Visit of the Hohlandsbourg Castle
Hohlandsbourg is a fortified castle brimming with history! Follow your guide through this unique site and enjoy the re-enactments. Bonus: a 360° breathtaking view of the region.
Information
Please note that Halloween events must be booked in advance, including for Pass'Alsace holders. All you have to do is select the free admission option (and present your Pass to show proof of entitlement). Book here.
Entertainment, education, construction, creation, etc., are all themes that will be addressed throughout the season through shows and workshops.
Opening hours
http://chateau-hohlandsbourg.com/horaires
Reopening on 5 April 2025!
Days OPEN from 10am to 6pm except Mondays at certain times >> see opening hours <<
Winter closure from 3 November 2025!
Hohlandsbourg Castle
Located at an altitude of 620 metres, on the mountainous border between Alsace and Lorraine, the natural belvedere where the Hohlandsbourg castle stands is a strategic site that has been occupied since the Bronze Age (around 1300 to 750 BC) and has been coveted since time immemorial. It offers a unique 360° view over the Alsace Plain and the Black Forest.
It was built in 1279 by the architect Siegfrid of Gundolsheim, then provost of Colmar, under the orders of Rudolf of Habsburg, to guard the western borders of Austria and the imperial town of Colmar. The Obserchloss, the main defensive element and upper castle, was also built at this time. Two years after its construction, it was burnt down during a revolt by the citizens of Colmar.
It was gradually modernised in the 14th and 15th centuries by the Counts of Lupfen, who owned the feud from 1410 onwards. In the 16th century, Lazarus of Schwendi, a general and adviser to Emperor Maximilian II of Habsburg, bought it in 1563 and modernised it. He adapted the artillery defence and added a northern bastion.
During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was dismantled. First the Swedes took it in 1633, then French troops dismantled it on the orders of Richelieu in 1637.
The Hohlandsbourg castle has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1840 and has undergone numerous restoration works in order to make it possible for the public to visit. It is now the largest heritage monument of the Habsburg family in Upper Alsace.
Car access
Coordonées GPS : 48°03'36.0"N 7°16'09.0"E
48.060000, 7.269167
European Heritage Days
From 20 to 21 September 2025
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine
Free
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, Hohlandsbourg Castle invites you to explore the history and architecture of this exceptional site, witness to several centuries of change.
Program:
1. Concert in partnership with the Colmar Jazz Festival
Claire BESSON – Jazz Guitar and Vocals
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Hohlandsbourg Castle is delighted to be part of the Colmar Jazz Festival program.
Let yourself be carried away into a lively and colorful musical world, where guitar, voice, and some effect pedals blend subtly. The program features her own compositions as well as arrangements of world music and jazz.
Claire is the winner of three international guitar prizes and was part of the “Propulsion Jazz” program in 2023/2024.
Two musical sessions of 30 minutes each await you in a friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and musical immersion.
At 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM • Free access • No reservation needed • Duration: approx. 30 minutes • Suitable for all audiences • Free
2. Guided Tour: History and Architecture of a Garrison Castle
Discover Hohlandsbourg Castle, a former fortress of the Habsburgs.
Learn about its history and defensive architecture, key features – drawbridge, bastion, watchtowers – the secrets of medieval siege techniques, and construction tips.
An exciting historical journey where the castle’s architecture will hold no secrets for you!
From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM • French/English • Depending on attendance • Duration: approx. 45 minutes • Suitable for all audiences • Free
3. Kapla® Workshop – Build Your Dream Castle
Unleash your imagination and become a builder!
Design your own castle using Kapla® planks. Choose the details yourself: keeps, walls, towers, or drawbridge.
A playful and creative way to explore architecture.
From 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM • Self-guided • Suitable for all audiences • Free
4. Creative Workshop: Hohlandsbourg in Lines and Colors
In the style of 19th-century romantic lithographers like Rothmuller and Engelmann, complete the silhouette of Hohlandsbourg Castle and let your imagination run free. Watercolors, collage, recycled materials… give your contemporary vision of this architectural heritage.
From 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM • Free access • Duration: approx. 45 minutes • Suitable for all audiences • Free
A weekend for young and old, celebrating discovery, creativity, and the transmission of architectural heritage.
Château du Hohlandsbourg
Château du Hohlandsbourg
France
National Architecture Days
From 18 to 19 October 2025
Free
On the occasion of the National Architecture Days, themed “Everyday Architecture,” Hohlandsbourg Castle invites you to explore the history and architecture of this exceptional site, witness to several centuries of change.
Program:
1. Guided Tour: A Journey Through the Centuries
Discover Hohlandsbourg Castle, a former fortress of the Habsburgs, witness to historical conflicts and destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. Explore its defensive architecture, its living spaces that have now disappeared (forge, chapel, latrines…), and the restoration campaigns carried out in accordance with major heritage charters.
A tour combining history, everyday life of the past, and contemporary enhancement of a site listed since 1841.
At 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM • approx. 45 minutes • suitable for all audiences • no extra charge on top of the entrance fee
2. Model Viewing: The Stone Crown of the Habsburgs
Observe a detailed model of the castle, topped with a LEGO® brick reconstruction. This presentation allows you to discover the monument from two perspectives: historical accuracy and contemporary creativity. This way, you can fully appreciate this building, nicknamed the “Stone Crown of the Habsburgs,” impressive for its dimensions (approx. 100 m x 60 m) and perfectly adapted to the rock on which it stands.
From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM • self-guided • suitable for all audiences • no extra charge on top of the entrance fee
3. Land Art Workshop: Build a Prehistoric Dwelling!
Dive into Prehistory by creating a prehistoric dwelling using branches and natural materials! A creative and hands-on workshop to understand how our ancestors built their shelters, while developing imagination and a connection with nature.
From 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM • free access • approx. 45 minutes • suitable for all audiences • no extra charge on top of the entrance fee
Château du Hohlandsbourg
Château du Hohlandsbourg
68 Wintzenheim
France
Family activities during the All Saints’ holidays
From 20 October to 2 November 2025
Animation ponctuelle
Free
From October 20 to 28 and on November 1 & 2, the castle transforms into a playground of discoveries for the whole family! ✨
On the program: creative workshop “Halloween Pop-up,” legendary guided tour “Thrills and Mysteries of Halloween in Alsace,” customized wooden games, and more.
A special moment to share as a family—combining fun, creativity, and chills in an exceptional setting.
Full program with dates and times available on our website.
Château du Hohlandsbourg
Route des Cinq Châteaux
France