Witch trials, a sundial dating from 1711 and walks with different themes define Bergheim. The Maison des Sorcières introduces visitors to the history of the trials in the town, while historic buildings and memorial sites add further highlights. If you would like to include some exercise, you can choose between a one-hour walk and a wine trail for which a distance is provided. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to your own interests.
Witch Trials and Architectural History
The Maison des Sorcières is a permanent, continuously developing exhibition about the witch trials held in Bergheim between 1582 and 1683. Drawing on the town archives, it presents the historical context of the 40 trials conducted in Bergheim. The timeframe and the number offer two different perspectives: they place the trials within the town’s long history while also indicating the scope covered by the exhibition.
Bergheim’s synagogue also tells a story of architectural continuity: it was rebuilt from 1860 to 1863 on the site of its predecessor. The western tower portal of the Église catholique de l'Assomption de la Bienheureuse Vierge Marie preserves a Gothic relief of the Adoration of the Magi. Wall paintings dating from the 15th century were discovered in the same church in 1957. The year of discovery and the period in which they were created represent different historical layers.
Another precisely dated detail is Bergheim’s painted sundial, dating from 1711. It shows the hours, the changing seasons and the position of the sun in the zodiac. Its function therefore goes beyond telling the time: the passage of the year and the zodiac are also depicted on the dial.
Memorial Sites and Notable Places
Bergheim’s German military cemetery is located on Grasberg. It contains the graves of 5,308 German soldiers who died in the Second World War. The cemetery covers four hectares on a hill 337 metres high. A well-maintained road leads uphill from Bergheim to the cemetery; signs and road conditions can change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before setting out.
The thousand-year-old lime tree stands in the Herrengarten and is considered the oldest tree in the surrounding area. In 2017, it was designated an Arbre Remarquable. Along with the buildings and the military cemetery, it adds further, very different points of reference to the history of the trials: a distinguished tree, a place of worship and a memorial site.
Walks with Different Themes
The Circuit de découverte de Bergheim is a one-hour walk for the general public. The Sentier viticole de Bergheim, by contrast, is all about the route: this very easy walk is 4.1 kilometres long. These details help with different aspects of planning—the Circuit is described in terms of time, while the wine trail is specified by its length and difficulty level. Details of the Sentier viticole route may change; check the latest information before your walk.
Information panels along the Sentier viticole explain wine and Alsatian viticulture. The trail offers a themed introduction to the cultural landscape, while the Maison des Sorcières and the historic buildings focus on Bergheim’s history. The two walks also differ in how they are described: one has a stated duration, while the other combines its distance with information about viticulture.
Market and Finding Accommodation
Bergheim’s weekly market offers fruit, vegetables and meat from producers in the Pays de Ribeauvillé et Riquewihr. The mix of producers may change. The market adds an insight into regional produce to the cultural and historical themes of a stay, without requiring a separate outing.
If you are looking for a hotel in Bergheim, you can start by choosing according to your personal interests: would you like to spend more time learning about the witch trials, visiting historic sites or going for a walk? Bergheim offers a range of themes for planning your trip, which you can prioritise according to the time available and your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Rimbach-Près-Guebwiller, Bischwihr, Magstatt-le-Bas, Rixheim, Staffelfelden, Zellenberg, Mittelwihr, Altkirch.
View the broader travel guide: Haut-Rhin.
