Visiting the Ecomuseum of Alsace in Ungersheim: my review and tips

My review of the Ecomuseum of Alsace

While the term “ecomuseum” might sometimes bring to mind a rather dull place, that’s definitely not the case here. The ecomuseum is very lively: it’s an ideal activity to do with kids (but not only kids). You’ll feel like you’re in a real village, wandering through little streets, stopping by craftsmen and shopkeepers (blacksmith, carpenter, barber…), and crossing paths with farm animals… not to mention the unmissable storks nesting on nearly every rooftop!

What is the Ecomuseum of Alsace in Ungersheim?

An ecomuseum is a museum that showcases the full culture and heritage of a given geographical area, such as traditional dwellings, skills, trades, and popular traditions. In this case, the Ungersheim Ecomuseum is dedicated to the culture and heritage of Alsace.

Don’t confuse it with the Textile Ecomuseum at the Wesserling Park, another spot worth discovering in Alsace.

How long does it take to visit the Alsace Ecomuseum?

The museum is large with plenty to see and do, so I’d recommend setting aside at least half a day (3 hours)… but you can easily spend the whole day there too, especially since you can grab a bite on site at the bakery, the restaurant, or at the picnic areas provided.

History of the Ecomuseum of Alsace: houses saved since the 1970s

It all began in the 1970s, when a group of young volunteers from the association “Maisons paysannes d’Alsace” set out to preserve several dozen traditional Alsatian houses that no longer suited their owners, who were looking for more comfort, for example. They first decided to restore these homes in their respective towns, factoring in these comfort needs as part of the preservation and restoration work.

In 1980, realizing it was impossible to keep them all on site, they began taking the houses apart to rebuild them in a conservatory of the Alsatian house, on a patch of wasteland. The first house was put up in 1980, marking the birth of the ecomuseum, which was officially opened in 1984.

Since then, Alsatians have made numerous donations of antique items to furnish the houses, and today the ecomuseum boasts a superb collection of furniture, farm equipment, and antique objects.

What to see and do at the Ecomuseum of Alsace

Half-timbered houses and original buildings

Made up of over 70 buildings from all over Alsace (houses, farms, chapels, schools, and more) spread across a beautiful natural setting on the museum grounds, the ecomuseum offers a great overview of Alsatian architecture. The buildings are genuine Alsatian houses that were relocated to the ecomuseum to save them.

And yes, half-timbered houses really can be moved: the beams are taken apart and numbered so they can be correctly reassembled afterward. Pretty incredible, right? They’re all stunning and offer a real window into Alsatian architecture.

Shows and workshops with working craftsmen

The village is home to workshops of active craftsmen, such as the potter or the blacksmith, whose skills you can watch in action. Other houses are brought to life by guide-animators or volunteers. Inside, you’ll find small exhibits on Alsatian culture, folk traditions, old trades, or live shows.

For example, you can:

• 🏫 sit in on a lesson in a 1930s Alsatian school
• 🔨 watch a blacksmith at work
• 🧵 learn how to fold an Alsatian headdress
• 💊 learn more about pharmacies of the past
• 🐐 feed the farm animals
• 🏠 join a tour on Alsatian architecture
• 🍽️ taste dishes with flavors from days gone by
• 🐴 take a horse-drawn carriage ride
• 🚣 go for a boat ride on the ecomuseum’s river
• 🚜 climb aboard a tractor

It’s both fun and educational! The lineup of exhibits and activities is wonderfully varied and changes regularly, so don’t hesitate to come back again and again. Many volunteers help keep the Ecomuseum of Alsace so lively: kudos to them — for me, this museum is a real favorite of mine that I never tire of visiting!

💡 A tip from a local: I’d suggest planning your visit by checking the schedule of activities beforehand, to make sure you’re there at the right time.

Farm animals and storks

Besides the storks, the ecomuseum is also home to plenty of farm animals that delight the little ones (and the grown-ups too, I’ll admit!). You can spot goats, cows (Vosgienne breed, of course), sheep, pigs, horses, donkeys… there are even peacocks.

💡 A tip from a local: don’t be alarmed if you hear a strange cry echoing through the ecomuseum — it’s just the peacocks roaming freely (and they’re quite a sight to admire, by the way!).

The Ecomuseum in video

Christmas at the Ecomuseum of Alsace

The Ecomuseum of Alsace is open for the Christmas season, from December 4, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The village is fully decorated for the occasion, with plenty of activities on offer. It’s simple: you’ll always find something going on, whatever time you visit (except at lunchtime)!

For instance, I was able to:

• 🍪 join a workshop making bredalas (traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies)
• 🎄 create Christmas tree decorations from recycled materials
• 🍞 join a gingerbread-making workshop
• 🏺 chat with a potter
• 🐴 pet some donkeys
• 🌲 see an exhibit on the history of Christmas trees

This is just a sample: I could also have gone for a horse-drawn cart ride, listened to stories about Alsatian Christmas characters, or heard a Christmas tale… There’s truly something for everyone, adults and children alike.

What to remember about the Ecomuseum of Alsace

• 🏡 An early-20th-century Alsatian village, made up of genuine houses moved from all across Alsace
• ⏱️ Plan for at least 3 hours, or a full day if you’re visiting with the family
• 🐄 Animals, craftsmen, and activities, Christmas included: plenty to keep kids and adults busy
• 🎟️ Free entry with the Pass Alsace and the Hopplà’ Pass
• 🌧️ Not ideal in the rain, and closed on Mondays except for certain Mondays: check the weather and the calendar before heading out

Want to make a day of it? Check out my ideas for family outings in Alsace.

Frequently asked questions about the Ecomuseum of Alsace