High Koenigsbourg Castle (Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg)

Towering a half-mile (757 meters) over the Alsace Plain, the striking pink sandstone towers of High Koenigsbourg Castle (Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg) are an unmissable sight, and the fairytale fortress is among the most popular attractions of the famous Alsace Wine Route.  Although originally built in the 12th century for the German Hohenzollern family, the majority of the current castle dates back to the 19th century, when it was extensively renovated by Prussian Emperor William II.
As well as admiring the romantic spires and richly decorated façade from up close, the highlight of a visit to High Koenigsbourg Castle is the impressive view from the hilltop, spanning over the surrounding Vosges Mountains, Germany’s Black Forest region and as far as the Swiss Alps on a clear day. Tours of the castle interiors are also available, where visitors can explore the windmill, wine cellars, living quarters and medieval gardens, while learning about the castle’s long history of war, siege and fire.

Practical Info

High Koenigsbourg Castle is located 34 miles (55 km) southwest of Strasbourg along the Alsace Wine Route and can be reached by shuttle bus from nearby Selestat. The castle is open all year from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. in winter or 6 p.m. in summer, and offers guided tours in English from June to September. Adult admission costs €8.