Bergheim Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Apr. 27th, 2023 · Updated Apr. 3rd, 2024

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On this walking tour of Bergheim, see the colourful half-timbered houses and the impressive 14th-century ramparts that the town’s famous for.

Location

This walking tour starts from the free main car park of Bergheim on the west side of the town just outside the centre. Alternatively, you can get a train to Selestat and then a bus to Bergheim (50/40 minutes total from Strasbourg/Colmar).

Bergheim Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Top Sights in Bergheim

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll wander around the best parts of Bergheim. While there are no large attractions, the main enjoyment is wandering through the cute streets. You could see most of Bergheim in just 45 minutes, or spend longer to visit the shops and restaurants.

Bergheim Walking Tour Route

This walking tour starts from the free car park on the east side of Bergheim, just outside the town walls. Before you leave this area, note the large tree on the roundabout – this is a lime tree planted in 1313, which makes it the oldest tree in Alsace.

1. Porte Haute

The Porte Haute* (High Gate) is the last remaining town gate of Bergheim, towering over the eastern entrance to the Medieval village. Today it’s the symbol of Bergheim and often the first sight visitors see when walking into town.

Directions: Once through the gate, take the left fork to reach the main square.

2. Place du Docteur Pierre Walter

The Place du Docteur Pierre Walter is the main square of Bergheim and a pleasure to walk around, with most buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. It’s relatively open and peaceful in this square, a great place to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. At the far end of the square is the town hall, built back in 1767.

Look up at the top of the fountain in the middle of the square. Here you can see the coat of arms of Bergheim – three small hills representing the three hills surrounding the village. The Bergheim Tourism Office is also located on this square, where you can find a map of the town and other visitor information.

Directions: Walk along the street to the left of the town hall and you’ll see the synagogue on your right.

3. Old Jewish Synagogue

Directions: Return to the main square and now take the road to the left after the town hall. You’ll soon see the church.

4. Église de l’Assomption

The Église de l’Assomption* stands on the location of a former church from 700AD, though this was destroyed and rebuilt in the 14th century. The current building has significant additions from the 19th century. Inside, the choir and some frescoes still date from the 14th century and there are some lovely stained glass windows. Outisde, there are some nice views of town from the church gardens.

The Witches’ House (La Maison des Sorcieres) is next to the church. The building was first an ossuary (room storing bones), then a boys’ school and now a little museum about the witchcraft trials that took place in Bergheim from 1582-1683. Behind the house is a medicinal herb garden.

Directions: Leave the church and turn right, then left on the path along the ramparts.

5. The Ramparts

Bergheim has one of the best examples of medieval city fortifications in the entire Alsace region, with the ramparts still encircling the entire town. As you walk along the ramparts you’ll also see several remaining towers which contributed to the town’s defence. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding vineyards.

The first tower you’ll come to is the Square Tower, one of the oldest towers in Bergheim. The next tower, a circular stone tower at the corner, is known as the Witches’ Tower, and used to have a conical roof. Further along the walls is the Schwein Tower (pig tower), which has been turned into a little house. The Powder house tower and Fahrer tower come next, both defensive towers from the 14th century. At the next corner is the Deiss tower, the top of which is now a cute little house.

Directions: After walking around half of the walls, you’ll reach the car park where you started. If you now want to taste some wine, head across the park to your right. Otherwise, this is the end of the Bergheim Walking Tour.

6. Domaine Marcel Deiss

Key Information: Open weekdays 9am-noon and 2-6pm, Saturdays 10am-noon and 2-6pm. Tastings cost €15, but this is reduced from the price of purchases over €50. Make a reservation for tastings as they can be very busy.

Domaine Marcel Deiss (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is a family winemakers who have lived in Bergheim since 1744. The sommelier is very knowledgeable and you explore the connection between the wines you taste and the location/soil type of the vineyards where the grapes come from. All round their wine is excellent.

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For more walking tours and hikes, see our France Hiking Page.