Visiting Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: my take and tips as a local

My take on the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg: overview and location in Orschwiller

Why visit the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg?

Castle lovers, I have just the thing for you! The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is one of the must-sees in Alsace. It’s a mountain fortress, sitting at 757 meters above sea level. It offers an incredible view of the surrounding area, and on a clear day, it’s not unusual to spot the Alps.

Beyond its altitude, its panorama and its distinctive pink Vosges sandstone color, the great hallmark of the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is its excellent condition. It dates back to the 12th century, but was fully restored in the 20th century: it’s the only castle in Alsace like this, and it’s also listed as a historical monument.

Where is the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg located?

The castle sits on the heights of Orschwiller, a village on the Alsace Wine Route located right next to Sélestat in the Bas-Rhin. We’re 27 km north of Colmar and 64 km south of Strasbourg.

If you’re heading to the castle, don’t miss the chance to visit Sélestat or stop by a winemaker. It would be a shame to pass them up!

💡 A tip from a local: pair your visit with the Montagne des Singes (10 minutes by car or shuttle) and the Volerie des Aigles (15 minutes).

History of Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: from medieval fortress to Wilhelm II’s restoration

A 12th-century fortress abandoned in 1633

Built in the 12th century on a rocky spur, making it an ideal observatory and strategic retreat, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle (whose name means “king’s castle”) has seen a succession of conflicts, rivalries and owners (including the Habsburgs) over the centuries.

After a long siege, a pillaging, and a fire, the fortress was abandoned in 1633 for over two centuries, as vegetation gradually reclaimed the ruins.

The restoration commissioned by Wilhelm II

Following the Kingdom of Prussia’s victory over France in the war of 1870, Alsace became German. Haut-Koenigsbourg was then given in 1899 to Emperor Wilhelm II of Hohenzollern by the city of Sélestat, which then embarked on a massive restoration project led by architect Bodo Ebhardt, a specialist in medieval architecture, bringing to life his vision of Germanizing Alsace. The work took eight years.

Ten years later, it was France that became the owner of the castle at the end of the First World War (Treaty of Versailles), Alsace then becoming French again.

Thanks to this unique restoration (despite controversy) and 20th-century rehabilitation work, a visit to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg today offers a remarkable insight into the architecture, history and life of the Middle Ages, and is a unique witness to two intertwined periods of history.

Haut-Koenigsbourg on the big screen

This rich heritage, magnificent setting and distinctive architecture have made the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg one of the most visited sites in Alsace, while also inspiring numerous artists and filmmakers over the years, including Jean Renoir, Jean-Paul Carrère, Dionysos, and Hayao Miyazaki.

What to see at the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

Ramparts, courtyards and bastion

From the outside, the castle is already impressive, with its fortified ramparts, towers, and star-shaped bastion. As soon as you pass through the tall gate, the visit to the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg plunges you into another world, another time: the Middle Ages.

Although the restoration did not take place at all during this period, since it dates back to the 20th century, it’s important to remember that this is what Wilhelm II wanted for the castle: to be both a museum of what a medieval castle was, and at the same time a place to showcase the extent of his power and prestige.

At the heart of the castle grounds, you’ll first discover in the lower inner courtyard:

• ⛲ a fountain
• 🐴 the stables
• 🌾 a mill
• 🔨 a forge
• 🍺 an inn

From there, you’ll make your way toward the living quarters and the keep, crossing the drawbridge and several courtyards.

Rooms, living quarters and the Kaiser’s hall

Inside the towers and living quarters, some rooms are furnished with medieval furniture, while others feature more modern furnishings from the Kaiser’s era. As you make your way through the visit, you’ll discover:

• 🪵 a series of rooms decorated with wood paneling and wooden galleries
• 🎉 the banquet hall and the trophy room
• ⚔️ the arms room, displaying several pieces of artillery
• 👑 the empress’s bedroom
• 🍳 the imperial kitchens (only accessible during special themed tours)
• 🦅 the Kaiser’s hall, with its 20th-century frescoes and an imperial eagle painted on the ceiling

Magnificent!

💡 A tip from a local: dress warmly, even in good weather, as the interior can be freezing.

Panorama, artillery terrace and medieval garden

From the two towers of the great bastion, you’ll discover the famous view over the Alsace plain, the Vosges and the Black Forest (and even the Alps on a clear day!). Outside, you can visit the artillery terrace and the medieval garden of Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, a true breath of fresh air that recreates the style of medieval gardens and once again reflects the castle’s history throughout the seasons.

Here, people grew food, medicinal plants, and dye plants, and of course there was the “garden of pleasures,” meant for strolling, resting, and courtly moments. People danced and had fun here, admired the flowers, and exchanged sweet nothings.

How long does it take to visit the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg?

The castle is large, and there’s really quite a lot to see: better not to rush!

💡 A tip from a local: plan for about 2 hours, plus the walk from the parking lot depending on how crowded it is.

Guided tours, audio guide and kids’ activities

Guided group tours lasting 1 hour are available for €2. The castle also offers a variety of other tours and activities year-round for both kids and adults. You can check the tour schedule here. Alternatively, you can rent an audio guide for €4.

💡 A tip from a local: I really recommend taking the 1-hour guided tour, it’s super interesting.

For children, there are fun tours and themed workshops. For example, around medieval construction, food, daily life in the Middle Ages, stained glass… It’s very nice!

What to remember about the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

• 🏰 A castle restored in the early 20th century, among the most visited in Alsace
• ⏱️ About 2 hours for the visit, plus the walk from the parking lot
• 🧥 Bring warm clothing: it’s cold inside
• 🚌 Accessible without a car via shuttle line 500 from Sélestat
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Tours and workshops for kids all year round

Want to make a day of it? Check out my guide to visiting Sélestat.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg