Opening times and how to get to Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle
Opening times at a glance
I won’t copy the full timetable—it changes every season, and sometimes Monday opens later. Just remember the pattern: open daily all year, except three days. Long summer days. Short winter days, with a midday closure in November and December, which catches out visitors to the Christmas markets who arrive at 12:30. And a rule no one reads: last entry is one hour before closing. Check the exact time for the day on the castle’s official website before you set off.
By car
From the A35, take exits 17 or 18, then the mountain road via Kintzheim or Orschwiller. The climb is winding, narrow in places, and in summer you’ll meet coaches along the way. Parking is free, with around 150 spaces, plus coach bays and six reserved spots. It fills up by late morning in July and August. From the car park, a dirt path leads up about 300 m to the entrance—this is the only stretch you can manage with a pushchair, as pushchairs aren’t allowed inside the castle.
Without a car: train then bus 500
This is the route I take on school trips. TER train to Sélestat, then the shuttle bus 500 from the station forecourt to the castle. It runs roughly from March to December, not in deep winter, and you should check the times the day before. The bus ticket gives you a discount on the castle ticket. What this option doesn’t give you: the villages of the Wine Route, which aren’t on the line, or a safety margin if you miss the last shuttle.
On a day trip
From Strasbourg (55 km), Colmar (26 km) or Basel, a driver-guide takes care of the mountain road and parking, then combines the castle with Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg or Ribeauvillé and Colmar. At the castle itself, the programmes allow between 1 and 1.5 hours, which matches the actual time needed for a visit. I’ve broken down the six options on the comparison page, and the departures by city on from Strasbourg and from Colmar.
On foot from Orschwiller or Kintzheim
The marked trails climb from both villages through the forest. It’s steep, pleasant in spring, and brings you to the most impressive side of the rock. Make sure to wear good shoes and bring water; there’s nothing to buy between the village and the car park.
In winter, aim for the morning slot. Between the midday closure, the early last entry and the early sunset on the slope, arriving after 2 p.m. leaves you little time.
Drive without worrying about the road
The most popular day trip departs from Strasbourg with a maximum of eight people, includes a 1.5-hour guided tour of the castle, and stops in Colmar and Riquewihr.
Excursions by departure city
Most bookedFrom Strasbourg: Alsace’s must-sees in a day
Entry includedFrom Colmar: Alsace castle, villages and wine tasting
From BaselFrom Basel: Colmar, Haut-Koenigsbourg and Ribeauvillé
Frequently asked questions
Is Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle open all year round?
Yes, every day except 1st January and 25th and 26th December. Opening hours are shorter in winter, with a midday break in November and December. Seasonal tips are available on when to visit.
How can I get to Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle without a car?
Take the train to Sélestat, then the seasonal shuttle bus 500 (roughly March to December). Alternatively, a day trip from Strasbourg or from Colmar includes transport and visits to the villages.
Is the castle car park free?
Yes, with around 150 spaces, coach parking and six reserved spots. There’s still a 300-metre dirt path to climb; see the accessibility page for details.
What’s the latest time I should arrive?
One hour before closing time is the last entry. Since a visit takes about an hour (details), arriving earlier is more sensible.