Visit Ebersmunster Abbey: Baroque Church in the Alsatian Ried
Ebersmunster Abbey is a Baroque abbey church whose bulbous towers with green glazed tiles can be spotted from afar in the Alsatian plain. It is located in the village of Ebersmunster, in the heart of the Alsatian Ried, not far from Sélestat, and its interior is as bright as it is richly decorated. Here I give you the opening hours, what to look at inside, and an address to taste the matelote du Ried. So, ready to step inside?
Summary
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Location: Ebersmunster, in the Alsatian Ried, near Sélestat (Bas-Rhin)
- 🕘 Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM from November to May, 9 AM to 6 PM from June to October
- ⏱️ Recommended duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- 👨👩👧 Audience: couples, families, heritage enthusiasts
- 💶 Budget: free entry (donations possible), meal extra
- 🎶 Concerts: Heures Musicales festival in spring and organ recitals in the late season
My opinion on Ebersmunster Abbey
I liked
- The impressive Baroque decor of the Saint-Maurice Abbey Church
- The Silbermann organ, listed as a historical monument
- A small, typical village of the Ried
- The possibility to taste a matelote du Ried on site
I liked less
- Nothing special in the village apart from the abbey church (and the matelote!)
- Access by public transport, not very practical
History of the Saint-Maurice Abbey Church
The Saint-Maurice Abbey Church of Ebersmunster replaces an old medieval abbey dedicated to Saint-Maurice:
- 🏛️ Current building: early 18th century, built by an Austrian architect
- 🇦🇹 Style: the only realization in France of the Austrian Vorarlberg style
- 📜 Original Abbey: medieval, probably founded by Adalrich, Duke of Alsace and father of Saint Odile, destroyed by fire during the Thirty Years’ War
What to see at the abbey church: Baroque decor, high altar, and organ
With its bulbous towers and green glazed tiles, Ebersmunster Abbey can be seen from quite a distance. Already beautiful from the outside, it reveals all its splendor inside: a pure Baroque masterpiece awaits you!
The Baroque decor and the high altar
It is necessary to enter the building to admire this church of exceptional beauty and whose interior enjoys a magnificent clarity. Frescoes, stucco, gilding, magnificent painted decorations on the vault, statues… majestic decorations await the visitors.
One must not miss the splendid high altar topped with a huge crown, which is the work of Jean-Léonard Meyer of Sélestat. The abbey is very richly decorated and is beautiful from floor to ceiling.
The Silbermann organ and concerts
Ebersmunster Abbey also has an impressive organ from 1730, considered a masterpiece by André Silbermann, a famous organ builder. It is also listed as a historical monument. Concerts are regularly organized in the church, which can be an excellent opportunity to listen to the sound of this exceptional organ.
ℹ️ Note: the Friends of the Abbey Church association organizes the Heures Musicales festival in spring, usually on Sundays at 5 PM, and some recitals on the Silbermann organ in the late season. Dates change every year: inquire before coming.
Also on the blog
Where to eat in Ebersmunster: the matelote du Ried
Before or after your visit, I recommend you go and taste a matelote du Ried at the restaurant Aux Deux Clefs, located just opposite the Saint-Maurice Abbey Church. It’s an Alsatian specialty based on river fish that you can almost only eat here!
What to remember about Ebersmunster Abbey
- ⛪ An early 18th-century Baroque abbey church, the only realization in France of the Austrian Vorarlberg style
- 🕘 Open from 9 AM to 5 PM from November to May and from 9 AM to 6 PM from June to October
- 🎶 A listed Silbermann organ, with regular concerts
- 🍽️ The matelote du Ried to taste just opposite the abbey church
- 🚗 Easier by car or bike than by public transport
Want to extend your getaway? Find all my ideas for things to do in the Alsatian Ried.
Practical information
Schedules
The church is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from November to May and from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM from June to October.
| Period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| November to May | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| June to October | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
Rates
Access to the church is free for individuals (you can still make a small donation!)
Animations
Visit the website of the Friends of the Abbey of Ebersmunster to learn more about the proposed activities (many concerts).
Access
By car
The address is: 6 Rue du Général Leclerc, 67600 Ebersmunster. It takes:
- 34 km from Colmar (about 30 minutes)
- 40 km from Strasbourg (about 30 minutes)
- 75 km from Mulhouse (about 50 minutes)
By bike
You can combine the visit with two of my bike tours: the circuit around Sélestat (47 km) and the bike loop in the Alsatian Ried.
By public transport
It’s not easy, but you can check on Fluo Grand Est.
Frequently Asked Questions before visiting the Abbey Church
What are the opening hours of Ebersmunster Abbey?
The abbey church is open from 9 AM to 5 PM from November to May and from 9 AM to 6 PM from June to October. These hours may change: check with the Sélestat tourist office before your visit.
Is there an entrance fee for Ebersmunster Abbey?
No, access to the abbey church is free for individuals, and a donation is possible.
Can you listen to the Silbermann organ of Ebersmunster?
Yes, during concerts organized in the abbey church. The Friends of the Abbey Church association schedules the Heures Musicales festival in spring and recitals on the Silbermann organ in the late season. Dates change every year.
Where is Ebersmunster Abbey located?
Ebersmunster Abbey is located in the village of Ebersmunster (Bas-Rhin), in the heart of the Alsatian Ried, near Sélestat. The address is 6 Rue du Général Leclerc, 67600 Ebersmunster.
What to do around Ebersmunster Abbey?
You can taste a matelote du Ried at the Aux Deux Clefs restaurant, just opposite the abbey church, visit Sélestat, or explore the Alsatian Ried, for example, with the flat-bottom boat trip by the Batelier du Ried.