Rising above the vineyards of Alsace, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is one of France’s best-preserved medieval castles. The views stretch across the Rhine Plain to Germany and, on clear days, even to the Alps. If you’re driving the Alsace Wine Route, this is one of the region’s top attractions. Our destination: Orschwiller and the charming Château.
Once upon a time, in the beautiful village of Orschwiller, Alsace, there was a medieval castle named Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. Perched high in the Vosges mountains, it kept a watchful eye over the Upper Rhine Plain. This castle had a long history, witnessing the events from the Middle Ages to the turbulent Thirty Years’ War, after which it was left deserted…
But fear not, for this tale takes a delightful twist! In a stroke of destiny, from the year 1900 to 1908, the castle was summoned to rise once more.
Today, it has become a beloved destination, captivating the hearts of more than 500,000 visitors each year.
Imagine cobblestone streets winding through storybook towns, adorned with half-timbered houses that seem to have sprung from the pages of a magical tale. Here, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of Alsatian cuisine, and every step is a journey into a fairy-tale world.
But beware, for the magic of Alsace is not only in its landscapes. It resides in the warm embrace of its people, who share tales of old with the same passion as they cultivate their vineyards. In every corner of this fairytale land, history and fantasy dance together, creating an atmosphere where the past and present intertwine in a harmonious duet.
So, dear traveler, as you explore the region of Alsace, let your imagination take flight, and may your journey be filled with the enchantment that graces this land of fairy tales.
DID YOU KNOW: A copy of the castle has been built in the Berjaya Hills, 60 kilometers (37 mi) northeast of Kuala Lumpur 3.404167°N 101.839155°E. A copy of the historic and most beautiful Alsatian city of Colmar is located next to it.
Thick stone walls, towers, drawbridges and panoramic views across the Rhine Plain make it one of the most impressive castles in France.
A visit here is about more than medieval history. You can walk through furnished rooms, climb ancient staircases, explore the defensive walls and enjoy spectacular views stretching across Alsace into Germany and, on clear days, as far as the Alps. If you’re exploring the Alsace region, this is one attraction that’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
OUR TRAVEL TIP: We arrived early in the morning and had several viewpoints almost to ourselves. The panoramic view from the ramparts was the highlight of our visit.
It is located near Orschwiller, in the Alsace region, about 20 km from Sélestat, and around one hour from Strasbourg
We would suggest about 2–3 hours, but make it half a day if you love taking lots of photos. Don’t rush your visit and enjoy the views. The self-guided tour through the castle takes around 1 hour, but you’ll want extra time for the panoramic viewpoints, photos, the gift shop and perhaps lunch.
One of the great things about visiting Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is that almost every corner offers a different perspective. Take your time, look around before pressing the shutter, and don’t be afraid to wait for a break in the crowds.
The best overall photographs are often taken before you reach the entrance. As you drive or walk up the winding road, several viewpoints reveal the castle dramatically perched high above the forest. These wide-angle views show why the castle was built on this commanding ridge over 750 metres above sea level.
The drawbridge and impressive gateway make a perfect introduction to the castle. Arriving early in the morning gives you the best chance of capturing this iconic entrance before visitor numbers increase.
Once inside, step into the main courtyard and look upwards. The surrounding timber galleries, towers, steep roofs and colourful flower boxes create one of the most photogenic scenes in the castle. A wide-angle lens or your phone’s ultra-wide setting works especially well here.
The castle’s keep and upper terraces reward you with spectacular panoramic views across the Alsace Plain, the vineyards, the Black Forest in Germany, and on exceptionally clear days even the Alps. These are among the finest viewpoints in eastern France.
Don’t focus only on the castle itself. The surrounding vineyards and rolling hills add colour and scale to your photographs, especially during late summer and autumn when the vines turn shades of gold and red.
Sunny days highlight the castle’s distinctive pink sandstone and bring out the colours of the surrounding landscape. After light rain, the forests become a deep green and the castle often appears to rise above drifting mist, creating wonderfully atmospheric images. Low cloud and fog can also produce dramatic, almost fairy-tale photographs.
