Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Built in the 12th century, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle has for centuries been the witness to conflicts and rivalries between lords, kings and emperors. The castle has had a succession of illustrious owners who have left their mark on its history, and numerous events that have changed its appearance... To pass through the high gate of Haut-Koenigsbourg is to plunge into the world of the Middle Ages.
From the lower courtyard - with its inn, forge and mill - to the spiral staircases leading to the furnished flats of the lord, discover the architecture, the furnishings... but also a whole atmosphere steeped in history.
The drawbridge, the weapons room, the keep and the cannons are a constant reminder of the purpose of this mountain fortress built by an imperial Germanic family in the 12th century, which was subsequently besieged, destroyed and pillaged.
Abandoned after 1633, this prestigious castle was offered in 1899 by the town of Sélestat to William II of Hohenzollern. He dreamed of resurrecting the old Germanic Empire and fulfilled his passion for the Middle Ages by entrusting the restoration of Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle to the architect Bodo Ebhardt, a specialist in medieval fortifications.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the political dimension of this major project was to legitimise the young imperial dynasty of the Hohenzollerns and affirm the power of the new empire in the eyes of the world. Today, we admire more the educational aspect of this restoration, which without being indisputable, is mostly plausible.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
67600
Orschwiller
03 69 33 25 00
haut-koenigsbourg@alsace.eu
www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr
Visit of the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Visit of the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: the only medieval castle in Alsace to have been completely restored. A unique place not to be missed! To cross the high gate of Haut-Koenigsbourg is to plunge into the world of the Middle Ages. 900 years of history - The characteristic silhouette of Haut-Koenigsbourg castle has marked the Alsatian landscape for almost 900 years.
Visible from afar, the imposing fortress nestles at an altitude of almost 800 metres in the heart of the Vosges forest, dominating the wine route which winds at its feet and offers a grandiose panorama of the Alsace plain, the valleys and balloons of the Vosges, the Black Forest and, on a clear day, the Alps...
In the snow or in the middle of summer, discovering Haut-Koenigsbourg is a unique experience in all seasons. Standing on a rocky spur, it offers a grandiose panorama. Built in the middle of a forest, it offers a beautiful excursion.
Youngsters and families enjoy visiting a medieval fortress, while history buffs delve into the past of this Alsatian landmark and the curious are interested in the restoration of an exceptional monument.
Information
The tour includes 300 steps of different heights and orientations.
Pushchairs are not permitted. If you are bringing small children, we advise you to bring a baby carrier.
Opening hours
The château is open all year round except on 1 January and 25 and 26 December.
January, February, March: 9.30am* - 12pm and 1pm - 5pm
April, May, June: 9.30am* - 6pm
July, August: 9am* - 7pm
September, October, November, December: 9.30am* - 6pm
*On Mondays, the château opens at 10.30am
In the evening, last admission 1 hour before the château closes.
Reservation
Online ticket purchases are recommended for individuals during peak periods. For Pass'Alsace holders, simply select the free ticket.
Public price
Adult : €12.00Kid : €8.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeKid : Free
The HK in Comics
From 12 to 13 July 2025
Événement exceptionnel
Adult : €4.00 - Kid : €4.00
During this unique tour, explore the castle through the artworks that decorate it and the drawings it has inspired. The Haut-Koenigsbourg and graphic arts share a long-standing history. Often sketched by artists, the castle appears in several illustrated albums: La Grande Menace by J. Martin, Mini-Loup by P. Matter, Aline by C. Carmona, and many more. Long before that, the fortress was already the playground of Leo Schnug, now considered one of the founding figures of fantasy illustration.
By observing Schnug’s frescoes, comic strips, and children's book illustrations, this tour offers a new way to interpret the site… From panel to panel, HK breaks free from the frames!
Booking required!
Orschwiller
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
67600 Orschwiller
France
0369332500
haut-koenigsbourg@alsace.eu
Live Drawing Concert: Anima Vagans
12 July 2025 at 18:30
Événement exceptionnel
Free
Music, fantasy, graphic arts—all set in a castle during a comic book festival... This evening promises to be one-of-a-kind!
Created for the Haut-Koenigsbourg in the summer of 2024 and met with great success, Anima Vagans invites you to witness the unique encounter between two illustrators, masters of the fantastic, and three musicians specializing in ancient and traditional music, as well as sound experimentation.
Kalevi Uibo (citole, kannels, effects, sound manipulation, composition, sound design), Anne Schlick (nyckelharpa, jaw harps, vocals), and Sébastien Benoit (bagpipes, flutes, jaw harps) weave a sonic and cinematic tapestry inspired by medieval, folk, rock, and ambient music.
A dialogue takes shape with Daphné Raimbaux and Jean Linnhoff, both drawing in charcoal on a shared canvas, live. The entire performance is filmed and projected on a large screen by videographer Marc Linnhoff.
The program offers a dreamlike, illustrated musical journey through the creatures and fantastic worlds of Alsatian tales and legends.
The performance is followed by a Q&A with the artists.
Orschwiller
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
67600 Orschwiller
France
0369332500
haut-koenigsbourg@alsace.eu
Accessibility
-
Pushchairs are not permitted. If you are bringing small children, we advise you to bring a baby carrier. -
Accepted animals
Animals are not allowed except for guide dogs and assistance animals (upon presentation of proof).
Access conditions
-
Haut-Koenigsbourg shuttle bus from Sélestat station. Please ask for information on the days and times of operation. -
The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is located 26 km north of Colmar, 55 km south of Strasbourg and 12 km west of Sélestat. Motorway A35 exit 17 via Kintzheim or 18 via Saint-Hippolyte. N59 via Lièpvre.