Visit of the church of Ottmarsheim – Jewel of the Romanesque art
What if one of Alsace's most beautiful Romanesque churches was hidden away from the main tourist routes? I'm taking you to visit Ottmarsheim Church, east of Mulhouse, right on the Rhine. Its Saints-Pierre-et-Paul Abbey and its unique octagonal layout in Alsace truly surprised me: it's a Romanesque art gem, and it's free to discover!
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Location: Ottmarsheim, east of Mulhouse, on the Rhine (Haut-Rhin)
- 🏛️ What to see: an 11th-century Romanesque abbey, with an octagonal layout unique in Alsace, and its frescoes
- 💶 Budget: free (open access)
- 🕗 Opening hours: daily from 8 AM to 8 PM from April to September, and from 8 AM to 6 PM from October to March, except during religious ceremonies
- 🎭 Guided tours: on specific dates, by reservation
- 🌧️ Weather backup plan: an indoor visit, perfect for rainy days
My review of Ottmarsheim Abbey
I liked
- Beautiful and original church
- A unique octagonal layout in Alsace
- Dramatized visits
- Free admission
I liked less
- Guided tours for individuals are not regular: you need to inquire beforehand
- The church is inaccessible during religious ceremonies (which is normal, but keep it in mind!)
Ottmarsheim Abbey: A Unique Octagonal Layout in Alsace
A Romanesque Church from 1049 on the Alsace Romanesque Route
Located on the Alsace Romanesque Route, the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Church of Ottmarsheim was built between 1030 and 1040 by Rodolphe d’Altenbourg, one of the founders of the Habsburg family, before being consecrated in 1049 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX.
Frescoes and Four-Level Elevation: What to See
This 11th-century church has plenty to surprise you:
- 🏛️ A central octagonal layout, a copy of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen, Germany, making the abbey unique in Alsace
- 🪜 A four-level elevation to admire from the inside
- 🎨 Frescoes inside the church
You’ll truly marvel as you step through the church door: it’s pretty from the outside, of course, but I didn’t expect so many wonders upon entering! It’s worth spending a little time there to observe all the small details.
Guided and Theatrical Tours of the Abbey
Even if the church of Ottmarsheim can be visited freely, I advise you to take a guided tour in order to learn more about the history of the place but also to discover all the sumptuous details of the exterior and the interior of the church.
For individuals, guided tours are not regular: you need to contact Ottmarsheim town hall to book, so it’s best to inquire before coming.
Classic guided tours are organized regularly, but also theatrical tours. Having had the chance to attend one of them, I can only recommend it. You will learn a lot about Ottmarsheim in the company of Rodolphe or Cunégonde, Count and Countess of Altenbourg. It’s both fun and very informative!
Also on the blog
Idea for a bike ride around Ottmarsheim
If you’d like to have a nice day out and take the opportunity to visit Ottmarsheim Church, I can recommend a beautiful cycling loop passing through Ottmarsheim. Allow for 18 km by bike from Mulhouse, on pleasant paths along the water and through the forest.
Key Takeaways about Ottmarsheim Abbey
- ⛪ An 11th-century Romanesque abbey, consecrated in 1049
- 🏛️ A unique octagonal layout in Alsace
- 🕗 Open daily, except during religious ceremonies
- 🎭 Guided tours to book in advance
- 🎄 In winter, the Ottmarsheim Christmas Market takes place around the abbey
Want to extend your day? Find all my ideas for visits around Mulhouse.
Practical information
Schedules
The church is open to visitors daily, from 8 AM to 8 PM from April to September and from 8 AM to 6 PM from October to March. Admission is free.
The church is still active: mass is held every Sunday at 10:30 AM, and the church is inaccessible during religious ceremonies (weddings, funerals, baptisms…).
Guided tours
For individuals, guided tours are not regular. Contact Ottmarsheim town hall to book. More info here.
Access
By car
The address is: 1 Rue du Couvent 68490 Ottmarsheim. It is necessary to count:
- 45km from Colmar (about 40 minutes)
- 45 km from Colmar (about 40 minutes)
- 117km from Strasbourg (about 1h15)
By bike
Ottmarsheim is 18 km from Mulhouse by bike, via pleasant paths along the water and through the forest. Find the cycling route around Mulhouse.
By public transport
You can take the Soléa bus (line 59) and plan your route on Fluo Grand Est.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Ottmarsheim Church
Is admission to Ottmarsheim Church free?
Yes, access to Ottmarsheim Abbey is free.
What are the opening hours for Ottmarsheim Abbey?
The church is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM from April to September and from 8 AM to 6 PM from October to March. It remains active: mass is held on Sundays at 10:30 AM, and it is inaccessible during religious ceremonies (weddings, funerals, baptisms).
Why is Ottmarsheim Abbey unique in Alsace?
Its octagonal layout, a copy of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen, is unique in Alsace. It was built between 1030 and 1040 by Rodolphe d’Altenbourg, then consecrated in 1049 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX.
Can you visit Ottmarsheim Church with a guide?
Yes, but not regularly for individuals: you need to contact Ottmarsheim town hall to book a guided tour. Theatrical tours with Rodolphe or Cunégonde d’Altenbourg are also available.
How to get to Ottmarsheim from Mulhouse?
Ottmarsheim is 18 km from Mulhouse, about a 20-minute drive. You can also go by bike, via pleasant paths along the water and through the forest, or by bus with Soléa line 59.