Before climbing the stairs to the apartments, my gaze lingered one last time on the fountain that stands proudly in the heart of the lower courtyard. In this setting of massive stone and protective walls, it appears as a haven of tranquility, a silent reminder of what once sustained the castle.

Its sandstone basin, patinated by centuries, collects the clear water that once nourished the inhabitants of Haut-Kœnigsbourg. One can imagine the guards quenching their thirst there, the servants drawing the water needed for cooking, for personal care, for daily tasks. In a fortress perched at an altitude of over 700 meters, every drop was precious: without this source, no defense, no life could endure.

The light filtering down from the top of the walls gently touched the surface of the water, creating almost hypnotic reflections. This simple element, both fragile and indispensable, connects today's visitor to those who once lived here, reminding us that even in an impregnable fortress, life depends first and foremost on this essential resource.

It was with this final glance, imbued with calm and respect, that I made my way to the stairs leading to the apartments, ready to discover another facet of the castle.