Andlau: Castles, Wine and Cultural Heritage

Andlau combines historic buildings with wine and crafts. To help you plan your trip, several highlights can be considered side by side: the castle ruins, the abbey church and the La Seigneurie heritage interpretation centre. The town is also connected to the GR 5 long-distance hiking trail, the Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route and the Alsace Wine Route. If you are looking for a hotel in Andlau, you can first consider whether your trip will focus more on architecture and history, hiking and cycling, or wine.

Castle ruins and their history

Château du Haut-Andlau was built by the Lords of Andlau between 1337 and 1344. Its ruins were listed as historic monuments by decree on 16 June 1926. The ruins of Château de Spesbourg were also granted this status; the decree is dated 18 December 1967. The dates refer to different facts: for Haut-Andlau, both a construction period and the date of its listing are given, while for Spesbourg, the date of its listing is provided. This makes it possible to consider the two castles in their historical context without confusing the listing dates with their construction years.

Marked footpaths lead from the Hungerplatz forest lodge to Château du Haut-Andlau. The total walking time for the round trip is one hour. This time covers both directions, helping you factor the walk into your day’s plans. As access conditions may change, check the latest information before your visit.

La Seigneurie and the abbey church

La Seigneurie is a heritage interpretation centre based in Andlau. It is housed in a former residence of the Lords of Alsace, built between 1582 and 1583. The building’s former use and the centre’s role in interpreting heritage represent two distinct periods. The permanent exhibition spans the first, second and third floors and covers a total of 700 m². It focuses on architecture, wine production and crafts. This brings architectural and cultural history together with topics relevant to local wine and craft traditions.

The Eglise abbatiale Saints Pierre et Paul also offers specific historical points of interest. Its crypt dates from the 11th century and is guarded by a sandstone bear. A figurative frieze from the 12th century is described as being 30 metres high. The two details date from different centuries: the crypt with its sandstone bear and the later frieze illustrate distinct features of the abbey church. For culture enthusiasts, they add clearly defined aspects of local history to the castles and La Seigneurie.

Cycle route, long-distance trail and wine cellars

Andlau lies on the Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route, EuroVelo 5, and is also a stop on the GR 5 long-distance hiking trail. This gives you a cycling route and a long-distance hiking trail to consider when planning your trip, each suited to a different kind of journey. Andlau is also accessible via the Alsace Wine Route. Before setting out on a bike ride, check the cycling infrastructure and route conditions; access details may also change. You can consider the routes and the wine route as separate reference points for planning your trip, rather than treating them as one continuous route.

Wine in Andlau is also associated with visits to wine cellars: numerous winemakers open their cellars to visitors. Arrangements may vary from one winery to another. The cellar at Domaine du Vieux Pressoir - Domaine SCHLOSSER offers guided wine tastings by appointment. Arrange an appointment before your arrival and check that your preferred tasting is available. Together with the wine and crafts featured in the permanent exhibition, this offers a distinct focus for guests interested in wine.

Choose Andlau as your destination

If you would like to include wine in your trip, you can also visit the open wine cellars and book guided tastings by appointment. Which of these options matters for your stay depends on your own travel plans. Search specifically for hotels in Andlau and choose the destination based on which of Andlau’s features described here best match your interests.

Discover more destinations: Morsbronn-Les-Bains, Rosheim, Eichhoffen, Thanvillé, Châtenois, Kilstett, Matzenheim, Beinheim

For the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.