Wolxheim brings together the history of winegrowing, chapels and the Canal de la Bruche. These different themes offer several starting points for planning your trip: you can get to know the area through its heritage, wine-growing landscape, or walking and cycling routes. If you’re looking for hotels in Wolxheim, first consider which of these themes you want to shape your trip.
Chapels and History in Wolxheim
The Chapelle Saint-Denis is on Chemin du cimetière in the Le Canal district. The building dates from the 15th century and was mentioned as early as 1342. Inside are two paintings by Carola Sorg and a two-headed statue of Saint Denis. The chapel can be visited free of charge and independently; check the current access conditions before your visit.
The local history is also reflected in specific buildings and memorials beyond the chapel. A statue of the Sacred Heart stands on the Horn, erected in 1912 as a symbol of peace. Wolxheim’s industrial history includes its sandstone and limestone quarries, which Vauban had worked from 1681 onward. These sites offer different points of interest: sacred art in the chapel, a symbol of peace on the Horn, and the history of the quarries.
Winegrowing and Views at Altenberg
Winegrowing is another part of the area’s history. Written records of it date back to 742. The Grand Cru Altenberg is part of Wolxheim’s wine-growing area, and the village is also known for its Riesling. The Altenberg vineyard lies at the foot of the Horn and has a particularly dry microclimate. These details give the story of winegrowing a specific historical and landscape dimension.
At the “Point de vue sur l'Altenberg” viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Grand Cru Altenberg. On a clear day, you can also see Strasbourg Cathedral behind the Horn. The viewpoint is accessible via the Sentier viticole de Wolxheim and the Sentier des poètes. There is an important seasonal restriction for visits to the Sentier viticole: it is not recommended during the grape harvest, and harvest dates vary from year to year.
Exploring on Foot or by Bike
For a hike, the “The Chapels between Vineyards and Canal” trail leads to the Chapelle Marie Auxiliatrice in Wolxheim. This offers another named route with a specific destination, in addition to the viewpoint. The two trails can be distinguished by their stated destinations: one offers views of the Altenberg, while the other leads to the Chapelle Marie Auxiliatrice. Check the conditions on each route before setting out.
The Canal de la Bruche also tells the story of the area’s development. The Canal district was established in 1682 during the construction of the canal linking Wolxheim with Strasbourg. The waterway is 20 kilometers long and has eleven locks. The canal’s former towpaths have been converted into a cycle path. The “Du canal de la Bruche au vignoble” cycling loop also reaches Wolxheim, where the large gates built by Vauban are installed. It’s worth checking local route conditions before setting out on a bike ride.
Wolxheim therefore offers several distinct ways to explore: chapels and historic buildings, winegrowing and viewpoints, and routes tracing the history of the area and the canal. When planning your trip, you can weigh these interests against one another rather than squeezing every stop into a tight itinerary. That way, you can focus on the themes that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Windstein, Thanvillé, Mertzwiller, Russ, Mussig, Eichhoffen, Holtzheim, Morsbronn-Les-Bains.
For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
