Wissembourg

Visit Wissembourg, Alsace

Wissembourg is found in Alsace on the border between France and Germany to the north of Strasbourg. Set in the rolling landscape and wheat fields of northern Alsace, the town is a very popular destination, especially with Germans who travel from across the border to visit.

Notably Wissembourg was the site of the first battle in the 1870 Franco-Prussian war - the French lost the battle and the Prussians were able to enter France.

Explore Wissembourg

Wissembourg is a beautiful little town and an excellent base if you are staying in the region with a great deal to enjoy during a visit.

At the heart of the town is a canal, beautifully kept with gardens along one edge. The Maison du Sel with its incredible sloping roof is on one edge of the canal  and further along is the Quai Angselmann with some fabulous half timber buildings.

Another interesting sight in Wissembourg is the 13th century Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. This is one of the best examples of gothic churches in Alsace, and has a fine wall painting of Saint Christophe and an attached cloister. The church has a spire covered in attractive coloured tiles which gleam in the sunlight.

Head behind the Quai Angselmann to see the fabulously carved windows of the Westercamp museum (the museum is now closed) in a wine growers house dating from 1599.

Strolling around Wissembourg you will see several other interesting houses and monuments such as the Stanislaus Palace, the Augustines Convent and parts of the original town defences. The church of Saint-Jean also merits a visit, and don't miss the the ornate carvings of the Maison de l'Ami Fritz.

Most of the beautiful half-timbered houses of Wissembourg date from the 15th and 16th centuries, but the town hall is newer (1740s), the original having been burned down.

Attractions nearby

Wissembourg is on the edges of the Natural Regional Park of the Northern Vosges, a listed world biosphere reserve. The town has also developed several marked walks and cycle routes in the region so you can make the most of a visit to the region. You can get good views acros the parc from the castle at Fleckenstein.

Also close to Wissembourg are the Romanesque church of Saint Ulrich in Altenstadt and the Romanesque porch of the chapel in Climbach.

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

Tourist classifications for Wissembourg: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 1*; Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Wissembourg, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bitche 38km; Neuwiller-les-Saverne 46km; Strasbourg 52km; Saverne 54km; Marmoutier 57km; Wasselonne 57km;

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

Wissembourg tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin de la ferme bleue - remarkable garden (27km) : Drusenheim - ville fleurie 4* (31km) : Jardin de l'Escalier - remarkable garden (38km) : Bischheim - ville fleurie 4* (49km) : Vosges-du-Nord - regional natural parc (50km) : Jardin botanique de l'université de Strasbourg - remarkable garden (52km) : Jardin botanique du col de Saverne - remarkable garden (54km) : Jardin du chateau de Kolbsheim - remarkable garden (59km) :

French version: see Wissembourg (Francais)