Nine centuries of history
Almost
nine centuries of history
Close your eyes.
Three, two, one... Open your eyes!
In front of you, the majestic silhouette of Haut-Koenigsbourg.
Erected in the 12th century, Haut-Koenigsbourg castle has witnessed centuries of conflicts and rivalries between lords, kings and emperors.
A succession of illustrious owners have left their mark on the castle's history, and numerous events have modified its appearance...
Passing through the high gate of Haut-Koenigsbourg is like diving into the world of the Middle Ages.
From the lower courtyard - with its inn, forge and mill - to the spiral staircases leading up to the lord's furnished living quarters, discover the architecture, the furniture... but also an atmosphere steeped in history.
The drawbridge, armoury, keep and cannons are a constant reminder of the purpose of this mountain fortress, built by an imperial Germanic family in the 12th century and subsequently besieged, destroyed and pillaged.
Abandoned after 1633, this prestigious fortress was donated by the town of Sélestat to William II of Hohenzollern in 1899. He dreamt of resurrecting the old Germanic Empire, and indulged his passion for the Middle Ages by commissioning the architect Bodo Ebhardt, a specialist in medieval fortifications, to restore Haut-Koenigsbourg.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the political dimension of this major project was to legitimise the fledgling Hohenzollern imperial dynasty and assert the power of the new empire in the eyes of the world.
Today, we admire more the educational aspect of this restoration, which although not indisputable, is mostly plausible.
A model
castle
Now restored to the delight of fortified castle enthusiasts, Haut-Koenigsbourg offers a remarkable insight into what a mountain fortress was like in 15th-century Alsace.
From the artillery platform, also known as the Grand Bastion, this exceptional monument with its characteristic silhouette offers a unique panorama of the Alsace plain, the Vosges mountains, the Black Forest and, on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps!
As a major part of Alsace's heritage and a witness to European history, Haut-Koenigsbourg castle now offers a wide range of visitors the chance to learn about the castle's architecture, the Middle Ages and the restoration work carried out in the early 20th century, through a wide choice of tours, activities and events.
A visit to Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is an unforgettable highlight of any stay in Alsace, especially as its geographical location - in the centre of Alsace - and the nearby tourist infrastructure make it easy to integrate into a more comprehensive itinerary.
It's no coincidence that the castle is one of the most visited monuments in France, welcoming over half a million visitors every year!
When you visit Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, you'll be visiting much more than just a monument...