Koenigsbourg Castle Le Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
The Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is an important site in Alsace for many different reasons: as the most visited site in Alsace, as the destination for many splendid hikes, for its historical importance and its medieval banquets.
This gigantic fortified castle is very impressive at 757 meters (2498ft) up in the mountains. From the terraces of the castle, the view is one of the most beautiful possible from the Vosges Mountains. Its immensity as well as its mystery along with the very beautiful forest and mountain surroundings make this place very desirable. As such, Haut-Koenigsbourg was victim to many struggles. By 1899, it was nothing but a beautiful poetic ruin.
Guillaume II bought it in this state and restored the castle. Although the architect consulted numerous historical documents, his resurrection of the castle is often criticized. In addition to those who had found the ruins simply to be romantic, there were many who found the restoration pretentious. Hansi went as far to say the spirit of the place had been chased out. However, the castle remains an important and beautiful monument at the very center of Alsace.
