Rodern combines Alsatian wine culture with a village landscape that reveals traces of different historical periods. The municipality lies on the Alsace Wine Route and is known for Pinot Noir and the Grand Cru “Gloeckelberg”. It is also home to Saint-Georges Church, the Jardin de Marie right next door, and numerous Alsatian houses, some of which date back to the 15th century. If you are considering Rodern as a destination, you can explore its wine offerings, architecture and a themed trail with a specified duration as distinct highlights.
Saint-Georges and the Jardin de Marie
Several construction phases can be distinguished at Saint-Georges Church. The lower sections of the bell tower, including the porch, may date back to the 14th century. The nave, choir and sacristy were rebuilt in 1755. These dates refer to different parts of the building: the dating of the lower tower sections and porch is tentative, whereas the rebuilding of the nave, choir and sacristy is linked to a specific year. Possible medieval elements thus stand alongside a later reconstruction.
The church is closed to the public; visitors can ask for the key at the town hall. If you would like to visit the interior, check in advance whether a visit is possible.
The medieval Jardin de Marie is right beside the church. The garden invites you to take a quiet break away from the hustle and bustle and listen to the murmur of the water. Its immediate proximity to Saint-Georges brings the garden and church together in one place, although they have different characters: here, the building’s history sits alongside a peaceful spot for a pause.
Alsatian Houses and Traces of Time
The houses are also part of Rodern’s historic character: the village has numerous Alsatian houses, some of which date back to the 15th century. Together with the different construction phases of Saint-Georges, they create a nuanced picture. Only some of the houses are specifically dated to the 15th century; the possible 14th-century dating applies to the lower sections of the bell tower, including the porch, while 1755 refers to the rebuilding of the nave, choir and sacristy. This distinction helps associate each date with the relevant building.
Winegrowing and Tastings
Winegrowing is a defining feature of Rodern, which lies on the Alsace Wine Route. The village is particularly known for Pinot Noir and the Grand Cru “Gloeckelberg”. Several winemakers offer cellar tours with tastings. These offerings combine a wine tasting with a visit to the cellar; several winegrowers also offer other tastings of their wines. Visiting arrangements may vary, so check availability before you go rather than making firm plans for a tasting or cellar tour.
The different highlights are key to choosing what to do: Saint-Georges and the houses offer insights into architectural history, the Jardin de Marie is a peaceful place to take a break, and the winemakers’ offerings are for those interested in wine and tastings. This lets you shape your stay around the things that matter to you without combining the offerings into a single activity.
Sentier Géovino – les vigneron.nes
The Sentier Géovino – les vigneron.nes starts at a totem pole in front of Rodern town hall and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. This duration gives you a specific timeframe for planning the trail. Access and signposting may change, so check both before setting off. Unlike a cellar tour with a tasting, for which availability should be checked in advance, the themed trail has a stated duration and a named starting point. These offer different points to consider when planning your stay.
Discover more destinations: Brunstatt, Urbès, Wittelsheim, Staffelfelden, Kiffis, Wittenheim, Gundolsheim, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines.
For the overview of the wider area: Haut-Rhin.
