Turckheim

Visit Turckheim, Alsace

Turckheim is two kilometres west of Colmar at the base of the Vosges mountains, in the Haut-Rhin department of the Alsace region. With origins dating back to Roman times, Turckheim is another of the lovely towns on the Alsace wine route that is well worth a visit.

Exploring Turckheim

Stroll along the cobbled streets in Turckheim, lined with brightly coloured half-timber houses and en-route you can admire its three fortified gateways and remaining parts of its ramparts.

There are plenty of traditional Alsace style houses to admire, overflowing with flowers, and a few specific buildings of interest - mostly dating from the 17th century, these include the town hall, hospital and guard house.

The main square in Turckheim is also very attractive with its fortified gate, a lovely 16th century building which is home to the tourist office, and a selection of lovely half-timber houses. Likewise wander along the 'Grand Rue' for more attractive houses and lots of wine houses offering tastings (degustation).

Perhaps the most notable feature here is the fortifications and the three original gateways that surround the old town. While common in some parts of France they are very unusual in the Alsace region.

Among other interesting sights in Turckheim be sure to take a look at the richly decorated 'Ancienne Auberge a l'Aigle', which dates back to 1621, and the lovely tiled roof on Turkheim's church which gleams in the sunlight.

Turkheim also has a particularly impressive old peoples home which is housed in an 18th century 'ancienne propriété'.

While exploring the village centre you should also keep an eye out for storks. I spotted two nests, one on one of the fortified gateways and one on a tall building near the church.

During the summer months a 'traditional nightwatchmen' makes the rounds of Turckheim each evening, a popular event as he sings his way around the town, followed 'Pied Piper' style by visitors to the village!

Attractions nearby

Turckheim is on the Alsace Wine Route, a route that includes many picturesque and traditional Alsace towns and villages and is a popular way to explore th region.

It is also on the eastern border of the Natural Regional Parc of the Ballons des Vosges, an extensive natural area of rolling hills that is popular with hikers, cyclists and nature lovers.

Photos of Turckheim (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Turckheim: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Turckheim, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Hunawihr 11km; Munster 12km; Ribeauville 12km; Rouffach 14km; Bergheim 15km; Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg 19km; Neuf-Brisach 20km; Murbach 20km; Kintzheim 21km; Guebwiller 21km; Soultz-Haut-Rhin 23km; Selestat 23km; Ungersheim 23km; Ebersmunster 31km; Epfig 33km; Chateau Andlau 36km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Turckheim

Turckheim tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Parc du domaine de Schoppenwihr - remarkable garden (7km) : Soultzmatt - ville fleurie 4* (14km) : Jardin d'altitude du Haut-Chitelet - remarkable garden (20km) : Hohneck - site of natural beauty (20km) : Parc du château de Kintzheim - remarkable garden (20km) : Marckolsheim - ville fleurie 4* (21km) : Parc de la Marseillaise - remarkable garden (21km) : Parc de Wesserling - remarkable garden (31km) :

French version: see Turckheim (Francais)