France

Europe 2026 – Day 8b, Alsace, France

The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, sometimes also Haut-Kœnigsbourg, is a medieval castle located in the commune of Orschwiller in the Bas-Rhin département of Alsace, France. This medieval castle is a symbol of Alsatian heritage it sits high atop a rocky promontory overlooking the region. From 1174, it guarded the Upper Rhine plain until its destruction during the 30 years’ war and for centuries it lay in ruins before extensive restoration in the 20^th century. It was a long winding drive up the mountain to arrive at the base of the castle then ascending a gravel path to enter thru High Gate. The tour started in the lower courtyard before climbing a narrow spiral staircase to the lord’s furnished residence with the trappings of medieval life including weapons, furnishings and frescos.

August 17, 2026 6

Europe 2026 – Day 8a, Strasbourg France

An early morning bus ride to Strasbourg, France started with a boat ride through picturesque Petite France district (the town is surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by several canals). We passed by the former tanner’s district which is home to the Old Customs house and bridges with their defensive towers. After disembarking we walk to Cathedral Square to see the restored Strasbourg Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals. The Cathedrals Astronomical clock was impressive, but we were there on the quarter hour for one ring and one movement missing the parade of figures that happens at 12:30. Strasbourg is also home to the European Union and the Council of Europe both of which are housed in very modern buildings. BTW in yesterday’s post I incorrectly stated that Colmar was in Germany – not really it is in France.

August 16, 2026 1

Europe 2026 – Day 7b, Colmar, Germany

This afternoons excursion was to stroll the medeviel lanes and squares of Colmar and to explore its “Little Venice”. The original Old Town was laid out in the 9th century and its Gothic churches were from the 13th Century. The city overflows with intact Alsatian homes and a mix of French and German Renaissance archeticture.