The Pilgrimage Tour passes through Nambsheim. The harbor on a former arm of the Rhine was already in existence in the 10th century; the parish church of Saint-Étienne is first documented in 1302.
Church History Through the Ages
The parish church of Saint-Étienne is first documented in 1302. Its construction history can be traced through several dated alterations: in 1832, the building was raised, the windows were enlarged, and the nave was extended to the west. The bell tower porch was added in 1937. The choir may date from the 14th century.
The church has a Callinet organ, considered the smallest model built by this organ maker. The parish acquired it in 1842 for 2,400 francs.
Stone Benches and a Historic Gate
Three stone resting benches in Nambsheim are known as Empress Eugénie’s benches; they date from 1854. Two supports made of pink Vosges sandstone hold a lintel for setting down loads and a seat. Women farmers carried loads on their heads. The design thus combines a place to sit with a shelf for items carried. In 1993, the municipality restored the benches together with the département.
Another architectural detail is the gate of the former seigneurial estate. It dates from the late 16th century and has a round-arched passageway, loopholes and a lean-to roof.
Harbor, Rhine and Protected Landscape
Nambsheim’s historic harbor was located on a former arm of the Rhine and was already in existence in the 10th century. It is mentioned as “Namenesheim juxta Rhenum cum portu.” A ferry once also connected the two banks of the Rhine at Nambsheim: the service ran from 1845 to 1866, from 1886 to 1914, and again from 1944 to 1945. The historic harbor near Nambsheim dates back to the 10th century; the ferry service between the banks of the Rhine operated in much later periods.
The landscape includes the area known as “Cours et île du Rhin de Village-Neuf à Ottmarsheim.” This protected wetland is covered by the Birds Directive (SPA), the Habitats Directive (SAC, SCI, pSCI) and the Ramsar Convention. Nambsheim is also part of the ZNIEFF area “Cours et île du Rhin de Village-Neuf à Ottmarsheim.”
Cycling Loop and Getting There
It is an easy 28.89-kilometer cycling loop in Alsace, with a stated duration of three hours. The route passes through Nambsheim and Vogelgrun, as well as Agolsheim, before returning to Neuf-Brisach. Check the latest route information before setting out, as route details may change.
Nambsheim is served by the intermunicipal on-demand transport service ComCom Bus. As this is an on-demand service, you should check the latest operating details before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Bergholtz, Traubach-le-Bas, Bollwiller, Hohrod, Muhlbach-Sur-Munster, Bergheim, Aubure, Mittlach.
For the main travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
