Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg (Castle Koenigsbourg), Alsace, France

The Alsace region of France borders Germany , France , Switzerland. With the major city of Strasbourg being a focal point. there are many castles in the area but not like

The medieval castle of Koenigsbourg or Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg is a marvel of the Alsace region of France. If you are In northeastern France and looking to explore a proper castle, look no further. According to their website the Chateau welcomes up to half a million visitors per year. You can purchase tickets on site, but summer time can be a high attendance time so online ticketing is recommended if you wish to explore the upper ramparts. My visit was in the winter season and it sees much lower attendance and has the attraction of charming Christmas decorations. You can plan group tours or individual visits. Check the website for opening times. Rates are reasonable and the lower portion of the castle is handicapped wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately to get to the upper ramparts involves a narrow stair with and many many small steps.

From high atop the mountainside the chateau dates back 9 centuries and has been the backdrop in a few Hollywood movies. What a panoramic view of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest, and the alps. This mountain fortress got its start in the 12 century. The castle sits at about 700 meters and in its day was the perfect observation outlook of the main commercial routes thru Alsace. At the crossroads of Wheat, wine , salt,silver routes the castle was also a strategic retreat point. Thru the years the also castle played its part in many wars and skirmishes

Born in the Middle Ages, It was built for the German imperial family and later ( according to their website) was besieged, destroyed by fire and looted. It was abandoned after 1633 then offered to emperor William II in 1899 , whose wish it was to restore the German empire after Alsace was annexed to Germany . In beginning 20th century the Chateau became the property of the French state thru the Treaty of Versailles and becomes knows as a national palace and later a historical monument In 1993. The restoration continues today …

There is much to lean here about the castle. The rich history can be seen in its walls, ramparts, battlements, cannons and weapons as well as furnishings. It is also not far from many tourist sights as it sits in the center of the Alsace region. This makes Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg a must visit on any northeastern France tourist itinerary. Visit https://www.Haut-Koenigsbourg.fr/en for more information