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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 over 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.
The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is located near the town of Orschwiller in the Bas-Rhin department of the Alsace region, France. Orschwiller is the closest town to the castle, and it serves as a gateway for visitors exploring this medieval marvel. The town is situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by vineyards and the Vosges mountains, contributing to the overall charm of the region. Visitors often use Orschwiller as a starting point to embark on their journey to the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
While Orschwiller itself is a small village, there are several other villages and hamlets in the surrounding area. Here are some villages near Orschwiller:
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…
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…
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