Bilwisheim: Village history between fields and forests

Bilwisheim combines a compact village layout with traces of its architectural and local history. The Church of Saint-Etienne, historic details at the cemetery, and its setting surrounded by fields and forests offer different ways to explore the village. Agriculture, equestrian sports, and a described mountain biking route are also among the themes that shape Bilwisheim.

Church, cemetery, and medieval local history

The Church of Saint-Etienne has a semicircular choir. Its portal tower is built of dressed sandstone blocks, bears the year 1906, and replaced a Romanesque choir tower. The shape of the choir and the history of the tower are distinct features of the same church building.

The year 1764 can be seen on the pillars at the entrance to Bilwisheim cemetery. The village’s history also includes a medieval castle, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The base of one tower has survived. Thus, a specific year and a broader period in medieval history stand side by side.

Bilwisheim retains a compact village silhouette. The buildings are clustered particularly around Rue Principale, Rue Basse, and Rue du Fossé aux Loups. These streets shape the village’s appearance; in 2023, Bilwisheim received three flowers in the Villes et Villages fleuris d’Alsace competition.

Landscape and agriculture

Fields and forests surround Bilwisheim, while the Le Muhlbach watercourse runs through the village. Both the surrounding landscape and a waterway within the village are part of its local character. These two aspects offer different impressions of the village’s rural setting.

Agriculture is also part of this picture: Bilwisheim has cattle and geese farming, as well as the cultivation of hops, asparagus, and grain. Livestock and crops are therefore further facets of local history and the village’s present-day character, alongside its architectural heritage.

Equestrian sports, cycling route, and getting there

The Rênes et Guides equestrian association has been based in Bilwisheim since 2004 and offers riding lessons there. You can check dates and conditions in advance if you wish to take part. This is a different activity from the mountain biking route, which starts at the town hall.

The Bilwisheim–Krautwiller–Waltenheim–Wingersheim mountain biking route passes through the Brumath Forest and along the Rhine–Marne Canal. The route alternates between paths, a cycle path, and roads. If you are planning to ride the route, check the route conditions beforehand, as they may change.

The nearest rail station is the Stephansfeld stop in Brumath, about 4 kilometres from Bilwisheim. It can be reached by car via the RD30 in about 5 minutes. Both figures are approximate; take current conditions into account when planning your journey.

One example of an event scheduled for a specific date was the 2025 Christmas market in Bilwisheim. Its programme included a St Nicholas procession with Hanstrapp, Christkindel, and a little angel.

Discover more destinations: Blaesheim, Grandfontaine, Benfeld, Mertzwiller, Andlau, Innenheim, Mothern, Mittelbergheim

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.