Think French châteaux and Versailles or the Loire Valley are probably the first candidates to spring to mind. Alsace might not even pop up at all, but this beautiful region in north eastern France is home to more than its fair share of fine castles, almost all of which boast stunning locations. Read on to discover our pick of ten of the best châteaux and castles in Alsace that you simply can’t miss the next time you visit this lovely part of France.
A bit of history behind castles in Alsace
As any school history book will tell you, Alsace has a long and violent history of wars and battles. Perched on the border between France and Germany, the region has been disputed for centuries. Not just for its strategic position, but also as a major point in trading routes including wine and salt as far back as Roman times.
Given its geographical location, it’s no surprise to discover that Alsace comes with plenty of castles. Most perch on top of rocky outcrops or the highest hills in the region and as a result, lay claim to some of the finest views from any châteaux in France. Almost everywhere you travel in Alsace you’ll come across a castle or two, most of which lie in ruins but all still stand proud in commanding positions over the countryside.
Did you know? Many châteaux and castles in Alsace include ‘hoh’ or ‘haut’ in their names. Meaning ‘high’, it refers to their lofty location above the Alsatian plain.
Fleckenstein Castle
Our first pick for must-see castles in Alsace boasts one of the highest viewing points in the Sauer Valley. Fleckenstein Castle sits some 338 metres high. Built as an impregnable fortress in the 12th century, it resisted attacks and sieges until 1680 when French troops reduced it to ruins. You can, however, still visit the square tower and rooms inside on self or guided tours.
Don’t miss: the Castle of Challenges, a medieval adventure for all the family inside and outside this castle in Alsace.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
The first proper château in Alsace on our list lies in Orschwiller and ranks as one of the most-visited monuments in France. The medieval fortress underwent a complete refurb in the early 20th century when Kaiser Wilhelm II had it rebuilt to symbolise the return of Alsace to Germany. Stunning fairy tale turrets, Renaissance rooms and murals await visitors as well as panoramic views that stretch as far as the Alps on clear days.
Don’t miss: the medieval gardens, redesigned in 2001 as a faithful representation of what they would have looked like when the castle was first built. See them at their best between June and September.
Hohlandsbourg Castle
As is clear from its name, this Alsace castle stands very tall. Dramatically situated on a mountain top at 620 metres, Hohlandsbourg Castle ranks as the largest fortified in Alsace. It was built in the 13th century as the seat of the Lords of Habsburg, although the castle site dates back to the Bronze Age.
Don’t miss: the medieval banquets held throughout the year for an evening of jesting, musicians and traditional Alsatian fare including the region’s famous wine.
Discover the castles of Alsace from the waters
One of the best ways of experiencing the stunning scenery in Alsace with the many castles dotting the skyline is from the water. The Marne-Rhine Canal offers many exceptional vantage points as it meanders its way through the region. Discover all the boating options in Alsace.
Palais Rohan
We now move on to proper French-style châteaux in Alsace with this stunning palace in the heart of the region’s capital, Strasbourg. Built between 1732 and 1741, its architecture rates as some of the finest in the area and the palace still conserves its exceptional library and Napoleon’s bedroom as well as the sumptuous apartments used by the region’s cardinals.
Don’t miss: the three museums inside this château in Alsace. The Archaeology Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts, all well worth a visit.
Château de Lichtenberg
Perched above the village of Lichtenberg, this ranks as one of the more unusual castles of Alsace. It dates back to the early 13th century when it was built by the Lichtenbergs, one of the most powerful families in the region. Since then, it has been extensively refurbished and designed and includes some striking modern additions that may surprise you. The contemporary extras are easily dismantled should future generations object to the early 21st take on typical Alsace castles.
Don’t miss: the year-round calendar of events that include temporary exhibitions and concerts.
Ortenbourg Castle
Like so many other castles in Alsace, this one too dominates the surrounding countryside and boasts a lofty position over the town of Scherwiller. Built in the mid-13th century, the castle lies mostly in ruins and can only be reached on foot (the walk takes around an hour). Climb the 100 steps of the 32-metre high tower and feast your eyes on the views of the Riesling vineyards as far as the eye can see.
Don’t miss: a tour of Scherwiller, home to medieval houses and monuments. Ask the tourist office for a map.
Kayserberg Castle
One of the oldest circular keeps of Alsatian castles lies in Kayserberg, a key town in the Holy Roman Empire. Built in 1200, the keep boasts some of the thickest walls you’ll find on a castle anywhere – those at Kayserberg are no less than four metres thick. Inside the castle walls, you’ll discover a manor house with unique Gothic art windows.
Don’t miss: The views over the village from the top of the keep. Well worth the climb to get there!
Château des Rohan
Another real Alsace château and one that comes closest to quintessential French châteaux. Not for nothing is this one known as the Versailles of Alsace. The château des Rohan, built in the centre of Saverne on the banks of the Canal de la Marne, boasts a lovely Neoclassical façade in pink stone that stretches across 140 metres. Inside the former cardinals’ rooms are now a museum and cultural centre.
Don’t miss: Saverne’s five gardens, particularly wonderful in June when the ‘City of Roses’ is blooming marvellous.
Eguisheim
This castle in Alsace comes with a bonus – it’s actually three in one. The trio of towers stand high on Schlossberg Hill at almost 600 metres. The oldest castle, Wahlenbourg, dates right back to 1006 while its sisters, Dagsbourg and Weckmund are from the mid 12th and early 13th centuries respectively. All three were destroyed in 1466 in the War of the Six Oboles, but you can still visit their tall towers and soak up their ancient medieval atmosphere.
Don’t miss: the stunning views of the Alsatian Plain from all three castles.
Rotteln Castle
Last on our must-see list of castles and châteaux in Alsace, Rotteln also enjoys a mountain top position. Located just outside the village of Lorrach, this castle offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, a museum and beer garden in the lower section. More authentic but just as fun is the original drawbridge you cross to access the castle.
Don’t miss: Rotteln at night when the turrets and battlements are floodlit offering a fairytale vision of Alsace castles.
See the castles in Alsace from the waterways of France
Experience the delights of Alsace – castles, châteaux, medieval villages and the excellent food and wine – from the comfort of a luxury hotel barge. We have several high-end options that cruise the Marne-Rhine Canal taking in the very best on offer in this unique region.
Check them out and book yours now.
PIN this post:
