Eichhoffen lies at the foot of the Grand Cru Moenchberg slope, on the edge of the Vosges massif. Wine country and religious buildings shape the village; the life of the humanist Mathias Ringmann is also part of its history. This gives you several specific points of interest during your stay: winegrowing, architecture and discovery tours through villages and vineyard paths.
Vineyards and Grand Cru Moenchberg
The Grand Cru Moenchberg lies above Eichhoffen on a south- to southeast-facing slope in a landscape shaped by vineyards. The site is at an altitude of 230 to 260 metres; Eichhoffen itself lies at the foot of the slope. Vineyards cover most of the municipal area. The slope and vine cultivation thus shape the geographical relationship between the Grand Cru and the village.
The Grand Cru belongs to Andlau and Eichhoffen and covers 11.83 hectares. Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer are grown there. The wines of Moenchberg are described as having pronounced, enveloping acidity and a salty finish; grapefruit and mango are cited as fruit aromas. You can consider these details separately: the grape varieties describe the plantings, while the aromas and acidity describe the wines’ character.
Churches and local history
The Church of Saint-André was built in 1865 to plans by the Strasbourg architect Jehu; the plans date from 1863. Three figurative stained-glass windows, created in 1866, depict Saint Andrew, Saint Florentius and Saint Odile of Alsace. The church thus offers both a specific construction date and stained-glass figures identifiable by name. It is open daily; check the current opening hours before your visit.
The history of the Chapel of Saint-Jean-Baptiste goes back further: in the 11th century, it was initially a private chapel for the abbot of Altorf Abbey; it was extensively remodelled in 1569. It was among the former properties of Altorf Abbey in Eichhoffen. By decree of 27 February 1936, the chapel was designated a historic monument. Unlike Saint-André, built in the 19th century, the focus here is on its medieval origins, its 16th-century remodelling and its monastic connection. The chapel is open by appointment, so arrange your visit in advance.
Mathias Ringmann is also part of the village’s history. The humanist was born in Eichhoffen in 1482 and gave the American continent its name. This adds a biographical perspective on local history to the architecture.
Discovery tours and your stay
Discovery tours through the villages and vineyard paths are accessible from Eichhoffen railway station. This adds an opportunity to include the village and vineyard landscape in your stay alongside the local history. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide whether local history, winegrowing or these tours will be the main focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Dossenheim-Sur-Zinsel, Ohnenheim, Salenthal, Gerstheim, Vendenheim, Harskirchen, Eckbolsheim, Lichtenberg
For the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
