Scherwiller: Castles, Wine Trails and History
Accommodation in Scherwiller
Scherwiller brings together castle ruins and historic buildings with the Aubach and paths through the vineyards. This offers a range of ways to plan a trip or look for a hotel, with a focus on architectural history, riverside culture, scenery and hiking. Trail lengths and seasonal offerings can help you plan activities suited to your trip.
Castles, Architectural History and the Aubach
The ruins of Ortenbourg and Ramstein castles are classified as historic monuments. Château de l’Ortenbourg was built around 1262. Château du Ramstein remains closed to visitors for safety reasons; occasional construction-site tours may be available as part of the European Heritage Days. Check in advance whether such a tour is taking place.
The buildings represent different periods: Château de l’Ortenbourg, dating to around 1262, is followed by the Corps de Garde, built in 1670; the neo-Gothic Chapelle du Taennelkreuz dates from 1906. The chapel offers panoramic views across the plain. The construction dates place the buildings in their historical context, while the view offers a different perspective on the landscape.
The Aubach also links natural and cultural history. It has been a protected classified site since 1969, and its banks are lined with almost 70 wash houses. The Spectacle des Lavandières takes place every year on the banks of the Aubach in Scherwiller. If you would like to attend, check the dates and programme for the year of your trip.
Wine Trails and Hiking Opportunities
The signposted Sentier Viticole winds through the vineyards and offers two route lengths: 2 or 6 kilometres. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Château de l’Ortenbourg and Haut-Koenigsbourg. The trail can be hiked year-round; check accessibility information before setting out. The two route lengths give you a clear choice of distance.
The Sentier des murailles et des vignes runs for 7.8 kilometres between stone and grapevines. Five interpretation panels line the route. Compared with the two lengths of the Sentier Viticole, this is the longer of the two trails with specified distances; here, the panels also provide additional guidance on the route’s subject matter. You can therefore consider distance and interpretive information as different criteria when choosing a trail.
The Sentier viticole de Scherwiller has information panels and a wayfinding board. Guided tours with winegrowers from the village are offered in July and August. As this is a seasonal offering and dates may vary, check the specific dates before your trip.
The Circuit de l’Ortenbourg et du Ramstein runs partly along the GR5 and starts from the car park at the Hühnelmühle. Check the local trail markings and access conditions before setting out. A circular route passes through the Massif de l’Ortenbourg, which is protected under a biotope order because of its remarkable fauna and flora. This hike also takes you through a protected landscape area.
Discover more destinations: Uhlwiller, Wingen, Saales, Obernai, Mutzig, Monswiller, Bellefosse, Gerstheim
Return to the main travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
