Frederick I of Swabia, the first ruler of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, wanted to ensure the defense of Alsace. He constructed many fortresses, sometimes on lands stolen from their owners. Local cartoons often featured him with a castle attached to his horse's tail. He did so with the Haut-Koenigsbourg, built on lands belonging to the Monks of Liepvre. They lodged a complaint without success. The fortress is mentioned for the first time in 1147 under the name Castrum Estufin. Back then, it already featured two towers, one belonging to King Conrad III of Germany, the other to the future Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. They could monitor the wine, salt, and silver routes downhill.