Visit of Bergheim, village of the Alsace Wine Route
Bergheim is a charming village located on the Alsace Wine Route, not far from Colmar. Though less well-known than other villages like Kaysersberg or Riquewihr, Bergheim is no less worth a visit... Personally, I absolutely fell in love with it! In fact, it was voted the French People’s Favorite Village in 2022.
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Where: on the Alsace Wine Route, 17 km from Colmar (~25 min).
- ⏳ Recommended duration: 45 minutes to 2 hours
- 🏆 The highlight: Voted “The French People’s Favorite Village” in 2022.
- 🚶 How to explore: on foot, along the Promenade des Remparts
My Thoughts on Bergheim
I liked
- Walking around in this postcard setting
- There aren’t many tourists—it makes us feel special!
I liked less
- The village is a bit lacking in activity, both during the day and in the evening, but it’s also this tranquility that gives it all its charm
What to See in Bergheim? My Tour of the Medieval Village
A history dating back to Roman times
We do not know the exact origins of Bergheim, but we have evidence of a Roman presence thanks to the discovery of two mosaics dating from that period: one is housed at the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar, and the other at the former synagogue in Bergheim.
The City Walls and the Upper Gate
Bergheim is home to many medieval ruins, starting with its beautiful ramparts, which feature nine towers and along which you can stroll while following the Promenade des remparts. Don’t miss the Porte Haute, the city’s majestic 14th-century gateway.
Half-timbered houses and the market square
We stroll through Bergheim, wandering at random through its narrow streets, admiring the beautiful half-timbered houses ( the oldest of which date back to the 15th century), the old washhouse along the Grand Rue, the stunning market square, always adorned with flowers, its 18th-century town hall, and the incredible linden tree planted in the year 1300.
The House of Witches
This small museum traces the history of the witch hunts and the trials that took place in Bergheim from 1582 to 1683. It is open from mid-June through the end of October: Wednesday through Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in July and August, and only on Sundays in June, September, and October. Admission is €3 (free for children under 14).
A Wine Tasting at the Bergheim Wineries
We’re on the Wine Route—let’s not forget that! Stop by one of the village’s wineries to taste some Alsatian wine: Domaine Sylvie Spielmann (organic and biodynamic) or Domaine Marcel Deiss, one of the region’s leading wineries.
My good addresses in Bergheim
- For traditional cuisine: Wistub du Sommelier
- For regional cuisine in a 17th-century wine cellar: La Cave du Bailli, at the La Cour du Bailli hotel
- For a wine tasting: Domaine Sylvie Spielmann or Domaine Marcel Deiss (both organic)
Also on the blog
Key Facts About Bergheim
- A fortified medieval village, less crowded than its neighbors along the Wine Route
- Voted “France’s Favorite Village” in 2022
- Allow 2 hours to a half-day for the tour, or longer if you include a tasting
- A great starting point for exploring the Alsatian vineyards
Want to continue your wine tour? Head to Kaysersberg or Riquewihr.
Practical information
Access
By car
Bergheim is located at:
- 17 km from Colmar (about 25 minutes)
- 62 km from Strasbourg (about 45 minutes)
- 64 km from Mulhouse (about 50 minutes)
It is best to park at the parking lot of the ramparts, which is free and located at the entrance of the village. You can then walk very easily, the village is not very big.
By public transport
Check out Fluo Grand Est to plan your public transportation route to Bergheim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bergheim
What to Do in Bergheim During a One-Day Visit?
Stroll along the ramparts and the Promenade, admire the half-timbered houses and the market square, then visit the Maison des Sorcières before enjoying a wine tasting at one of the village’s wineries.
Is Bergheim a pedestrian-friendly village?
The town center isn’t exclusively pedestrian-only, but there’s a free parking lot at the entrance to the village, making it easy to explore everything on foot from there, and there aren’t many cars.
How much time should I set aside to visit Bergheim?
Allow 2 hours to a half-day, or longer if you include a wine tasting.
Where can I park in Bergheim?
At the Remparts parking lot, which is free and located at the entrance to the village.
Is Bergheim worth a visit compared to Riquewihr or Kaysersberg?
Yes, it’s a very beautiful village, but it’s much less lively than its neighbors: there are very few shops and restaurants. That said, it’s a pleasant stop if you’re looking for a peaceful visit, away from the crowds.