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Château de Kaysersberg: A Window into Medieval Alsace

Explore the medieval Château de Kaysersberg, offering panoramic views of the Alsace Wine Route and a glimpse into the region's storied past.

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The Château de Kaysersberg, a ruined castle dating back to the 13th century, stands as a testament to the region's rich history and strategic importance. Perched atop a hill overlooking the charming town of Kaysersberg-Vignoble, the castle offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and the Weiss valley.

A brief summary to Château de Kaysersberg

  • Rue du Général de Gaulle, Kaysersberg-Vignoble, 68240, FR
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the castle is steep and uneven in places.
  • Bring water, especially on warm days, as there are no facilities at the castle.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the castle and enjoy the views.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as the views are best on a clear day.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Kaysersberg-Vignoble, begin at the town hall (Mairie), where you can find parking. Follow the marked path that starts near the Mairie, which runs alongside the town's ramparts. This path gradually ascends, leading you through the vineyards toward the Château de Kaysersberg. The walk to the castle ruins takes approximately 30 minutes. This route is free of charge.

  • Public Transport

    From Colmar, take bus line 145 towards Kaysersberg. Get off at the 'Rocade Verte' bus stop in Kaysersberg. From there, walk towards the town center, following signs to the Mairie (town hall). Once at the Mairie, follow the walking guidance to reach the castle. A single bus ticket costs approximately €4 (reduced fare €2). The walk from the town center to the castle takes around 30 minutes.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking options are available in Kaysersberg-Vignoble. Parking in the town center (historic zone) is limited to 2 hours and costs €5 per hour. Parking on Rue du Château and Rue du Général de Gaulle is limited to 1.5 hours with a blue disc. For longer visits, consider parking on Rocade Verte (Erlenbad), where a bus parking area is available. From any parking location, follow signs to the Mairie and then the walking path to the castle.

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Discover more about Château de Kaysersberg

The Château de Kaysersberg, also known as Schlossberg, is a ruined castle that dominates the town of Kaysersberg in the Haut-Rhin department of France. Constructed around 1220 by Albin Woelflin, the imperial bailiff for Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, the castle was strategically positioned to control one of the main routes across the Vosges Mountains toward Lorraine. Throughout its history, the castle played a vital role in regional conflicts and power struggles. In 1227, it was acquired by the lords of Horbourg and Ribeaupierre. The circular keep, a defining feature of the castle, is one of the oldest of its kind in the Upper Rhine valley. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several modifications and expansions, including the construction of a second curtain wall in the 13th century and modernization of its defenses in the 15th century to adapt to advancements in artillery. Despite its strategic importance, the castle was besieged during the German Peasants' War in the 16th century and was later abandoned. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the castle, including the imposing keep with its 4-meter thick walls, and the remains of the lordly dwelling. Climbing the 122 steps to the top of the keep rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Kaysersberg, the surrounding vineyards, and even the Black Forest in Germany on a clear day. The castle is accessible via a marked path from the town center, a 30-minute walk that winds along the ramparts and through the vineyards.

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