Bernardvillé lies at an altitude of 340 metres in a quiet valley between vineyards and meadows at the foot of Ungersberg. The village offers two clear highlights for a stay: marked paths through the vineyards and up to the ridges, and the village church and Notre-Dame de Baumgarten Abbey with its history. This lets you plan your visit around whether you want to focus on scenery and activity or historic religious buildings.
Landscape and paths
Several marked paths lead directly from Bernardvillé’s lanes through the vineyards or up to the ridges of Ungersberg. The mountain is directly accessible from Bernardvillé and, at 901 metres, is the highest point of the massif. The gradual ascent through the forest leads to views over the Alsace Plain, the Black Forest and the surrounding villages. The excursion therefore offers a choice of landscapes: paths through the vineyards or a forest ascent with far-reaching views. The distinction is clear: the paths from the lanes take you through the vineyards, while Ungersberg brings together the forest ascent, ridge and viewpoint at a single destination.
Bernardvillé has been listed as a protected landscape area since 1 September 1971.
Saint-Antoine-Ermite Church
The village church of Saint-Antoine-Ermite is documented as far back as 1371 and preserves Gothic windows from its medieval origins. Its building history continued in later phases: the church was remodelled and extended in 1750, including the construction of a new choir; restoration followed in 1828. The same building thus shows medieval elements alongside changes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its furnishings include two Rococo altars, two altarpieces and two statues. The sculptors involved are named as Johann Faller, Mathias Faller and Philippe Rauch. The organ has its own timeline: it was built by the Stiehr-Mockers company in 1852 and completely restored in 1984.
Notre-Dame de Baumgarten Abbey
Notre-Dame de Baumgarten Abbey was founded in 1125 by Cunon de Michelbach, Bishop of Strasbourg. On 3 December 2009, after an interruption of 484 years, monastic life resumed there, restoring contemplative Cistercian life for women in this valley. The abbey in Bernardvillé lies on the Way of St James, bringing monastic history and the pilgrimage route together at a named location. The reception area is open to everyone, and the church is open to those wishing to attend the community’s liturgical services. If you plan to attend a service or visit, check the practical arrangements before travelling.
The two places offer clearly distinct cultural and historical experiences: the village church focuses on building phases, windows and furnishings, while the abbey’s story centres on its foundation, the resumption of monastic life and the Way of St James. You can therefore choose to focus on architectural and decorative history, monastic and pilgrimage history, or both.
Discover more destinations: Blienschwiller, Reichshoffen, Hohengœft, Bilwisheim, Dorlisheim, Kleingœft, Ichtratzheim, Lohr.
For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
