Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

Monday: 10:30 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 09:30 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 09:30 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 09:30 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
Friday: 09:30 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 09:30 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00


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A Majestic Witness to Alsatian History

Built in the 12th century, the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is a true witness to the great historical upheavals that have marked Alsace and Europe. Located at nearly 800 meters altitude, it majestically overlooks the Alsatian plain and offers an exceptional panorama of the Vosges and, on clear days, as far as the Swiss Alps.

Constructed around 1147 by the Hohenstaufen, the castle was intended to control the trade routes connecting the Rhine plain to the Vosges passes. It was quickly coveted and became a major strategic issue between local and imperial powers. Destroyed in 1462 by the troops of the city of Colmar, the castle was rebuilt by the Tierstein family, who reinforced it to withstand new siege weapons.

Abandoned after the siege of 1633 during the Thirty Years’ War, the castle fell into “oblivion for more than two centuries, before being” restored at the beginning of the 20th century by “German Emperor Wilhelm II. Eager to assert the Germanic presence in annexed Alsace, he entrusted the work to” architect Bodo Ebhardt, a specialist in medieval fortifications. Thanks to meticulous restoration, the castle regained its 15th-century appearance, with an imposing keep, crenellated ramparts, and a sumptuously refurnished interior.

Cadre atypique

A journey through time

Today, Haut-Koenigsbourg can be visited as a veritable living museum of the Middle Ages. Its richly decorated halls house period furniture, restored frescoes and an impressive collection of weapons and armor. Its medieval garden, redesigned according to the horticultural traditions of the Middle Ages, allows visitors to discover the medicinal and aromatic plants used in days gone by.

Visitors can also stroll along the circular paths and admire the breathtaking panoramas from the ramparts. On a clear day, it’s even possible to see the Black Forest and the Swiss Alps, offering spectacular views over the region.

A place of cinema and legends

In addition to its historical interest, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg was also the setting for Jean Renoir’s famous 1937 film La Grande Illusion. This masterpiece of French cinema, starring such iconic actors as Jean Gabin and Erich von Stroheim, delivers a powerful pacifist message on the eve of the Second World War.

Today, the château continues to fascinate visitors with its timeless atmosphere and the many events organized throughout the year: dramatized tours, exhibitions, historical re-enactments and cultural events that immerse the public in the fascinating history of this exceptional monument.

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