Discover the Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle
Dominating the Plain of Alsace at an altitude of 757 meters, the Haut-Kœnigsbourg is distinguished by its imposing pink sandstone structure. Ideally located, the heart of the Alsace Wine Route winding at its feet, the castle offers its visitors a panoramic view of the Alsace Plain, the Black Forest (Germany) and, in good weather, the Swiss Alps. The castle is among the most visited sites in the Alsatian region.
The strategic position of the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg:
Haut-Kœnigsbourg’s strategic position means that the castle has witnessed European conflicts involving local lords, kings and emperors such as the Hohenstaufen, Habsburgs and Hohenzollerns.
The current fortress was rebuilt on the ruins of a medieval castle which was destroyed in 1462. Rebuilt during the same century, the castle was ruined again after being burned by the Swedish army. In 1865, the town of Sélestat came into possession of the ruins before being completely renovated by the German Emperor William II. The restored castle was inaugurated in 1908. 10 years later, it became French.
This Hotspot of Alsatian tourism welcomes more than 550,000 visitors each year, more than 40% of whom are foreigners.
Visiting the castle:
At 750 meters above the Alsace plain, the Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle takes the shape of the rocky outcrop on which it was built. The ramparts surrounding the fortress are 270 meters long and 40 meters wide.
The lower courtyard:
The visitor first enters the castle through the lower courtyard. Access is via the main door (door of honor). When the architect Ebhardt restored the castle in the 20th century, he undertook the reconstruction of the gate of which only the foundations remained. He placed the coat of arms of Emperor William II above those of Charles V.
The lower courtyard is surrounded by a curtain wall and buildings allowing the castle’s autonomy in the event of a siege: a half-timbered inn, stables, a forge and a windmill.
Entrance tickets are checked at the Tower gate. The lintel of the door displays the coat of arms of the Tiersteins, former residents of the castle in the 15th century. It is surmounted by the coat of arms of Baron de Bollwiller who resided there in 1606.
The interior courtyard and the main staircase:
Once crossed the bridge, the visitor is led into a beautiful enclosed courtyard, called the interior courtyard. A hexagonal staircase dating from the beginning of the 20th century leads to the different floors and rooms of the castle. The castle is dominated by a square keep 62 meters high whose copper roof gives it a typical blue-green color.
To the west, after the upper garden, a second drawbridge leads to the large bastion. This medieval defensive building is flanked by two towers and offers a breathtaking view of the Alsace plain and the Vosges.
The first floor of the main building is made up of the northern dwelling (succession of rooms decorated with paneling) and the southern dwelling (trophy room and guard room containing a collection of weapons from the end of the Middle Ages).
The second floor includes the empress’s bedroom and antechamber, known as the “Lorraine Chamber” and “Emperor’s Chamber”. The latter is decorated with frescoes from the beginning of the 19th century, an imperial eagle and the Prussian motto inscribed on the vault. There is also the coat of arms of the Hohenzollerns.
The Medieval Garden:
Completely enclosed, the medieval garden of the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg has been recreated from medieval documents and engravings. Located outside the castle, it is made up of squares with woven wood borders. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, it became a pleasure garden with shaded areas and rose bushes inviting you to take a walk.
How to access Sélestat from our Lodges in Hunawihr?
Located in the heart of the Alsatian region, our lodges are located on the Alsace wine route in the beautiful village of Hunawihr. With family or friends, our lodges have several rooms with spa (jacuzzi) for a pleasant holiday in Alsace. Our 5 lodges are accessible by car with free private parking with charging stations for electric cars.
Just 20 minutes from Haut-Kœnigsbourg by car, the location of our lodges will allow you to enjoy the calm of the village while being in the heart of the unmissable sites of Alsace.
Do you want to go on vacation to the heart of the Alsatian Vineyard? Perhaps in the wine village of Hunawihr? Don’t wait any longer and book one of our 5 lodgings!