Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, Medieval castle in Orschwiller, France
Description
The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg sits on a sandstone cliff at 757 meters elevation with walls, towers, and buildings from different periods arranged around a central courtyard. The site includes residential areas, a chapel, and defensive structures that form a complete medieval fortress complex.
History
The fortress began in 1114 as a seat for noble families and experienced many conflicts and changes in ownership over the centuries. It fell into disrepair and was completely restored between 1900 and 1908 under German imperial sponsorship to reclaim its former presence.
Culture
The chapels and living quarters show how noble families lived here and displayed their power through daily rituals. Visitors can see spaces for worship, feasting, and private life that reveal the habits of medieval lords.
Practical
Access is on foot or through guided tours, with pathways being steep and uneven in places throughout the site. Wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time to explore the various areas at your own pace.
Did you know?
The early 1900s restoration deliberately combined elements from different periods of the fortress's history rather than recreating just one era. This makes it a kind of time-travel collage showing how castles evolved across generations.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Orschwiller).
Castles and palaces from different periods and regions reveal how architecture adapted to military needs, royal ambitions, or religious purposes. Some were built as fortresses, others served as residences or symbols of power. Construction styles range from medieval defenses to grand estates of later...
Alsace has preserved its historical structures through the centuries. The region extends from Rhine valley vineyards to forested Vosges heights and displays its past through castles, abbeys and museums. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg stands above the Rhine plain, while Fort de Mutzig demonstrates early...
Alsace stretches between Strasbourg and Mulhouse, presenting historical monuments from various periods. The region contains medieval castles such as Haut-Koenigsbourg, military fortifications by Vauban, and Romanesque and Gothic churches. Old town centres display characteristic half-timbered houses,...
La Montagne des singes
2.6 km
Château d'Oedenbourg
372 m
Église Saint-Maurice d'Orschwiller
2.8 km
Saint-Hippolyte church
2.5 km
Fontaine de la Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville
2.5 km
Ramparts of Saint-Hippolyte (Haut-Rhin)
2.4 kmChâteau de Saint-Hippolyte
2.4 km
Pipe organ in Saint-Hippolyte (Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France)
2.5 km
Chapelle Saint-Jacques
2.6 km
Chapelle du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
7 m
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Douleurs de Saint-Hippolyte
2.5 kmScenic viewpoint
1.5 kmScenic viewpoint
2.2 kmScenic viewpoint
87 mScenic viewpoint
167 mScenic viewpoint
2.3 kmMoulin du Haut
1.4 kmCalvaire
2.4 kmVierge
1.5 kmTombe de l'Ermite
1.3 kmScenic viewpoint
157 mAncienne station de filtration d'eau potable
1.4 kmKuder
1.7 kmWayside shrine
2.4 kmWayside shrine
2.4 kmWater well
51 mWayside cross
2.5 kmWayside cross
2.7 km
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes