Where France and Germany Meet 2: October 2012 Road Scholar

2. Koenigsbourg Castle and Town of Colmar

This post features the travels of our Road Scholar group on October 3, 2012. First, we travelled by coach through the Alsatian Wine Route under the engaging leadership of our local guide Vivian. We passed through many small wine-making villages. Vivian taught us about the seven varieties of grapes grown in Alsace, and we saw people working to prepare for the grape harvest.

Eventually we arrived at the castle at Haut-Koenigsbourg. This castle, strategically located high on Stophanberch mountain, was first built in the 12th century. It became a Hapsburg possession and was given as a fief to the Tierstein family in 1479. As a result of many centuries of war, it was rebuilt and expanded several times. Following the German victory over France in 1870, it became a possession of Kaiser Wilhelm who had it restored, but who visited it infrequently. After World War 1, it was returned to the victorious French.

As we climbed the slope, the castle walls looked formidable.

The restoration by Wilhelm II at the beginning of the twentieth century was apparent.

The display of Renaissance costume caught our eyes.

Military defences were built into the castle in many ways.

The Tierstein coat-of-arms was "beast on stone", a play on the family name.

The central tower was the final point of defence.

On the ceiling of the Kaiser room in the west building is an imperial eagle and coat-of-arms. 

Tapestries show an earlier way of life.

The musicians on parade caught my eye.

Kaiser Wilhelm liked to hunt.

Medieval and renaissance weaponry still glistens.

The cross-bow was a wind-up weapon.

Though chilly, our group listened to our castle guide carefully.

Elaine, Sally, and Glory gathered for a photo inside the castle wall.

The view across the plain was captivating.

One last view, as we departed Koenigsburg and headed for Colmar.

Our short visit to the pretty town of Colmar began at the Place du Champs de Mars.

Vivian explained how we would approach the town.

I enjoy taking pictures of doors and windows!

The river scenes in town were delightful.

At the market, cheese and grapes captured my attention. It seemed very French.

The town square was active.

By the time we left Colmar, we felt as though we had a good grasp of the idea "Where France and Germany Meet".