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Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: A Medieval Fortress with Panoramic Views

Explore a magnificent medieval fortress in Alsace with panoramic views, rich history, and stunning architecture. A must-see landmark!

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Perched high in the Vosges Mountains, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is a beautifully restored medieval castle offering stunning panoramic views of the Alsace plain. Built in the 12th century, it has witnessed centuries of European conflicts and offers visitors a glimpse into the Middle Ages.

A brief summary to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and 300 steps to climb during the castle tour.
  • Arrive early, especially during the summer, as parking can be limited, and you may have to walk a considerable distance from your car.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance, particularly during peak season, to avoid potential queues.
  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month from November to March for free admission.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Sélestat train station, take bus route 500, the 'Navette du Haut-Koenigsbourg' shuttle. The bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes. The shuttle operates daily from mid-June to mid-September and on weekends and holidays from March to December. A single ticket costs €2.50, and a return ticket costs €5. Presenting the shuttle ticket at the castle entrance will give you a discount of €2 for adults or €1 for children.

  • Driving

    From Sélestat, follow the D159 road towards Orschwiller. The drive to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is approximately 15 km and takes about 25 minutes. Free parking is available along the road leading to the castle. However, parking can be limited, especially during peak season, and you may need to walk up to 1 km from your parking spot to the castle entrance.

  • Taxi

    From Sélestat train station, a taxi ride to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg typically costs between €40 and €50 and takes around 17 minutes.

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Discover more about Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, rising 757 meters above the Alsace plain, is a majestic fortress that dominates the landscape. This imposing castle, constructed of pink Vosges sandstone, has a rich and storied history, dating back to the 12th century when it was built by the Hohenstaufen dynasty. Originally known as Staufenberg, the castle strategically controlled medieval trade routes between France and Germany. Over the centuries, the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg has been a silent observer of European conflicts, passing through the hands of lords, kings, and emperors. It was destroyed in 1462 and later rebuilt, only to be burned down again by the Swedish army during the Thirty Years' War. Abandoned for more than two centuries, the ruins were acquired by the town of Sélestat in 1865 before being completely renovated under German Emperor William II. His vision was to revive the Middle Ages, and the restored castle was inaugurated in 1908. After World War I, it became a French national property. Today, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg stands as a major tourist attraction in Alsace, drawing over half a million visitors annually. Visitors can explore the castle's many rooms, courtyards, and ramparts, discovering arms rooms, furnished chambers, and medieval gardens. The castle's strategic location offers breathtaking views of the Alsace plain, the Vosges mountains, and the Black Forest, and on clear days, even the Swiss Alps.

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