A Snowy Visit to the Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg

The beginning of E.'s March 2010 visit started in Strasbourg.  She and I spent several days visiting the local sites like the cathedral and la Petite France.  We enjoyed tasty food from some of my favorite restaurants as well as the farmer's market.

The weather the first few days of her visit were blustery but sunny.  On Saturday morning, we woke up to an unexpected March snow.  We spent a chilly morning at the farmer's market.  Then, even though it had snowed, we continued with our plans of driving along the wine road and visiting the Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg. 

As we drove higher into the Vosges Mountains, the snow became deeper.  It added an interesting element to our trip.  I doubt that I would have volunteered to visit an unheated castle during a snowfall if we E. hadn't been visiting.  In retrospect I am glad that it turned out that way.  The snow emphasized many of the castle's nooks and crannies.  It also made me extremely appreciative that I don't live in a castle during winter.  I am a complete softie compared to what those people must have been like. 

The view from the castle is spectacular.  You can see for miles.  It is strange to think that there were people who lived in the castle and probably never visited some of the little villages that surround the base of the hill.  It would have taken a few hours to travel to the villages on horse and even longer on foot.  So from Haut-Koenigsbourg these people would have been able to see so much further than they were realistically able to go.  Did any of them sit at the windows, looking longingly towards a vista that they wanted to explore?  Were these far away places alluring or frightening?  I guess it would have depended on the individual.

View of the castle from the road

Up the walkway to the entrance

First built in the 12th century, the castle provided shelter and defense for people during uncertain times.

The castle was besieged during the Thirty Years War.  It was pillaged and abandoned in 1633.  It sat in ruins for over 200 years.

When Alsace was a part of Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II funded a restoration of the castle.  The work lasted from 1900 until 1908.

The inside is furnished. 

There are beautiful murals painted on the inside walls.

There is electricity flowing through the castle now that puts a damper on the historical accuracy.  But to be practical, the tourists have to be able to see.  Check out the huge antlers displayed on the middle chandelier.

My husband looking out towards the view.

It is said that on a clear day the Alps are visible from here.

Historical and tour information on the Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg can be found at the following website:

http://www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr/en