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Castle · Colmar, Grande Leste
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Medieval castle at 757 meters altitude, above the Alsace plain, restored in the early 20th century by Emperor Guilherme II; it is about 26 km from Colmar.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg sits atop a Vosges hill at 757 meters altitude, in the municipality of Orschwiller. It is one of the most visited sites in Alsace and can be seen from afar, from Sélestat and, on clear days, even from Colmar.
The castle dates from the 12th century and was heavily altered in the 15th century. After being destroyed in the Thirty Years' War it lay in ruins for more than two centuries. When Alsace belonged to the German Empire, the town of Sélestat offered it to Emperor Guilherme II, who had it rebuilt before World War I as an idealized medieval castle.
The visit goes through the ramparts, the courtyard, the kitchen, the furnished rooms, the armory and the large high garden, with views over the plain of the Reno, the Floresta Negra and, on clear days, the Alpes. The name comes from the German Hohkönigsburg, 'high castle of the king'.
The castle belongs to the Collectivité européenne d'Alsace and offers guided tours and events throughout the year.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours, not counting the drive.
Best time
Early in the morning, to avoid queues in summer. Up high it can be cold and windy even outside winter. The last entry is before closing; check the opening hours before you go.
How to get there
By car, about 35 minutes from Colmar via mountain roads, and about 1 hour from Estrasburgo. In season there are usually buses from the Sélestat station, which has trains from Colmar and Estrasburgo; check timetables.
Tip
Bring a warm layer, because the castle is much higher and colder than the plain. Combine it with Riquewihr or Kaysersberg, which are on the way back to Colmar.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
How to get to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg without a car?
Take the train to Sélestat and, in season, the bus that goes up to the castle. Check timetables beforehand, because the service changes with the time of year.
Is the castle original?
The structure is medieval, but the castle was in ruins and was rebuilt in the early 20th century at the order of Emperor Wilhelm II.
How much time should you set aside for the castle?
1.5 to 2 hours for the visit, plus travel time. With the villages of the Rota dos Vinhos, it becomes a full-day outing.