Hoenheim: Architecture, History and Nature

Hoenheim can be explored when planning a stay through three distinct themes: the architecture of the multimodal terminal, historic buildings and the landscape of the Etangs de la Vogelau. This framework can help you sort out your own travel interests when choosing a hotel: are you more interested in contemporary architecture and transport, traces of local history, or walking paths and birds? The places and features below give these themes a concrete point of reference.

Architecture and transport at the terminal

The “Terminal multimodal de Hoenheim-Gare” was designed by Zaha Hadid. Its award is also part of this architectural theme: the “Terminal du tramway de Hoenheim” received the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe in 2003. The “Terminal multimodal d’Hœnheim” includes a park-and-ride car park, a tram and bus station, a bicycle room and a shop. In this way, the terminal’s design and its function as a place for different modes of transport sit side by side. For travelers who also consider modern architecture when choosing a destination, this offers a distinctive point of interest. The year 2003 refers to the date of the award; it should be distinguished from Zaha Hadid’s design.

Chapelle Saint-Jean and historic buildings

The first written mention of the Chapelle Saint-Jean, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, dates back to 1350. Its Romanesque tower is a different matter: it was built in the 12th century. The tower is square and has three storeys. The two dates therefore answer different questions: the 12th century dates the tower, while 1350 marks the chapel’s first written mention. This helps put the building’s history in context without mistaking the date of the mention for the year it was built.

La maison bleue at 21 rue de la République dates from 1746 and is listed in the Inventory of Historic Monuments. It houses a mikveh, a ritual bath. In addition to the age of the house and its listing, this also identifies a specific cultural detail. The protected interior of the “Maison d'habitation juive” includes a wooden staircase with balusters. The focus here is on an interior architectural feature, not another construction date. Hoenheim’s historic center also includes a 19th-century church. Its date extends the period covered by the buildings mentioned beyond their medieval connections.

Meadows, ponds and birdlife

The Etangs de la Vogelau offer a different focus from the historic buildings: the area includes meadows, ponds and walking paths. Numerous waterbirds and other birds live there. Spending time outdoors is therefore not just about walking through the landscape; it also offers the opportunity to observe different birds. The ecosystem is protected by the municipalities of Bischheim, Hœnheim and Schiltigheim, so three municipalities are involved in its protection. The Etangs can be reached on Line B, getting off at the Le Ried stop. Check the timetable before traveling so that your plans match the current service.

The different themes can be weighed against one another when choosing a destination: the terminal represents contemporary architecture and transport infrastructure, while the chapel and historic houses reflect different periods and architectural details. The Etangs offer a contrasting landscape with walking paths and birdwatching. If you are considering Hoenheim for a stay, you can first decide which of these aspects of the town matters most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Weiterswiller, Hilsenheim, Mundolsheim, Sand, Wildersbach, Bœrsch, Bergbieten, Elsenheim

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.