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Château de Kaysersberg: A Window into Medieval Alsace

Explore the ruins of Château de Kaysersberg, an imperial castle with panoramic views of the Alsace region and its vineyards.

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The Château de Kaysersberg, or Schlossberg, is a ruined castle overlooking the town of Kaysersberg-Vignoble in the Haut-Rhin department of France. Built around 1220, this imperial castle offers a glimpse into the region's strategic past and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley and vineyards.

A brief summary to Château de Kaysersberg

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

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the castle and for climbing the steps to the top of the keep.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area from the top of the castle.
  • Visit the castle in the late afternoon for beautiful lighting and fewer crowds.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the views are best on a clear day.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Kaysersberg-Vignoble, follow the marked path that starts near the town hall. The path goes along the ramparts and through the vineyards, leading to the castle ruins. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest train station is in Colmar. From Colmar, take bus line 68R013 towards Le Bonhomme. Get off at the Kaysersberg Vignoble - Rocade Verte stop. From there, it's a 30-minute walk to the castle following the walking directions. A single bus ticket costs around €4 (€2 reduced fare).

  • Parking

    If driving, paid parking is available in Kaysersberg-Vignoble. A daily parking fee of €5 may be available if you are staying in local accommodations; contact your accommodation provider for details. From the parking area, follow the marked path from the town hall to reach the castle, about a 30-minute walk.

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Discover more about Château de Kaysersberg

The Château de Kaysersberg, perched on a hill above the town, is a testament to the region's rich medieval history. Constructed around 1220 for Albin Woelflin, the imperial bailiff of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, the castle played a vital strategic role in controlling routes across the Vosges Mountains towards Lorraine. Kaysersberg's imposing cylindrical keep, with walls over 4 meters thick, is one of the oldest round keeps in Alsace. After 1261, the initial curtain wall was replaced to better defend the castle. In the 14th century, it served as the residence of the imperial provost. The castle underwent modernization in the 15th century to adapt to artillery advancements. Besieged during the German Peasants' War (1524/25), it was later restored in 1583. Archaeological evidence suggests the castle was abandoned by the end of the 16th century. Today, visitors can freely explore the ruins of Château de Kaysersberg. A marked path from the town center leads to the castle, offering a pleasant walk through the vineyards. Ascend the 122 steps to the top of the keep for breathtaking views of Kaysersberg, the Weiss Valley, and even the Black Forest in Germany on a clear day.

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