Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle - France

My last time in France was in 2013 and it's probably time to go back. There are many regions to discover there but next time I'd like to go to Alsace. In addition to Strasbourg, Colmar and cute towns, I'd also like to visit this castle. UNESCO and castle sites are a must in every trip and cards collection. These were sent by Valérie, João and Joana.

"Perched at a height of almost 800 m, this famous mediaeval fortress looks down majestically across the Alsatian plain. From the top of its towers, the castle offers an unbeatable view across the Vosges, the Rhine, the Black Forest and even across the Alps.

Images & Reportages

No introduction is really needed for the Haut-Koenigsbourg, which is one of France's most widely visited monuments attracting 600,000 visitors per year. The castle occupied a strategic position when it was built back in the 12th century. Its purpose was to protect the wine and wheat routes to the north, and the silver and salt routes running from west to east.

It was reduced to rubble by the Swedes during the 30 War and abandoned. In 1899, Kaiser Wilhelm II decided to have the castle fully rebuilt with the aim of making this a museum and a symbol of Alsace's return to Germany. Although built relatively recently, the castle has remained true to the spirit of mediaeval architecture. Inside the building, the sheer refinement of the rooms is extremely impressive, with their wall paintings, Renaissance furniture and enormous cast iron stoves. A collection of mediaeval weapons is located in the basement including crossbows, swords and armour of all kinds." - in: http://www.tourisme-alsace.com/en/castles-alsace/castles-alsace-haut-koenigsbourg-.html