Visit of Turckheim, medieval city on the Alsace Wine Route
Turckheim is one of my favorite villages on the Alsace Wine Route. It’s located right next to Colmar, and yet many visitors are content to visit Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, or Riquewihr and miss out on Turckheim. That’s a real shame because this village is charming and boasts an incredible architectural heritage!
Summary
- My Thoughts on Turckheim
- Turckheim, a village with remarkable medieval architecture
- The Colmar Pocket Battle Memorial Museum
- Where can you taste wine in Turckheim? The François Baur Winery
- The Brand Grand Cru Wine Trail
- The night watchman of Turckheim
- Key Facts About Turckheim
- Frequently Asked Questions About Turckheim
The Essentials at a Glance
- 📍 Where: Turckheim, 7 km from Colmar, on the Alsace Wine Route.
- ⏳ Recommended duration: 1.5 hours to half a day; a full day if you include the museum and the wine trail.
- 👪 Who it’s for: couples, families, and lovers of history and wine.
- 🚶 How to explore: mainly on foot; the historic center is compact.
My Thoughts on Turckheim
I liked
- A beautiful village on the Alsace Wine Route
- A less touristy atmosphere than in Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, or Riquewihr
- The unique and enduring tradition of the night watchman
I liked a little less
- Nothing!
Turckheim, a village with remarkable medieval architecture
Turckheim offers its visitors some wonderful sights dating back tothe Middle Ages. The town received its charter in 1312, and three 14th-century gates have been preserved, along with significant sections of the city wall:
- The Gate of France
- The Munster Gate
- The Brand Gate
I recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the town: it’s not very big, but along the way you’ll see some beautiful buildings, such as City Hall, the guardhouse, St. Anne’s Church, the Hôtel des Deux Clefs, and some stunning half-timbered houses.
There’s also a marked historical walking tour that takes about 50 minutes, starting at the tourist office, if you don’t want to miss a thing. It’s absolutely magnificent!
I especially like Turckheim because you can tell there’s a real local community there, and it’s not just geared toward tourists. That makes it even more enjoyable to walk around there!
The Colmar Pocket Battle Memorial Museum
Turckheim is more than just its medieval heritage. The village is also home to the Colmar Pocket Battle Memorial Museum, housed in an 18th-century vaulted cellar on Rue du Conseil.
The museum chronicles the battles of the winter of 1944–1945 that led to the liberation of the region: Turckheim was liberated on February 4, 1945.
Visitors can see uniforms, weapons, equipment, and documents from the French, American, and German armies. The museum is open from April through October, with hours that vary by season. More information here.
Where can you taste wine in Turckheim? The François Baur Winery
Why not take advantage of your visit to Turckheim to sample some Alsatian wine? For example, stop by Domaine François Baur for a tour and tasting—a family-run winery based in Turckheim since 1741 that practices biodynamic farming.
The Brand Grand Cru Wine Trail
Want to get a bird’s-eye view? A 2-km marked wine trail winds its way up through the vineyards of the Grand Cru Brand, Turckheim’s historic terroir. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours round-trip to enjoy the informational signs and, above all, the panoramic view of the old town, the Munster Valley, and the Alsace Plain.
The night watchman of Turckheim
One of Turckheim’s unique features is that it has preserved the tradition of the night watchman. The patrol takes place every evening at 10 p.m., from May 1 through October 31, starting at the Corps de Garde, right next to the Porte de France. It also takes place during Advent and Easter.
This way, you can accompany the night watchman and take the opportunity to enjoy a unique nighttime guided tour of Turckheim!
Also on the blog
Key Facts About Turckheim
- Turckheim is an authentic medieval village on the Wine Route, 7 km from Colmar
- Allow half a day for the architecture and the winstubs, and a full day if you include the memorial museum or the wine trail
- Don’t miss the night watchman’s rounds, a tradition unique to Alsace
- You can also explore the Grand Cru Brand on foot, along the vineyard trail that overlooks the village
Want to continue your drive along the Wine Route? Head to Kaysersberg!
Practical information
Animations
The Turckheim night watchman’s rounds do not take place year-round. Click here to see the dates you can attend.
Access
By car
Turckheim is located in:
- 7km from Colmar (about 15 minutes)
- 47km from Mulhouse (about 45 minutes)
- 77km from Strasbourg (about 1h)
By train
The Turckheim train station, on the Colmar-Munster line, is about 10 minutes from Colmar and a 5-minute walk from the village center.
By public transport
You can plan your route on Fluo Grand Est. You can also take the Kutzig bus, which is very convenient for visiting certain villages along the Alsace Wine Route.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turckheim
How much time should you allow for a visit to Turckheim?
Half a day is enough to see the village’s highlights: its medieval gates, its half-timbered streets, and perhaps a wine tasting. Plan on a full day if you include the memorial museum or the Grand Cru Brand wine trail.
How do I get to Turckheim from Colmar?
Turckheim is located 7 km from Colmar, about a 15-minute drive. You can also take the train to Turckheim—which is on the Colmar-Munster line—in about ten minutes.
When does the night watchman make his rounds in Turckheim?
The procession takes place every evening at 10 p.m., from May 1 through October 31, starting at the Corps de Garde near the Porte de France. It also takes place during Advent and Easter.
What else is there to see in Turckheim besides the historic center?
Don’t miss the Colmar Pocket Battle Memorial Museum, housed in an 18th-century vaulted cellar, as well as the Grand Cru Brand wine trail, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the village and the Munster Valley.
Where can you enjoy wine in Turckheim?
The Domaine François Baur, located in the heart of the village since 1741, offers cellar tours and tastings year-round.