Alsace and the Rhine

Kayserberg

Kaysersberg lies about 7 miles northwest of Colmar on the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains on the Weiss River. Its name is German for Emperor's Mountain. The high fortress above the town was constructed in the 13th century to control passage on the road from Colmar to Nancy..
The town, like others in Alsace, suffered during the Thirty-Years War (1618 to 1648). It was beseiged by the Swedes and eventually came under French control at the end of the wars, though most residents continued to speak German.

The area around Kaysersberg is one of the finest wine-growing areas in Alsace. Tokay vines were brought here in the 16th century from Hungary and the grape is called Pinot Gris here.

History and Facts about Kayserberg