Discover Gottesheim in Alsace

Gottesheim lies in northern Alsace, in the Bas-Rhin department and the canton of Saverne. Half-timbered farmhouses, a Protestant church, historical upheavals and rural paths reveal different sides of the village. Distances to Saverne and the A4, as well as event dates, provide further points of reference.

Location and Rural Surroundings

Gottesheim is ten kilometres from Saverne and its TGV station. The A4 motorway access is a ten-minute drive from the village. Check timetables and current road conditions before travelling.

The village lies at an average elevation of 217 metres above sea level; elevations within the village range from 182 to 252 metres. The rural surroundings include meadows, fields, trees and some vineyards; the municipal area also contains farmland and orchards.

Half-Timbered Houses and Village History

Gottesheim’s sights include numerous farmhouses with half-timbered houses. The Protestant church stands on a rise and is surrounded by an enclosing wall.

Gottesheim was first mentioned in 1074. In 1445, the Armagnacs destroyed the village. During the Thirty Years’ War, from 1618 to 1648, the village suffered severe damage, was depopulated and was subsequently resettled by immigrants from Switzerland. In 1677, the French completely destroyed Gottesheim; at that time, the village did not yet belong to France.

These upheavals were distinct: 1445 and 1677 marked destruction, while the wartime period also involved depopulation and resettlement.

Walking, Cycling and Events

Numerous rural paths invite you to walk in Gottesheim and explore the village. A cycle path from Dossenheim-sur-Zinsel to Bouxwiller passes through Gottesheim. On foot, the rural paths offer a way to explore the village; by bike, the route between Dossenheim-sur-Zinsel and Bouxwiller passes through Gottesheim.

The village festival takes place at the end of May and includes a popular walk. The festival also features a departmental competition for draught and riding horses, held every three to four years. The music festival takes place every two years on 21 June, alternating with Printzheim. If you are travelling for a particular festival, check the date for your travel year. The village festival takes place at the end of May and includes a popular walk. The festival also features a departmental competition for draught and riding horses, held every three to four years. The music festival takes place every two years on 21 June, alternating with Printzheim. If you are travelling for a particular festival, check the date for your travel year. There are three to four weeks between the end of May and 21 June.

Choral events and small concerts are occasionally held in Gottesheim’s Lutheran church. If you are travelling specifically for one of these, check dates and access in advance.

On 25 May 2025, Gottesheim hosted the 19th International Popular Walk. There were three routes: the shortest was 5 kilometres, the middle-distance route was 10 kilometres and the longest was 20 kilometres. The walk started and finished at the festival hall on Rue de Wilwisheim.

Discover more destinations: Climbach, Pfaffenhoffen, Schleithal, Oberschaeffolsheim, Châtenois, Adamswiller, Steinbourg, Furdenheim

For the overview of the wider area: Bas-Rhin.