Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle in Alsace

Haut Koenigsbourg means “High King’s Castle” in German.

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, one of the most visited monuments is located in Orschwiller, Alsace, France. It is situated in the Vosges Mountains, and it occupied a strategic position when it was built back in the twelfth century. The main purpose was to protect the wine and the wheat routes to the north, and the silver and the salt routes from west to east. There is a collection of medieval weapons in the basement of the castle which includes crossbows, swords and armors of different kinds. Inside the buildings the rooms are extremely impressive as the walls are covered with sculptures and paintings along with striking furniture.

The castle was built in the twelfth century over the previous ruins which date back to the roman period. The castle was burnt down in the fifteenth century but it was quickly reconstructed. During the Thirty Years War, the castle was again burnt down, but this time it took centuries to complete its reconstruction.

In the present day, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle seems like it sprang out of the mythical past with ancient force. The castle is one of the symbols of the Alsatian heritage and a perfect witness for European culture. Visitors will definitely have an ideal environment to understand the castle architecture of middle ages.

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle in Alsace