In Zimmerbach, churches, chapels and oratories tell different chapters of the village’s history. The Circuit des oratoires also offers a view of Zimmerbach and the “Im Berg” vineyard. When planning your stay, you can focus on historic buildings, religious sites or wine tastings.
Saint-Georges, Sacré-Cœur Church: a history of construction in several stages
Saint-Georges, Sacré-Cœur Church brings together structural elements from different periods: its choir preserves features from the 13th century, while the nave was rebuilt in 1879. Beside the church is a small former funeral chapel dating from 1619. These dates therefore mark different parts of the building’s history rather than a single construction phase.
The forecourt is also part of the more recent history of the church grounds: it was redesigned in 2016 to improve access to the church. If current accessibility is important for your plans, confirm it locally. This allows you to consider the site’s historical development separately from the practical question of visiting it.
Chapels and oratories with stories of their own
The Chapelle des Frères is a masonry chapel, 13 metres long and 7 metres wide. It remains a sacred place. Mass is celebrated there on May 1 and on the Feast of the Holy Cross. If you would like to plan your stay around either of these dates, confirm them locally.
The oratories also differ in their dedications and decorative details. The Oratoire ZEH is dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The Oratoire Saint Antoine features a cross with trefoil-shaped arms dating from 1734. The Oratoire Baffrey-Thorr dates from 1812 and contains a statue of Saint Thérèse.
An oratory dedicated to Saint Odile was rebuilt in 1994 by the Zimmerbach section of the Club Vosgien de Turckheim, using rubble stone. Beside the oratory are spoil heaps from former mines dating from 1475; their mineralisation consists of copper and iron. These details complement the religious buildings with evidence of earlier activities and materials.
A view of the village and its past
The Circuit des oratoires offers an impressive view of Zimmerbach and the “Im Berg” vineyard. Visibility depends on conditions. In Zimmerbach, this brings together a scenic viewpoint and the discovery of the oratories, though they are different kinds of experience.
The historical records of the village also highlight different periods. Zimmerbach developed as a settlement around a fortification built by the Austrians to protect their borders. The village is first mentioned in 1234 in a letter from Heinrich Von Thun, Bishop of Basel. On May 21, 1842, the two parts of Zimmerbach were finally united into a single village.
An old religious book from 1514 mentions a hermitage called “Zimmerbächlein” in connection with the 13th century. Here, 1514 is the date of the book, while the reference concerns a hermitage in the 13th century. This distinction is useful for understanding local history: a later written reference and the earlier period it describes are not the same thing.
Wine tastings as another part of your stay
Alphonse Meyer & Fils in Zimmerbach offers cellar tours and wine tastings. Individual visitors can join guided tours; group tours are available by arrangement. Tastings are free for individuals and chargeable for groups. These different options give you practical ways to add wine to your stay. Check the dates and availability of these experiences before travelling.
When choosing accommodation, you can start by considering what brings you to Zimmerbach: the church’s architectural history, the Chapelle des Frères and the oratories, the view from the Circuit des oratoires, or a visit that includes a wine tasting. If you plan to join a group tour or attend one of the Masses mentioned above, arrange the relevant dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Eguisheim, Rombach-Le-Franc, Wittenheim, Herrlisheim-près-Colmar, Soultzeren, Jebsheim, Steinbach, Ostheim.
View the broader travel guide: Haut-Rhin.
