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 (summer 2020, time slot reservation required)
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.
Complément
Le circuit de visite comprend 300 marches de hauteur et d'orientation différentes.
Les poussettes sont interdites. Si vous venez avec des enfants en bas âge, nous vous conseillons de prévoir un porte-bébé.
Horaires d'ouverture
Le château est ouvert toute l'année sauf les 1er janvier, 16 octobre, 25 et 26 décembre.
Janvier, février, novembre, décembre : 9h30* - 12h et 13h15 - 17h15
Mars, octobre : 9h30* - 17h45
Avril, mai, septembre : 9h15* - 18h
Juin, juillet, août : 9h15* - 18h45
*Les lundis le château ouvre à 10h30
Le soir, dernière entrée 1h avant la fermeture du château.
Réservation
L'achat de billets en ligne est recommandé pour les individuels durant les périodes de forte affluence. Pour les porteurs du Pass'Alsace, il suffit de sélectionner la gratuité.
Public price
Adult : €12.00Kid : €8.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeKid : Free
Frappadingue
20 April 2024 18:00
Événement exceptionnel
Free
As part of the Festival l'Alsace se (ra)conte. Françouille is the squire of the knight Frappadingue. While Frappadingue may shine with a sword in his hand, he's no match for the damsels... And so off they go in search of a princess to marry, on an action-packed quest full of fights and twists and turns.
The audience is swept up in this wacky medieval world, with the storyteller playing all the characters. The pace is sustained, punctuated by mimicry, song and laughter. There's no doubt about it: going on a quest is a sport!
With Compagnie Bas les Pat'Hibulaire
Orschwiller
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
67600 Orschwiller
France
0369332500
haut-koenigsbourg@bas-rhin.fr
"Assaulting the Coat of Arms" workshop
26 April 2024 10:00
En famille
Adult : €16.00 - Kid : €12.00
Introduce your family to the art of heraldry! Today, images play an important role in our lives, and this was already the case in the
Middle Ages! Ancient coats of arms "tell" us a host of captivating stories about our past. Like real investigators, young and old alike, go in search of these historical clues on the castle walls. They are then broken down to understand their meanings and the rules that codify them... then each of you can make your own wooden coat of arms.
Orschwiller
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
67600 Orschwiller
France
0369332500
haut-koenigsbourg@bas-rhin.fr
Accessibility
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Accepted animals
Animals are not allowed except for guide dogs and assistance animals (upon presentation of proof).
Access conditions
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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.