"Wissembourg" Top 5 Page for this destination Wissembourg by Kathrin_E

Wissembourg Travel Guide: 77 reviews and 361 photos

The Abbey

Wissembourg, Weißenburg in German, is situated just beyond the French-German border. The history of the town is German (well, there was no Germany in those times, so let’s say part of the Holy Roman Empire) until the late 17th century, then it became French property. Further on the government changed a couple of times. The changes of history have left their marks. Like in most of Alsace, the culture is a mix of French and German-Alsatian although French has become the predominant language. The cuisine has adopted the best of both…

Lauter canal in s

The roots of the town lie in the early middle ages with the foundation of the Benedictine monastery, a free imperial abbey with a lot of influence and wealth. Later on the town developed around the abbey.

The small old town is very well kept and its inhabitants, and its tourist office, have a sense of beauty and romanticism… Old houses, flowers, the little river, narrow bridges… certain views can be called a romantic overkill. Don’t forget your camera…

The town is rather small, however, and the main attractions can be seen in half a day. Add time for lunch and a coffee break, a leisurely stroll and a rest on a bench on the ramparts, and you have a perfect day trip destination.

Last visit to Wissembourg: Dec 2011
Intro Updated Dec 17, 2011
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Reviews (30)

One of the Oldest Known Stained Glass... Things to Do (16)

A tiny picture but of great significance in the world of art history: The little round stained glass piece with the face... more travel advice

Alsatian Kougelhopf in a bakery window - Wissembourg

Kougelhopf Local Customs (4)

Most pâtisséries sell Kougelhopf, cakes from yeast dough baked in a round mould with a hole in the middle, a very... more travel advice

Napoleon Fountain in Schweigen - Wissembourg

Napoleon Fountain in Schweigen Off The Beaten Path (9)

Under Napoleon, France occupied the entire left bank of the Rhine, so Schweigen became French. The Napoleon Fountain... more travel advice

Weintor in Schweigen Off The Beaten Path (9)

The southern end, or beginning, of the German Wine Road (one of the first "tourist routes") originally led through this... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Train Station – Connections from Germany

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Comments (5)

Jim_Eliason Apr 19, 2011 at 6:03 AM Report Abuse

Nice tips!
german_eagle Aug 10, 2010 at 10:28 AM Report Abuse

This defines "picturesque"! Picture #3 is really fantastic - so romantic. Excellent updates also, wine tasting sounds great.
kathymof May 7, 2010 at 2:11 PM Report Abuse

Great tips on a gorgeous little town --Kathy
nhcram Dec 8, 2009 at 5:17 AM Report Abuse

Hi Kathrin, Thank you for a lovely day in a beautiful town x
Andrew_W_K Sep 3, 2009 at 4:15 AM Report Abuse

Wow! Never even heard of the town and I thought I'd been all over Alsace. Note to self: Must go back sometime.