Discover the stunning castles surrounding Strasbourg! From the imposing Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg to the hidden gem of Château de l’Ortenbourg, let's explore the rich history and breathtaking views of these ancient fortresses. Let's go on a journey through time to unveil the secrets of the Vosges mountains.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, the castle to visit
The château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is the emblematic castle of Alsace... and also the most visited monument in the region! It's a must-see castle when you spend your stay in Strasbourg or in Alsace.
Ideally located on the Alsatian Wine Route, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is a magnificent fortress of the Middle Ages. Its history is rich and fascinating: it testifies to 9 centuries of history, tracing conflicts and rivalries between lords, kings and emperors. For lovers of castles, the château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is the perfect example of what a mountain fortress was in the 15th century in Alsace.
Welcoming more than half a million visitors each year, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle dominates the Alsace plain and the vineyards. From its summit, a breathtaking view is offered to you, overlooking the Vosges mountains and their green valleys, the Alsatian vineyards, the German Schwarzwald (Black Forest), even the Alps with a clear sky!
Pass Alsace : The Best of Alsace in your Pocket
Enjoy free entry to over 60 tourist sites, including wildlife parks, fortified castles, museums, and more fun activities and discounts in Alsace.
Château de Fleckenstein in the Vosges mountains
Perched high in the Vosges mountains, the stunning Château de Fleckenstein is a must-see site in the Alsace countryside. Located just 1500 meters from the German border, this impressive castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area from its lofty vantage point of 338 meters.
Constructed in the 12th century, the castle is carved into a striking rock formation and boasts impressive dimensions. Over the centuries, it has been witness to many historic events, serving as a refuge for peasants during wars and a site of fierce battles. Now in ruins, the castle is open to the public, offering an interactive way to discover the region's history.
Visitors can explore the castle's many rooms and corridors, learning about the rich history of Alsace region. Legends of hidden treasures and ghosts add to the castle's intrigue, making it a truly unforgettable experience. The Château de Fleckenstein is a must-see for anyone interested in history and the natural beauty of the Alsace countryside.
Nideck Castle and its impressive waterfall
Located in the heart of the Vosges Mountains, the Nideck castle was built in the 14th century and was once a stronghold of the local lords. This hidden gem is tucked away in the charming village of Oberhaslach, and is the perfect spot to enjoy nature and recharge your batteries.
The highlight of the Château du Nideck is its impressive waterfall, which you'll encounter before reaching the castle. It's the tallest waterfall in Alsace and is a spectacular sight to see, especially during the hot summer months. In winter, the waterfall is transformed into columns of ice, creating a truly magical experience.
After taking in the beauty of the waterfall, you can embark on a scenic one-kilometer hike to reach the ruins of the Château du Nideck. Once you arrive, you'll be surprised to discover two castles (Haut-Nideck and Bas-Nideck), both built in the 13th century and abandoned in the 16th century.
This destination is a must-visit spot in the region, especially during the summer when the heat in the Alsace plain can be overwhelming. The forest and mountain location of the Château du Nideck offers a refreshing escape from the heat, and the stunning views are well worth the trip.
Château de l’Ortenbourg, a beautiful fortified castle
The Ortenbourg Castle is a must-see fortified castle that stands as one of the most beautiful ruins in the Rhine valley.
Built between 1260 and 1265 by Rodolphe de Habsbourg, the castle offers visitors a glimpse of the remarkable architecture of the Middle Ages. With its high shirt surrounding a 32-meter donjon, the castle's design is a masterpiece of military architecture. While in ruins, the castle remains an impressive sight.
Located in the town of Scherwiller, the château de l'Ortenbourg is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking adventure in a beautiful setting.
Château de Kaysersberg, up high in an Alsatian village
Schlossberg - also known as château de Kaysersberg - is a ruined fortified castle from the 13th-century, located in the French commune of Kaysersberg in the department of Haut-Rhin.
The village of Kaysersberg, a former imperial city, was strategically important in the war between the Empire and the dukes of Lorraine. The imperial castle was built around 1200 to block the routes coming from Lorraine. The castle features an enormous cylindrical keep, one of the oldest round keeps in Alsace, with walls over 4 meters thick.
Visitors can also admire the lord's house with its pointed arch windows, all inside the protective walls of the keep. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the 122 steps of the staircase to the top of the keep for a magnificent view of the vineyards and of Kaysersberg village! That's right, the castle is up high in the village!
Château du Hohlandsbourg, the castle for kids and families
The Hohlandsbourg castle is a fortified castle located in the municipality of Wintzenheim, near Colmar (Alsace).
Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has a rich history and was occupied by various noble families and served as an imperial garrison. Despite being dismantled by the French in 1637 during the Thirty Years' War, the castle remains an important historical monument, classified as such since 1840.
The high granite walls enclose a grand courtyard dominated to the north by the upper castle. A fun and interactive scenographic tour allows you to see and understand the whole history of the castle. This fortress offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Nowadays, this castle has become a place for leisure and discovery for families: whether you prefer a self-guided or a guided tour, exhibitions, participatory workshops, birthday snacks, historical reenactments, medieval banquets, and so much more!
