartment with a spectacular view
Our Mountain Hiker apartment with a spectacular view
Less than 10 minutes away from the Alsace wine route, we have a holiday home in the beautiful mountain village of La Vancelle. La Vancelle is a haven in a prime location opposite the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg. It is away from the noise and bustle, very often in bright sunshine even in Winter and easily accessible in all seasons.

When I was a kid, we used to visit 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 as magical … 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 the screen of my computer I can see it. But yesterday, I didn’t. It was snowing. At dusk, I left my keyboard and once more, I went up to the mountain facing me …

The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle in Alsace, shines in the dark.
The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle in Alsace, shines in the dark. By clear weather the castle is 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 Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is open all year round.

The famous castle Haut Koenigsbourg
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 Mountain Hiker gite in La Vancelle.


Our mountain Hiker apartment with a spectacular view
Our Mountain Hiker apartment with a spectacular view
Less than 10 minutes away from the Alsace wine route, we have a holiday home in the beautiful mountain village of La Vancelle. La Vancelle is a haven in a prime location opposite the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg. It is away from the noise and bustle, very often in bright sunshine even in Winter and easily accessible in all seasons.

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 is overlooking the village of Orschwiller in the Bas-Rhin county in Alsace, at an altitude of 757 meters.

The famous castle Haut Koenigsbourg
The castle Haut Koenigsbourg is open all year round, except on 1st January, 1st May, 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. Dress warmly for a Winter visit.
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 …

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

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.


Remparts de Riquewihr is a collection of 14 charming holiday gites
Our holiday gites in Riquewihr are 25 minutes only to the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle
From the small studio to the large luxury apartment, the Remparts de Riquewihr is a collection of 14 charming holiday gites superbly located in one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Jewel on the Alsace wine route Riquewihr will be your headquarters to discover all the Alsace, the Vosges and even nearby Germany and Switzerland.
Click to visit our apartements

The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle under the snow in January …
The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle under the snow in January …