Haut-Koenigsbourg-Chateau
Castle 0f Middle Earth?
Visible from the local villages for some distance this Medieval castle is said to be the inspiration for the Lord of the Rings Movies perched eerily as it is above the surrounding countryside.
There was an earlier fortification on the site but but the present one was constructed by the Hohenstaufen Duke Frederick II, brother of the Holy Roman Emperor, and by the end of 12th century it was known as the King’s Castle or Konigsberg.
After passing through the hands of some lesser or even ‘robber barons’ it was re-taken by local militias and passed back to the Hapsburgs before falling into disrepair.
More recently its tourism potential was recognised and the castle makes a great visit especially for families. See Practical Information below for further details.