Attractions and Places To See around Ostheim - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ostheim include historical sites, charming settlements, and significant religious buildings. This region offers a variety of cultural and architectural points of interest. Visitors can explore medieval castles, well-preserved old towns, and notable churches. The area provides opportunities to experience historical architecture and local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Ostheim
- The most popular attractions is Saint-Ulrich Castle, a castle that is the largest and best preserved of the three castles of Ribeauvillé. Built around the mid-13th century, it underwent successive enlargements and offers extensive visit opportunities.
- Another must-see spot is Riquewihr, a settlement known for its well-preserved medieval village. This town features narrow streets, cobblestone pavement, and half-timbered houses, maintaining its 16th-century cityscape.
- Visitors also love Ribeauvillé, a settlement characterized by its picturesque old town. It features half-timbered houses and numerous buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, with three castle ruins dominating the area.
- Ostheim tourism offers a range of attractions, including historical castles, medieval towns, and significant religious architecture. The area provides diverse places to see and explore, appealing to those interested in history and culture.
- The attractions around Ostheim are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1800 upvotes and more than 1300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Saint-Ulrich Castle
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Riquewihr
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Ribeauvillé
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Girsberg Castle
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Saint Martin's Collegiate Church, Colmar
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For a long time, the Colmarer regarded the collegiate church of St. Martin as their cathedral ("Münster"). In fact, the collegiate church was not really a cathedral for about ten years: from the Civil Constitution of the Clergy in 1790 to the signing of the Concordat in 1801.
Source: tourisme-colmar.com/en
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Tips from the Community
Saunt Ulric Castle is the largest of the three ruins. It is currently undergoing partial renovation. A small section is cordoned off, and caution is advised in other areas. However, the keep is accessible.
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A charming Alsatian village with approximately 4,700 inhabitants. The old town is well worth seeing with its colorful houses. Ribeauvillé is also very popular because of the hike to its three castle ruins that overlook the town.
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After the French Revolution, it briefly served as the cathedral of a diocese and is sometimes still referred to as Cathédrale Saint-Martin. Today it serves as a parish church.
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Ulrichsburg is the most impressive and best-preserved of the three castles. It was built on the rocky promontory around the mid-13th century. Until the 15th century, it was the residence of the Rappoltstein family and therefore has little military significance. Remains still visible today include: - the square keep and the main building (12th century), - the knights' hall and the large residential tower (13th century), - the barbican in front of the entrance and the outer wall (14th century), - the Chapel of Saint Ulrich (15th century). Girsberg Castle, built around 1250 opposite Ulrichsburg, was intended to strengthen its defenses.
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THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF SAINT-MARTIN, Colmar The collegiate church of Saint-Martin, built from 1235 and completed at the end of the 14th century, impresses with its cathedral-like dimensions. Its austere west façade is adorned with mighty buttresses; of the two towers originally planned, only the southern one was completed. The transept was finished in 1263, the nave in 1300 and the current choir only around 1400. When you enter, you are overwhelmed by the wonderful clarity, unity and harmonious layout of the rooms. Text / Source: Tourist Office of Colmar and its Region, Place Unterlinden, 68000 COLMAR - FRANCE https://www.tourisme-colmar.com/de/entdecken
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Built between 1235 and 1365 the Saint Martin’s collegiate church is an important example of Gothic architecture in Alsace. Because of a fire in the south tower in 1572 the framework and all the roofs were destroyed. The tower was replaced three years later by the original lantern bulb (a construction on the top of the dome which has the form of a lantern) which gives the Church its characteristic silhouette. The church has been restored several times. In 1982 during the most recent restoration, foundations of a church from the year 1000 and traces of extensions from the 11th and the 12th centuries were found.
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Among the four ruins that dominate Ribeauvillé, Saint Ulrich seems undoubtedly one of the most fascinating castle complexes in the Haute- Alsace. It used to control the strategic road that connected the Alsace plain with the upper Lièpvre valley. Witness to the power of the lords of Ribeaupierre, it was their main residence until its final abandonment in the 16th century. It has different architectural styles: Romanesque parts are combined with Gothic and even Renaissance elements. Not far away, Girsberg Castle was built in the 13th century to house a new branch of the Ribeaupierre family: the house is still clearly visible there. Haut-Ribeaupierre was certainly built during the troubled period of the Great Interregnum, around the middle of the 13th century. on the site of a first castle, probably from the 10th century: it will serve as an advance post during the planned invasion of Alsace by the King of France, and then as a watchtower intended to prevent forest fires. The entire building is dominated by an imposing circular keep that offers beautiful views of the Alsace plain and the adjacent mountain ridges. A fourth castle was recently discovered under Saint Ulrich. Source: https://www.chateauxfortsalsace.com/fr/chateau/le-chateau-du-girsberg/
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Beautiful castle ruins, the view of the vineyards and the Rhine plain is gigantic. The climb is very varied, but not without its challenges! There are a few short rocky passages that can be slippery, especially when wet, and may need to be managed with the help of your hands. Good footwear is definitely recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore around Ostheim?
