Andlau offers several areas of interest: historic buildings, La Seigneurie, and connections to hiking, cycling and wine. Practical arrangements vary—for example, a set walking time for the castle trail, compared with a wine experience that requires an appointment.
Castle Ruins and Abbey Church: Historic Milestones
The Château du Haut-Andlau was built by the Lords of Andlau between 1337 and 1344. Its ruins were classified as historic monuments by decree on 16 June 1926. The ruins of the Château de Spesbourg received the same status: they were classified by decree on 18 December 1967. This makes it possible to distinguish the construction period of Haut-Andlau from the later monument classifications of both castle ruins.
The Eglise abbatiale Saints Pierre et Paul adds distinctive details to this historic focus. A sandstone bear stands guard in its 11th-century crypt. The church also has a 12th-century figurative frieze, described as 30 metres high. Taken together, the dates associated with these buildings range from the 11th century to the construction of the Château du Haut-Andlau in the 14th century.
La Seigneurie: Architecture, Wine Production and Crafts
Another way to explore the region’s heritage is through La Seigneurie, an interpretation centre based in Andlau. The centre is housed in a former residence of the Lords of Alsace, built between 1582 and 1583. Its permanent exhibition spans the first, second and third floors and covers a total of 700 m². It focuses on architecture, wine production and crafts.
The exhibition thus brings together themes from architectural history, wine and crafts. The building itself also has its own historical connection: it was once the residence of the Lords of Alsace. Those who put culture at the centre of their visit will find different points of interest here than on a hike to the castle ruins or a visit to a wine cellar.
Hiking and Cycling with Specific Route Connections
There is a specific time estimate for the route to the Château du Haut-Andlau: from the Hungerplatz forest lodge, you can reach the castle via marked footpaths; the round trip takes one hour in total. Access and trail conditions may change, so check the latest conditions before setting out.
Andlau is also a stop on the GR 5 long-distance hiking trail and lies on the Alsace Wine Route cycling route, EuroVelo 5. This provides both a hiking and a cycling connection for planning your trip. If cycling, check the cycling infrastructure and route conditions in advance. Andlau can be reached by car via the Alsace Wine Route; road conditions and access information may change, so check them before travelling.
Wine Cellars and Guided Wine Tasting
Numerous winemakers in Andlau open their wine cellars to visitors. Visiting arrangements may vary from one cellar to another, so check in advance what options are available for your planned visit. At Domaine du Vieux Pressoir – Domaine SCHLOSSER, guided wine tastings are offered in the cellar by appointment. Ask about an appointment before your trip and confirm availability. This makes it possible to plan a wine visit with a specific purpose, without treating the different arrangements offered by each venue as identical.
Discover more destinations: Saverne, Wangenbourg-Engenthal, Climbach, Morsbronn-Les-Bains, Gunstett, Brumath, Steinbourg, Lembach.
Return to the main travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
