Discover Pfaffenhoffen: Churches, History and Trails

Pfaffenhoffen brings together several historical themes: churches with different building histories, a synagogue with diverse community functions, and the history of the town’s fortifications. Hiking and cycling also connect your trip to the local landscape.

Churches with different building histories

Saints-Pierre-et-Paul Church is documented as far back as 1280 and was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style in 1885. That same year, the Protestant church was completed to a design by architect Albert Brion. The year 1885 therefore marks two different events: the rebuilding of Saints-Pierre-et-Paul and the completion of the Protestant church.

The Protestant church is a Neo-Romanesque building made of pink and yellow sandstone. Its features include galleries, three aisles and a semicircular apse. These terms refer to different architectural elements: the aisles divide the church interior, while the apse forms its semicircular end. This makes it possible to understand the church not only by its style, but also by its spatial layout.

Synagogue, Fortifications and Town Hall

Built and inaugurated in 1791, the synagogue is considered the last surviving example of a series of rural synagogues. Its functions extended beyond worship: it served as a place of prayer, community centre, school and accommodation; matzo was also made there. A ritual bath fed by a spring was located in the basement. Together, these uses tell a story of religious life, community, education and everyday provision.

Pfaffenhoffen’s historic fortifications included gates documented from 1486 onwards, as well as a wall with a defensive walkway that was mentioned before 1480. The street-facing façade of the town hall was designated a Monument historique by decree on 25 April 1935. The history of the fortifications and the protected façade thus add further historical perspectives to the religious buildings.

Hiking and cycling in the regional landscape

The Circuit des Collines is a pleasant hiking route with viewpoints. It offers glimpses of the Val-de-Moder landscape, with its hills, vineyards, forests and orchards. The hike centres on both the viewpoints and the varied scenery.

The BR75 cycle route continues from Pfaffenhoffen to the agricultural villages of the Pays de Hanau. It has a different focus from the Circuit des Collines: the BR75 is a cycling route leading towards these villages, while the Circuit is a hiking route with viewpoints. This makes it easy to choose between cycling towards a regional destination and hiking for views of the landscape.

The Musée de l’Image Populaire is the Val-de-Moder tourist information centre. This regional point of reference complements the different themes of a stay here. If you’re looking for a hotel in Pfaffenhoffen, you can plan your trip around whether you’d prefer to focus on architectural and community history or on hiking and cycling.

Discover more destinations: Uhlwiller, Schweighouse-Sur-Moder, Gundershoffen, Batzendorf, Niederschaeffolsheim, Dinsheim-sur-Bruche, Bitschhoffen, Saverne

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.