Traenheim is an important stop on the Alsace Wine Route and offers two distinctive themes for a stay: winegrowing and architectural history. Pinot varieties and Gewürztraminer are the main grapes grown in the area; the Sentier viticole focuses on vineyard work and grape varieties. The village is also home to a Protestant church with elements from different periods and a Synagogue-grenier with its own history. You can therefore shape your stay around the landscape, winegrowing or regional history.

Winegrowing and landscape

Traenheim’s vineyards cover heavy, marl-rich Keuper soils with iridescent marls. Pinot varieties and Gewürztraminer are the main grapes cultivated in the growing area. Local winegrowing can therefore be understood in terms of both its grape varieties and its geological foundations.

The 2.5-kilometre-long Sentier viticole de Traenheim starts at Place de la Fontaine. Information panels along the route explain the work of winegrowers and the distinctive features of various Alsatian grape varieties. The route also offers panoramic views of the Vosges and the Alsatian plain. This vineyard trail thus combines information about cultivation with views across the wider landscape.

Architectural history from different periods

Traenheim’s Protestant church stands on the site of a Merovingian cemetery. The tower, dating from the 12th or 13th century, is all that remains of the first Romanesque building; the choir dates from the Gothic period of the 13th or 14th century. The tower and choir therefore belong to different building phases. Together with the cemetery site, they provide several historical points of reference that place Traenheim’s architectural history in a context extending beyond a single period.

The history of the Synagogue-grenier Traenheim is different. It was established between 1722 and 1723 in the attic of a house dating from 1582. The attic is listed as a historic monument because its decorative features are rare in the region. Whereas Romanesque and Gothic building phases are central to the church, the Synagogue-grenier is distinguished by its attic setting and regionally rare decorations.

The village name also has a historical reference point: Traenheim is first mentioned in 1050 under the name “DREHEIM” in the archives of Pope Leo IX. This early form of the name adds the history of the village itself to its architectural history.

Routes and getting here

The 33.5-kilometre “1. Le Vignoble” route passes through Traenheim. If you include it in your plans, check the route conditions in advance. A regular bus/tram service serves the village; check the current timetable for specific journey times.

When looking for a holiday rental in Traenheim, you can choose the focus of your stay in advance: the vineyards and Sentier viticole offer a winegrowing theme, while the church and Synagogue-grenier provide different ways to explore local history. For your journey, take the regular bus/tram service into account and check the timetable for journey times.

Discover more destinations: Morschwiller, Niederschaeffolsheim, Brumath, Natzwiller, Thanvillé, Schillersdorf, Gœrsdorf, Hœrdt.

Go to the main travel guide: Bas-Rhin.