To cross the high door of the Koenigsbourg Castle is to plunge into the universe of the Middle Ages. The only medieval castle in Alsace to have been completely restored. A unique place not to be missed!
On the heights of Orschwiller, its imposing silhouette dominates the whole plain: impossible to miss one of the most visited monuments of Alsace. This magnificent castle offers an incredible panorama and in good weather you can see the Alps!
Are you a fan of medieval castles and the history of the Middle Ages? Then you are at the right place!
The lower courtyard, the forge, the mill, the spiral staircases, the drawbridge, the arms room, the keep and the cannons remind us of the vocation of this mountain fortress.
Founded in the 12th century, it has seen a succession of illustrious owners. It is the Emperor Guillaume II who decided to restore it.
The castle is located in the Vosges mountains at an altitude of 757m, 12km west of Selestat from where it can be seen. It’s also 26km north of Colmar from where it can be seen on a clear day and 55km south of Strasbourg.
The imposing front door through which one enters the walls sets the tone for the visit. Like the walls, the doors are high and massive, with locks worthy of works of art. The Kaiser’s coat of arms is engraved everywhere. The lower courtyard where you arrive used to house stables and storage facilities. The half-timbered buildings and glazed tiles reflect the regional traditions.
The architecture reveals many hints of the castle: keep, portcullis, drawbridge, battlements and loopholes are an integral part of the decor.
The road then crosses the inner courtyard to end at the great bastion. This tower offers an extraordinary view on the Vosges and the vineyards. You can also see the castles of Ortenberg and Frankenbourg. It’s here that one really realizes the strategic role of Castle Koenigsbourg, controlling the passage routes, the mountains and the plain. The large bastion also allows you to admire the rest of the castle, which from there seems to be like a boat on a rock. It seems to be of an interminable length! The cannons inside the great bastion were also used to deter attackers. Mounted on wheels, they could be moved around, making enemies think that an entire army was ready to defend the castle!
Are you looking for a cosy and warm hotel near the Castle? You are in the right direction! There is the Hotel le Clos des Sources & Spa in Thannenkirch, at the foot of the Taennchel massif in a green setting 10 km from the village of Ribeauvillé on the prestigious Alsace wine road.
This hotel offers a family adventure that has lasted for 5 generations. Today, behind the pretty flowery facade are 33 cosy rooms, a traditional restaurant, a bar with a lounge area, three seminar rooms and a wellness area of 1000 m² with a fitness room and SPA fed by pure water.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you need more information.
I hope you enjoyed this article, and that it made you want to visit this great castle!
If you enjoyed this post Discover the wonderful Kœnigsbourg Castle, in Alsace, you can check 10 castles you must see when you travel through Europe.
