The Haut-Koenigsbourg castle has known many owners throughout its history. The first version was erected in 1147 by the Hohenstaufen family. At that time, it wore the name of “Castrum Estupine. In 1157, it became Koenigsbourg (royal castle) and was owned by the Duke of Lorraine, then the Habsburgs. The fortress later became a den of brigands until 1462. It was then entrusted to the Thierstein family, who undertook to enlarge and fortify it. 1633 marks the end of the castle and its destruction by the Swedish army during the Thirty Years War. It was not until 1900 that Kaiser Wilhelm II raised it from its ruins.