Ostheim and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the impressive Fortress Church (Kirchenburg) with its historic walls and museum, or wander through Ostheim's charming Historic Old Town with its half-timbered houses. Nearby, explore the ruins of Lichtenburg Castle. Further afield, don't miss the well-preserved medieval village of Riquewihr, the picturesque old town of Ribeauvillé, and the grand Saint Martin's Collegiate Church in Colmar, a major work of Gothic architecture.
Are there any castles to visit near Ostheim?
Yes, the region features several notable castles. The most popular is Saint-Ulrich Castle, the largest and best-preserved of the three castles of Ribeauvillé, offering extensive visit opportunities and fantastic views. You can also explore the ruins of Girsberg Castle, also near Ribeauvillé, which is steeped in local legend.
What natural attractions are there for nature lovers?
Ostheim is an excellent base for nature enthusiasts, situated at the foot of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve. You can visit the unique Black Moor (Schwarzes Moor) with its accessible boardwalk trail, or the Red Moor (Rotes Moor), one of the last raised bogs in Hesse, featuring a moor lake and a Carpathian birch forest. The Gangolfsberg Nature Forest Reserve also offers an illustrative nature trail.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in the area?
Absolutely. The medieval village of Riquewihr and the charming town of Ribeauvillé are both considered family-friendly, with their walkable old towns and historical charm. The Black Moor also offers a boardwalk trail that is accessible for strollers. Additionally, the Franconian Open Air Museum Fladungen nearby provides an engaging look into the region's history and traditional buildings.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Ostheim?
The Rhön Biosphere Reserve provides a scenic backdrop for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous well-signposted hiking trails, including the 'Extratour Ostheimer' which showcases half-timbered scenery and magnificent distant views. For cycling, there are routes for touring bicycles, mountain bikes, and road bikes. Explore options like 'Cycling around Ostheim' (komoot.com/guide/1505305/cycling-around-ostheim), 'MTB Trails around Ostheim' (komoot.com/guide/1505303/mtb-trails-around-ostheim), and 'Road Cycling Routes around Ostheim' (komoot.com/guide/1505304/road-cycling-routes-around-ostheim).
Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, the Black Moor (Schwarzes Moor) is noted for its accessibility, featuring a boardwalk trail that is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, allowing everyone to experience this unique natural feature.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ostheim?
Visitors particularly appreciate the well-preserved medieval character of towns like Riquewihr, feeling transported back to the Middle Ages. The extensive visit opportunities and fantastic views from castles like Saint-Ulrich Castle are also highly praised. The picturesque old towns with their half-timbered houses and historical monuments are a consistent highlight.
Are there any museums in or near Ostheim?
Yes, Ostheim hosts an Organ Museum in its town center, featuring historical organs and interactive displays. Nearby, you can also visit the Franconian Open Air Museum Fladungen for insights into regional history and traditional buildings, and the Grenzmuseum Eußenhausen, which focuses on border history.
What is the best time to visit Ostheim for sightseeing and outdoor activities?
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't detailed, the region's natural beauty and historical sites can be enjoyed across various seasons. For hiking and exploring the natural features like the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, spring, summer, and autumn would offer pleasant weather. The charming old towns and castles are accessible year-round, though some may prefer less crowded times outside of peak tourist seasons.
Can I find cycling routes that pass by these attractions?
Yes, many cycling routes in the area allow you to explore the attractions. For example, you can find routes like the 'Magnificent Colmar – Route du vignoble loop from Ribeauvillé' for touring bikes, or the 'Ribeauvillé Old Town – Girsberg Castle loop from Guémar' for mountain bikes. You can find more details on these and other routes in the 'Cycling around Ostheim' (komoot.com/guide/1505305/cycling-around-ostheim) and 'MTB Trails around Ostheim' (komoot.com/guide/1505303/mtb-trails-around-ostheim) guides.
Are there any winter activities available near Ostheim?
For those interested in winter sports, Skilift Zuckerfeld is listed as an attraction near Ostheim, suggesting opportunities for skiing or other snow-related activities during the colder months.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gems' to discover?
Beyond the main highlights, consider exploring the historic Wechterswinkel Abbey for a quieter historical experience. The 'Extratour Ostheimer' hiking route, while not a single attraction, offers a unique way to discover the region's half-timbered scenery and species-rich dry grasslands, providing magnificent distant views often missed by casual visitors.
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