The Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg stands on a rocky ridge above Orschwiller in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace, in France's Grand Est region, roughly 55 km south-west of Strasbourg. It is one of the most visited castles in France and was heavily restored in the early 20th century under Kaiser Wilhelm II, when the region was part of the German Empire. By car the journey takes about 55 minutes via the A35 to Selestat and then the D159, with paid parking below the castle. Without a car, visitors take the TER to Selestat, about 25 minutes, and continue by seasonal castle shuttle or taxi; the whole journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, and shuttle days should be checked before going. Entry in 2026 costs EUR 12 for adults, EUR 8 for ages 6 to 17 and EUR 30 for a family ticket. Inside, visitors walk through the keep, the great hall, the reconstructed living quarters with period furniture, the weapons collections and the bastion, with wide views over the Alsace plain toward the Vosges and the Black Forest on clear days. Allow two to three hours for the castle itself. Opening hours run 9:30 to 17:00 from September to 24 December 2026 and 9:00 to 18:00 in July and August, so the seasonal schedule should be checked on the castle's website. A sensible one-day plan is a morning arrival soon after opening, a guided or self-guided visit, and lunch in the village or a nearby winstub. The afternoon can be spent in Selestat, which has a humanist library and a historic centre, or at the wine villages of Kintzheim and Bergheim along the Route des Vins. Weather can be windy and cooler at the castle, so layers are useful even in summer. The castle is open year-round and is atmospheric in autumn, when vineyards below turn colour, and quieter on weekdays outside school holidays.
| Distance | 55 km south-west of Strasbourg |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 55 minutes by car; train to Selestat plus shuttle or taxi |
| Getting there | Train to Selestat (about 25 minutes, around EUR 10.90 / ~$12.54) then seasonal castle shuttle or taxi; castle entry EUR 12 (~$13.80) adult, EUR 8 (~$9.20) ages 6-17, EUR 30 (~$34.50) family |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, 67600 Orschwiller |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train and shuttle
- Duration
- About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Notes
- TER to Selestat then seasonal shuttle or taxi to the castle.
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- About 55 minutes
- Notes
- A35 to Selestat, then D159; paid parking below the castle.
Location
Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, 67600 Orschwiller
48.2495, 7.3447 View on map
Highlights
- Tour the restored keep, great hall and period rooms
- Look out over the Alsace plain toward the Vosges and Black Forest
- Learn the castle's history from medieval fortress to Kaiser Wilhelm II restoration
- See the weapons collections and bastion
- Combine with Selestat or nearby wine villages
Tips for visiting
- Drive or take the seasonal shuttle from Selestat; check shuttle days first
- Arrive near opening time to avoid coach groups
- Family ticket at EUR 30 saves money for four visitors
- Wear layers and good shoes, as the ridge is windy and paths are steep
- Check opening hours, which change between summer and winter
When to visit
Open year-round; weekday mornings outside school holidays are quietest, and July and August have the longest hours.
Accessibility
The castle has many steps, uneven floors and steep approaches, so access for wheelchairs is limited. Visitors with reduced mobility should contact the castle in advance about adapted routes.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you reach Haut-Koenigsbourg from Strasbourg?
By car it takes about 55 minutes. By public transport, take the TER to Selestat, about 25 minutes, then the seasonal shuttle or a taxi.
How much does entry cost?
In 2026 adult entry is EUR 12, ages 6 to 17 pay EUR 8, and a family ticket costs EUR 30.
How long should a visit last?
Allow two to three hours at the castle. Adding Selestat or a wine village makes a full day.