01
The great bastion
The castle's western point, designed to absorb artillery fire. Sweeping views over the Alsatian plain and the Vosges.
12th – 15th century
Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle
A medieval fortress perched at 757 m, one of the most visited historic sites in Alsace.
Orschwiller (45 min from Orbey)
Era
Medieval
Tour length
2 to 3 hours
Location
Orschwiller (45 min from Orbey)
From
€12 full fare · €8 for ages 6–17 · free under 6
The site
What to know
First mentioned in 1147, the Haut-Kœnigsbourg has stood watch over the Alsatian plain from a rocky spur at 757 m. After more than two centuries in ruin, it was fully restored between 1901 and 1908 at the request of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who wanted a late-medieval mountain fortress brought back to life as it might have looked around the year 1500.
History
Eight centuries in a nutshell
The site passed through the hands of the Hohenstaufen, the Dukes of Lorraine, the Hohenstein, the Thierstein, and then the Habsburgs when Maximilian I acquired it in 1517. During the Thirty Years' War, after a fifty-two-day siege, Swedish troops captured and burned the castle in 1633. It lay in ruins for more than two hundred years until Kaiser Wilhelm II commissioned its restoration by architect Bodo Ebhardt (1901–1908). Transferred from the State to the Bas-Rhin department in 2007, the site is now managed by the European Collectivity of Alsace.
The must-sees
The rooms and spaces you really shouldn't miss during your visit.
02
The arms hall
A collection of restored armor, halberds and crossbows: the arsenal of a medieval garrison.
03
Lordly apartments
Faithfully reconstituted furniture, restored wall paintings, and the ladies' chamber with its canopy bed.
04
The keep
The great square tower, reached by a spiral staircase. On clear days, the view extends as far as the Black Forest.
05
The medieval garden
Replanted on the upper terrace with species used in the Middle Ages: kitchen herbs, medicinal and dye plants.
06
The outer ward
Well, forge and stables: everything a garrison needed to hold a long siege.
Practical info
Opening hours
- Open
- Jan/Feb/Nov/Dec: 9:30am–12pm and 1pm–4:30pm · Mar/Oct: 9:30am–5pm · Apr/May/Sep: 9:15am–5:15pm · Jun/Jul/Aug: 9:15am–6pm · Last entry 1 hour before closing
- Closed
- January 1, May 1 and December 25
Tickets
- Adult€12.00
- Youth (6–17)€8.00
- Reduced rateStudents, jobseekers, persons with disabilities€6.00
- Under 6Free
- Family pass2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult + 3 children€30.00
- Audio guide€4 adult · €2 child
- Guided tour (individual)Booking required+ €2.00
In pictures
The castle from several angles, to prepare your visit.
Our tips before you go
- 1Arrive before 10am or after 3pm to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends.
- 2Free parking at the foot of the castle; paid shuttle in high season.
- 3Lots of narrow staircases, not suitable for strollers.
- 4The audio guide (€4) adds a lot of historical context.
- 5Bring a light sweater: the stone rooms stay cool even in summer.
- 6Online booking recommended in July–August at haut-koenigsbourg.fr.
- 7There's a restaurant on site for lunch, so book ahead.
- 8A 45-minute drive from Orbey along the wine route.
Want to stay
Extend the experience, stay on the farm
Our cottage for 9 and our caravan for two are just 5 minutes away, in pure nature.
The Cottage
The Farm Cottage
From
€120 / night
Large and warm, perfect for families and groups of friends who want a comfortable base to explore the region.
Up to 9 guests
See the cottage
The Caravan
The Romantic Caravan
From
€85 / night
A quiet escape for two, set in the meadows. Alcove bed, kitchenette, views over the Vosges straight from the bed.
2 adults (+1 child)
See the caravan