Wittisheim: Grand Ried, Saint-Blaise and Koba Lake

Wittisheim combines its location in the Grand Ried with a rich local history and activities related to water, nature and crafts. If you are looking for a hotel in Wittisheim, these highlights can help you plan your stay: Saint-Blaise, a botanical trail, activities on the water and insights into walnut oil production offer a range of experiences.

Location in the Grand Ried

Wittisheim lies on the Alsatian plain in the heart of the Grand Ried, between the Ill River and the Rhône–Rhine Canal. The village is also situated on a broad loess ridge that separates the Ill and Rhine sections of the Ried. Its location between the waterways and the ridge’s separating role provide two distinct geographical reference points for the village.

The Grand Ried is a wetland of about 200 km², bounded by the Ill and the Rhine. In autumn and during the snowmelt, waterways regularly overflow their banks there. These seasonal floods shape the wider natural area.

Saint-Blaise and local history

Saint-Blaise Church brings together several layers of construction and remembrance. It was rebuilt between 1832 and 1835, then enlarged with the addition of a transept from 1961 to 1963. The surviving crossing tower now serves as a baptistery and bell tower. The rebuilding, later extension and present-day function of the tower thus stand side by side.

The church’s baptistery is the last surviving remnant of Sainte-Catherine Church in the vanished village of Niffratzheim. A war memorial made of pink sandstone in 1963 is set into the church wall and dedicated to the victims of the wars of 1914–1918 and 1939–1945. A reconstruction of locomotive AL 8415 also stands at the site of the former railway station, commemorating the history of the Riedbahnel railway line.

Enjoy the water and nature

At Koba Lake, you can swim and picnic on the sandy beach. Facilities also include a children’s playground, a volleyball court and a fishing pond. Seasonal opening arrangements may vary, and facilities may change; check what is currently available before your visit.

The Botanical Educational Trail is a six-kilometre circular route. It starts beside Koba Lake and introduces plant species typical of the Ried. Check the trail’s seasonal access before your visit.

At Koba Wake Park, visitors aged seven and over can try wakeboarding, water skiing or wakeskating. You can choose different activities for your plans: the circular trail and its Ried plants, a visit to the lake or water sports at the wake park.

Festivals and walnut oil

The Quetschentorte Festival features exhibitions by local craftspeople and artists, music, dancing, children’s games and displays of historic vehicles. The programme may vary from one edition to the next.

At an event held at Wittisheim’s traditional walnut oil mill, the traditional pressing of walnuts to produce oil is demonstrated, followed by a tasting. Booking is required for this event.

The traditional Oléa oil mill in Wittisheim offers retail sales, advice, workshops and tours. From December to March, it is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and for pressing by appointment. From April to November, sales and tours are available from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Discover more destinations

Niederschaeffolsheim, La Wantzenau, Dossenheim-Kochersberg, Orschwiller, Westhouse, Fouchy, Stotzheim, Wildersbach

Back to the broader travel guide: Bas-Rhin.