Bouxwiller: Old Town, Museums and Bastberg

Bouxwiller combines historic architecture with museums, landscapes and outdoor activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Bouxwiller, you can first consider whether the old town and museums, or Bastberg and outdoor pursuits, should shape your stay more.

Old Town Between the Middle Ages and the Modern Era

The historic centre and suburbs of Bouxwiller are designated as a “Site patrimonial remarquable” (remarkable heritage site). A ministerial decree dated 24 July 2023 justifies the designation on the basis of the area's historic, architectural, archaeological, artistic and landscape value. This designation highlights both the townscape and its history and surroundings.

The old town is largely characterised by buildings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, while the layout of its streets and lanes dates back to the Middle Ages. A discovery trail leads through Bouxwiller and showcases half-timbered houses, notable oriel windows and lanes, as well as the former buildings of the seigneurial court around Place du Château. If you would like to follow the trail, check the latest trail document before your trip.

Museums in Historic Buildings

The Musée du Pays de Hanau is housed in a 16th-century grain hall and a former 14th-century castle chapel. Both buildings are listed as historic monuments. The museum explores the history, culture and natural environment of the Pays de Hanau through games, interactive exhibits, numerous films and listening stations. Alongside the buildings, it offers a wide range of ways to engage with its subject matter; current exhibitions may change.

The Musée Judéo-Alsacien presents the culture of Alsatian Jews and their everyday lives alongside their Christian neighbours. It also explains how three religions lived together. You can visit the museum independently; guided group tours are available by prior arrangement, as are educational visits. Visit formats and packages may change, so check the current conditions before your trip.

Bastberg and Nature Reserve

Bastberg is a warm, dry limestone promontory. Its characteristic dry grassland supports communities of rare plants. 500 species have been recorded at Bastberg, including southern insect species that reach the northern limit of their range there. This natural area can be appreciated for both its landscape and the distinctive plant and insect life it supports.

The Réserve naturelle régionale de Bastberg can be visited free of charge and independently. Before your visit, check guidance on nature conservation and any access restrictions.

Animal Farm and Pump Track

At the foot of Bastberg is Ferme Hexe Hoft, an animal farm open to visitors. It has horses, ponies, chickens, rabbits and sheep. The farm also has gardens and fruit trees, a barefoot path, a drinks station and a picnic area. The animals and facilities may change; check the latest information before you travel. The “Atelier du parfait petit fermier” workshop is offered by reservation and subject to the schedule. Confirm the date in advance.

The Pumptrack de Bouxwiller is free and open to everyone around the clock, every day. It features rollers, banked turns and technical sections, and is suitable for bicycles, BMX bikes, scooters and inline skates. Before using it, check the latest safety guidance and the condition of the surface.

Christmas Market and Pretzel Tradition

Bouxwiller's Christmas market attracts thousands of visitors every year. The pretzel is also part of local tradition: Bouxwiller is described as its place of origin.

Discover more destinations: Hoenheim, Steinbourg, Barr, Cosswiller, Schœnau, Bust, Eckbolsheim, Rœschwoog

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.