What to do in Wissembourg?

At the heart of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park lies Wissembourg, one of the most beautiful towns in Alsace. With its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and the majestic Abbey Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the town boasts a remarkable cultural heritage that is best explored on foot. Stroll along the River Lauter, admire the colourful façades of the old town and let yourself be enchanted by its authentic atmosphere.

Wissembourg is also the perfect base from which to explore the region: a ride on the ‘Petit Train Touristique’, a hike along the HexaTrek or in the Northern Vosges, sampling Alsatian specialities in local restaurants, and visiting the vineyards, traditional villages and the many natural sites in the surrounding area. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, every stay has plenty of new discoveries in store for you.

⏱️ Recommended duration of visit: allow half a day (2 to 4 hours) to explore Wissembourg’s main tourist attractions. If you’d like to explore the surrounding area, take a ride on the tourist train or stop for a meal at a restaurant, a full day is ideal.

The History of Wissembourg

Wissembourg was founded around the year 660 and is one of the oldest towns in Alsace. Its history began with the founding of a Benedictine abbey, which quickly developed into one of the most important religious, intellectual and economic centres of the Frankish Kingdom. Thanks to the support of the Merovingian and, later, the Carolingian kings, the abbey gained considerable influence, owned lands far beyond Alsace and attracted monks, scholars, pilgrims and traders.

Over the centuries, a thriving town developed around the abbey. Protected by imposing city walls, Wissembourg became a dynamic trading centre, with craftsmen, winegrowers and merchants all contributing to its prosperity. Its privileged location on the trade routes between Alsace, the Palatinate and the Rhine fostered commerce and contributed to its wealth.

The Middle Ages have left behind an extraordinary legacy that is still visible today. The cobbled streets, the half-timbered houses, the canals that criss-cross the old town, and the remains of the fortifications bear witness to more than thirteen centuries of history. The Abbey Church of St Peter and Paul, which towers over the town and was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, is one of the largest Gothic buildings in Alsace. Its majestic architecture and impressive cloister bear witness to the power the abbey once wielded.

Wissembourg lies directly on the border with Germany and has always held a strategically important position. Owing to its border location, the town has been at the centre of numerous historical events. In particular, on 4 August 1870, the town was the scene of the Battle of Wissembourg, the first major engagement of the Franco-Prussian War. Like the rest of Alsace, it underwent several changes of nationality between France and Germany before finally becoming French again in 1945 following the end of the Second World War.

Despite the adversities of the times, Wissembourg has managed to preserve its character and cultural heritage. Today, its old town is one of the best-preserved in Alsace. Visitors can discover remarkable sights there, such as the ‘Maison du Sel’, the ‘Maison Stanislas’, the old city walls, the fortified city gates, the promenades along the banks of the Lauter, and the numerous squares adorned with flowers, which contribute to the town’s charm.

But Wissembourg has more to offer than just its past. As the gateway to the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, the town is also an ideal base for nature lovers and walkers, particularly on the HexaTrek, one of the longest walking trails in France. Its Christmas market, traditional restaurants, vineyards and numerous events make the town a vibrant destination all year round.

A visit to Wissembourg means exploring more than 1,360 years of history – against a backdrop where every street, every monument and every façade tells the story of the rich past of a town that ranks among the most beautiful and authentic in Alsace.