The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg in the Vosges mountains, Alsace, France
The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg in the Vosges mountains, Alsace, France (© Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock)
The mountain fortress of Alsace
This snowy medieval castle, built in the 12th century, can be found in the Vosges mountains in Alsace, strategically located near France's border with Germany. The chateau of Haut-Koenigsbourg has played host to many conflicts between lords, kings and emperors over the centuries. Passing through its gates is to pass into history: the drawbridges, weapons room, dungeons and cannons of this mountain fortress are reminders of its troubled past.
© Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock