Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg crowns a rocky ridge in the Vosges mountains above the village of Orschwiller. This huge medieval fortress is made up of soaring towers, imposing walls, and a drawbridge that all look out over the vineyards far below. It has slowly been restored to close to its original condition and is photogenic from every direction. You can easily start your photo adventure by shooting the fortress as a whole from the lower vineyards and roads to pair it against the wide blue sky. Then head up to the ramparts and terrace to capture the wide sweeping views over the valley toward the Black Forest. Plus the little ruined castle of Œdenbourg is a short walk through the forest behind the fortress if you want a more romantic, overgrown subject. A 24-70mm is the do everything lens here for the walls, courtyard, and garden, while a wider 16-35mm takes in the whole fortress and the big view from the ramparts. The pink sandstone really glows in low light of early or late in the day. If you are lucky you will be able to capture the castle rising above a sea of mist that often fills the valley on cool mornings, especially in autumn. Midday and summer weekends during tourist seasonget quite busy, so earlier in the day is calmer as well as better lit. The fortress is easily reached by a winding road up through the forest to ample parking. There is an uphill walk to reach the main gate and there is an entry fee to access both the fortress and it's grounds. The whole area is undergoing a multi year restoration program, so some sections may be closed and there could be scaffolding in you views. (Orschwiller, Alsace, France)