Château du Haut Barr - Fleckenstein
Visit the Château du Haut Koenigsbourg with friends, family or a partner, an absolute must which has been part of the landscape of Alsace for over 900 years. The best-known and best-preserved castle in Alsace takes you through on a journey down through the centuries from the Middle Ages to the present day.
It was during the 19th century that the castle provoked the interest of historians, notably those specializing in the Middle Ages, and the ruins were listed as a historic monument in 1862. At 757m altitude, it offers a unique panorama of the Plain of Alsace, the Ballon des Vosges Regional Natural Park, the Black Forest and the Route des Vins. The drawbridges, armoury, keep and cannon recall the military vocation of the castle, which was besieged several times, destroyed, pillaged, then rebuilt by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany in keeping with a late 15th century castle. The lower courtyard with its auberge, the forge, mill, spiral staircases leading to the lord’s apartments are steeped in history.
There are many more castles in Alsace, like Haut Barr, above Saverne, also known as the « l’œil de l’Alsace (eye of Alsace) », built on three rocks at 470m altitude. The ruined medieval 12th century castle occupied a strategic position between the Plateau of Lorraine and the Plain of Alsace. The actual castle was built in 1583 by Jean de Manderscheid. A bridge known as the Pont du Diable, accessible by steps, connects two of the rocks. The subject of a famous legend, crossing it is an impressive experience with superb views including the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral !
Even further north, go back in time at Château du Fleckenstein, a witness to nine centuries of European history, embedded in a rocky ridge of spectacular dimensions. Built in the 12th century overlooking the forests of the Vosges and the Palatinate, this pink sandstone castle is an impregnable citadel with rooms, steps, a well and cisterns cut directly into the rock. Explore the history and legends of this medieval fortress.