If you enjoy people-free photographs, arrive as close to opening time as possible. The quieter morning light is softer for photography, and you’ll have more freedom to compose your shots without waiting for crowds to move.
The castle is beautiful all year, but May to October offers the best weather and the clearest views across the Alsace vineyards and Rhine Plain. If you’re visiting during summer or school holidays, arrive at opening time or about 2 hours before closing to avoid the biggest crowds. Autumn is especially rewarding when the surrounding vineyards turn golden.
Parking is free.
There are about 150 free parking spaces, with disabled parking close to the entrance. They also have:
From the car park, expect a 300-metre uphill walk to the entrance.
Wheelchair users can access the lower courtyard with assistance, but the complete tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Tickets: Children under 6 enter free. Buying tickets online can save time during busy periods. Admission prices can change each year, so it’s worth checking before your visit.
Opening Hours: The castle is open every day except 1 January, 25 December and 26 December. Opening hours vary by season, generally from 9:00 am (or slightly later in winter) until 5:00–7:00 pm depending on the time of year. Always check the official timetable before travelling.
TRAVEL TIP: Be prepared for around 300 steps throughout the visit. The staircases vary in height and are part of the one-way route through the castle. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is located near the town of Orschwiller in the Bas-Rhin department of the Alsace region, France.
While Orschwiller itself is a small village, there are several other villages and hamlets in the surrounding area. Here are some villages near Orschwiller (time depending on traffic):
These villages are part of the beautiful Alsace region, known for its charming architecture, vineyards, and picturesque landscapes. Each village has its own unique character and contributes to the overall allure of the area.
Orschwiller is also about:
Making it an easy stop while you’re in the region.
One delightful and traditional lunch idea that you can enjoy in any of the charming villages near Orschwiller is a classic Alsatian dish known as “Flammekueche” or “Tarte Flambée.” This savory delight is often considered a regional specialty and is widely available in local restaurants and establishments.
Flammekueche is a thin, crispy flatbread traditionally topped with crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions, and bacon. It’s then baked to perfection, resulting in a delicious combination of creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. Some variations may include additional toppings such as mushrooms or cheese.
Pair your Flammekueche with a glass of local Alsatian white wine, and you’ll have a delightful lunch experience that perfectly captures the essence of the region.
While French is the official language, many locals in Alsace also speak Alsatian, a Germanic dialect. Basic French phrases can be handy, but English is often spoken in tourist areas.
Alsace is renowned for its vineyards. Consider exploring local wineries and participating in wine tasting sessions to savor the region’s exceptional wines.
As you journey towards Colmar, we highly suggest taking a pause in one of the enchanting villages that epitomize the Route des Vins (Wine Route), such as Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr – each a splendid showcase of Alsatian beauty! Upon reaching Colmar, those with a romantic disposition will find it impossible to resist the allure of ‘la Petite Venise’ (Little Venice), the historic district nestled at the core of this Alsatian town.
Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. There are various options in Orschwiller and nearby towns.
There are many beautiful options available /search and book your stay…
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Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is reachable with the shuttle bus departing from the SNCF railway station of Sélestat. The shuttle is accessible to wheelchair users. You can call +33 (0) 972 67 67 67, from Monday to Friday, for any information concerning the shuttle bus’ operation.
Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is 26 km north of Colmar, 55 km south of Strasbourg and 12 km west of Sélestat.
By road: Motorway A35, exit 17 via Kintzheim or 18 via Saint-Hippolyte. N59 via Lièpvre.
GPS coordinates :
(decimal degrees) latitude: 48.249383 | longitude: 7.343524
(degrees sexagesimal) latitude: 48° 14′ 57″ N | longitude: 07° 20′ 36″ E
The castle is open all year round except on 1 January, 30 January, 1 May and 25 December.
For more details on visiting the castle – see their website
From the panoramic views of the Vosges mountains to the captivating allure of the castle’s architecture, Orschwiller and the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg offer a timeless escape, inviting all who venture here to immerse themselves in the magic of this captivating corner of France. Why not discover more enchanting and beautiful places to visit…