Voegtlinshoffen

Voegtlinshoffen

In the middle of the vineyards, some 10 kilometres south of Colmar, Voegtlinshoffen (484 inhabitants) stretches along a hillside. Easily reached from the RN83, it is an inviting place to visit.
There is a magnificent view across the opulent Rhine plain and the horizon is closed to the East by the Black Forest. In clear weather, the majestic Alps may also be visible beyond.

In this village, do not expect to find spiral staircases and old half-timbered houses because, with a few rare exceptions almost all were completely destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and were rebuilt afterwards in a more simple style.

Nonetheless its attractive streets, its welcoming wine cellars and above all its flower-decked houses (the village is classed “2 flowers” on the national scale) attract numerous tourists seeking peace and quiet.
Of course, wine is its greatest treasure, with the Grand Cru “Hatchbourg” and the full range of fine quality Alsace wines. Their reputation was not acquired by chance, however. As far back as the 13th century the Augustinian friars of Marbach praised the wines from their monastic vineyards of Voegtlinshoffen.

Another curiosity of the village, which has become its symbol, is the “Rabseppela”, a carved statuette of a figure admiring a bunch of grapes that it holds in its hand. It crowns the magnificent 18th century octagonal fountain. The winegrower’s association also organises cellar visits with commented tastings.

The quarry of pink quartzite has been classed as a “biotope” zone, to protect the peregrine falcons that nest here.

Inside the parish church are a beautiful altar and pulpit in the Baroque style, dated from 1750, both classified as historical monuments.
For active visitors, there is also a sports complex, a mini football stadium, and a rest area with tables and benches to welcome tired and hungry hikers or sportsmen.
On foot or on mountain bike, there are numerous possibilities to explore the region, the Five Castles Route, the Stauffen forest (904m), St Mark’s Convent and the Schauenberg pilgrimage.

Heritage objects:
- High altar (remarkable inlay), lateral altars, mid-18th century pulpit with polychrome group “Christ between the Virgin and St John” (St Nicholas Church – apply to the Town Hall : 03.89.49.30.31)
- 20th century winegrowers’ fountain.

Accessibility

  • By bus