Haut Koenigsbourg Castle

travel  wonder in France

Why the

Haut Koenigsbourg Castle

is special

The Haut Koenigsbourg in Alsace gives visitors a basic idea of what medieval castle life was like.

Tips & insights on

Haut Koenigsbourg Castle

It was constructed in the 12th century over previous ruins dating back to Roman times.

It was burned down in the 15th century and quickly rebuilt.

In 1633 during the 30 Years' War it was again torched. But this time, it lay in ruins for centuries before it was rebuilt. This was done starting in 1900 by the German Emperor Wilheim.

Purists argue that the ruins should have remained untouched because the restoration was insufficiently accurate. Others feel that the reconstruction was accurate enough - and than it was better than having a seldom-seen pile of rubble consumed by the forest.

In fairness to Kaiser Wilheim, he did a quality restoration that introduces castle life to millions of travelers. A tour explores the armory, kitchen, battlements, draw bridges, furnished bedrooms, and more.

And, his recreation gives visitors a towering, sweeping view of the vast Alsatian plain. It's breathtaking, if you come on a clear day.

Haut Koneigsbourg translates "High King's Castle" in German.

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