Visit Scherwiller – My tips and ideas for visits
The village of Scherwiller is located on the Alsace Wine Route, 5 km from Sélestat in the Bas-Rhin department. It’s actually a village that’s relatively unknown to tourists, and I discovered it while cycling along the Wine Route. I really fell in love with this place—it’s a magnificent village. It’s definitely worth taking the time to stop by and wander around. Visiting Scherwiller is also very pleasant if you want to enjoy the beauty of the villages along the Wine Route while staying in a quiet setting, far from the crowds that flood the more famous villages during peak season.
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Where: on the Alsace Wine Route, 5 km from Sélestat (Bas-Rhin).
- ⏳ Recommended duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes in the city center if you take the time to stroll around and explore the medieval garden; longer if you include the hike up to the castles.
- 🍷 The highlight: a well-preserved wine-growing village, renowned for its Riesling and its 100 washhouses.
- 🚶 How to explore: on foot, along the Aubach.
My Opinion on Scherwiller
I liked
- Beautiful city
- Location in the heart of the vineyard
- Not very touristy
I liked less
- The medieval garden and the washhouses can be seen quickly; this stop might seem short to some
Things to See in Scherwiller
The Village of 100 Washhouses
The Aubach River flows through Scherwiller, and its town center features about a hundred wash houses. Yes, that’s right! This little stream and these washhouses give the village a lot of charm, especially since it also has some beautiful half-timbered houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. These half-timbered houses are in excellent condition, and some are truly remarkable—I must say I was quite impressed during my stroll through the village!
“Les Lavandières” Show – The Living Folklore of Aubach
On weekends during the summer, you can attend the show *Les lavandières de Scherwiller*, in which the washhouses are transformed into theater stages where scenes from the village’s rural life are performed. I’ve never had the chance to go, but I hear it’s worth it!
Wine Village – Riesling Takes Center Stage
Scherwiller has no fewer than 370 hectares of vineyards, making it one of the largest wine-growing villages in the Bas-Rhin. It is particularly renowned for its Riesling. For a tour and tasting, I recommend visiting one of my favorite winemakers, Domaine Achillée.
Medieval Garden – Free and dedicated to courtly love
The medieval garden in Scherwiller is part of the tour of the medieval gardens in the villages of the Association and at Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. The Scherwiller garden is located on Rue de l’École and is dedicated to courtly love: it illustrates the rules of courtship in the 12th century, with the woman being courted as the central figure. Admission is free year-round, with extended hours (9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) from May through September.
The Mysteries of the Vineyard – A Family Scavenger Hunt
If you’re traveling with your family, don’t miss ” The Mysteries of the Vineyard “: a scavenger hunt through the streets of Scherwiller where you can have fun solving a mystery. You can pick up the booklet at any of the Sélestat Haut-Koenigsbourg Tourisme visitor centers—it’s a great way to introduce children to the village’s heritage.
Things to Do Around Scherwiller – Hiking and Biking
Ortenburg and Ramstein Castles – View of the Alsace Plain
Perched on the hills above the village are the ruins of Ortenbourg Castle ( located at an elevation of 443 meters) and Ramstein Castle ( located at an elevation of 384 meters), both dating back to the 13th century. You can hike up there from Scherwiller for a short walk and enjoy the view of the village rooftops, the vineyards, the Alsace plain, and even the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral and the Swiss Alps!
For hiking enthusiasts, there are also some great walks to be had in the area. We recommend for example this beautiful sporty hike to the castles of Ortenburg, Ramstein and Bernstein.
Bicycle Tour – Medieval Cities and Baroque Art
If you enjoy biking, I can recommend a beautiful loop that goes through Scherwiller and lets you explore both the Wine Route and the Alsace Plain. The “Medieval Cities and Baroque Art ” tour is one of my favorites!
Also on the blog
Key Facts About Scherwiller
- A wine-growing village in the Bas-Rhin region that has remained untouched by mass tourism
- With its 100 washhouses and half-timbered houses, it’s a picturesque stop on the Wine Route
- The medieval garden is open to visitors free of charge year-round
- Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the city center; it will take longer if you include the hike up to the castles.
- A great starting point for cycling trips to Sélestat and Haut-Koenigsbourg
Want to extend your stay along the Wine Route? Check out my TOP 17 list of the most beautiful villages!
Practical Information: How to Get There and Plan Your Visit
🚗 Driving Directions
Scherwiller is located in:
- 30 km from Colmar (about 30 minutes)
- 45 km from Strasbourg (about 40 minutes)
- 70 km from Mulhouse (about 50 minutes)
🚲 Access by bike
Scherwiller is a stop on the ” Medieval Cities and Baroque Art ” tour and the ” Wine Route by Bike,” two great ways to reach the village without a car.
🚆 Access by public transportation
Scherwiller has a train station served by the Strasbourg-Sélestat TER line, located about 1 km from the village center. You can check your route on Fluo.
🍽️ Where to Eat
For a gourmet break, the restaurant À La Couronne serves traditional Alsatian cuisine right in the heart of the village.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scherwiller
How much time should I set aside to visit Scherwiller?
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes to stroll through the village center, and even longer if you climb up to the Ortenbourg and Ramstein castles.
Is Scherwiller open on Sundays?
Yes, the village and its washhouses are open to the public all week long, including Sundays.
How can I get to Scherwiller without a car?
The village has a train station served by the Strasbourg-Sélestat TER line, located about 1 km from the center. You can plan your trip on Fluo.
Is there an admission fee for the medieval garden in Scherwiller?
No, admission is free all year round.
What should you see first if you don’t have much time in Scherwiller?
The washhouses along the Aubach River and the half-timbered houses in the town center, less than a 15-minute walk from each other.