Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, overlooking the Alsatian plain, dates from 1147.

Haut-Koenigsbourg was reconstructed by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1900.

Ribeauville is one of the picturesque towns on the Alsatian Wine Route.

Riquewihr, on the Alsatian Wine Route

Kayserberg, also on the Alsatian Wine Route

Strasbourg, on the French side of the Rhine, is the major centre of Alsace.

Colmar, on the Lauch River in Alsace, was founded in the 9th century.

Colmar's architecture reflects both German and French traditions and influences.

Freiburg is a major Black Forest commercial and university centre.

Freiburg dates from the early 12th century.

Lake Titisee is surrounded by the dense forest which gives the region its name.

Hohenzollern Castle,  atop Mt. Hohenzollern, elevation 855 metres (2,805 feet).

The Hohenzollern Castle complex was reconstructed in the 19th century.

Lichtenstein Castle also surveys its surroundings from atop the Swabian Hills.

Lichtenstein Castle was reconstructed between 1840 and 1842.

The welcome mat is out at Lichtenstein Castle.

The Rhine Falls in northern Switzerland are 150 metres (490 ft) wide.

The Reuss River contibutes to central Lucerne's beauty.

Lucerne's covered Chapel Bridge from 1333 had to be replaced in 1993 after a fire.

The Lion Monument for Swiss Guards massacred in the French Revolution.

The 4.6 km cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus is the steepest inthe world.

Meadows on the way up Mount Pilatus

Trails on Mount Pilatus

Lake Lucerne as seen from the summit of Mount Pilatus

Alphorn serenade at cable car middle station

Lake cruise steamer on Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne as seen from Merlischachen

ALSACE:  Obernai, one of the towns on the Alsatian Wine Route

Obernai at Christmas

Obernai Christmas street decorations

At a Christmas market on the Alsatian Wine Route

Wine Route Christmas market stalls

Strasbourg, "Capitale de Nöel"

Strasbourg building decorations for Christmas

Strasbourg lane at Christmas

Playful Christmas decorations in Strasbourg

Strasbourg in the evening

Colmar, the other large town on the Wine Route

Colmar building decorations for Christmas

BLACK FOREST: Snowy winter scene

Black Forest village in winter

Hohenzollern Castle stays open through the winter.

SWITZERLAND:  Christmas in Lucerne

Giant Advent Calendar in Lucerne

Christmas street decorations at night in Lucerne

Boat decorated for Christmas in Lucerne

Christmas in Lucerne