There are many different ways to discover Gerstheim: follow sheep tracks on a walk through the village, explore diverse habitats along the paths, or take a closer look at architecture, crafts and Alsatian pottery. When planning your visit, it helps to distinguish between the attractions by their focus: some explore local themes, while others bring you closer to nature and the landscape.
Walks and wildlife watching
The discovery walk through Gerstheim begins at Place de la Fontaine. The route is 6.5 kilometres long and open to all. In the village, follow the sheep tracks painted on the ground; the walk offers insights into architecture, history, nature and local personalities. As route details may be revised, it is worth checking the latest description before setting off.
The Langgrund Trail focuses on wildlife watching. Information boards accompany the walking route, which takes about an hour. Along the way, you can observe an exceptionally rich variety of animal and plant life. The trail on Île de Gerstheim, in turn, takes you through the island’s diverse habitats. The routes therefore differ not only in their stated distance or duration, but also in the themes they bring to the fore.
Wetlands and Rhine islands
The Ried de la Zembs area, from Herbsheim to Erstein, includes Gerstheim. It is a continental ZNIEFF Type 1 area, made up of wet meadows, wet woodlands and several groundwater-fed watercourses. Gerstheim is therefore home to a range of wetland habitats, from meadows and woodlands to watercourses.
Along the river, flood-prone areas and the Rhine islands, formed by repeated interventions in the river, make up a protected natural network. For a different view of the river, visit the tourist viewpoint near Gerstheim: from above, you can see the fish passage, and numerous information boards explain the site. The viewpoint is secured.
The Jardin de Nicole adds a horticultural touch to the landscape. This spacious historic orchard offers views of the Ried and is home to century-old fruit trees. Roses, shrubs and perennials bloom seasonally. Those wishing to explore nature from different perspectives will find a garden of fruit trees and plantings here; the paths and the Ried, by contrast, offer other landscape impressions.
Architecture, crafts and culture
At the Manoir, château de Bancalis, you can distinguish two phases of construction: the main building was built in 1798, and a rear wing was added in 1872. The Protestant church also offers a glimpse of history: the gravestones in the entrance area are partially listed as historic monuments under a decree dated 25 April 1935.
At the Catholic church in Gerstheim, guided tours are offered year-round by prior reservation only. Check the booking arrangements if you are planning a tour. At the Savonnerie de la Forge, you can discover an artisan soap workshop in a former blacksmith’s forge. Through the restored former glass frontage, you can look into the workshop and learn more about how cold-process soaps are made. A reservation may be required for your visit, so it is best to check in advance.
The Espace Henri Loux displays around 150 pieces of traditional Alsatian tableware in five cases, including some rare or unique items. French-language audio guides let you follow in Henri Loux’s footsteps. Together with a look at the Manoir and a glimpse into soapmaking, this makes for a varied cultural experience: historic building phases, regional pottery and a traditional craft each offer a different perspective on Gerstheim.
Discover more destinations: Wingen, Hengwiller, Ottrott, Reichstett, Pfaffenhoffen, Lichtenberg, Niederschaeffolsheim, Cosswiller.
For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
