Leimbach

When planning a stay in Leimbach, there are several distinct points of interest to consider: the history of its churches and chapels, an easy vineyard walk, and local winegrowing. This lets you decide whether to focus on historic buildings, a specific date in February, or a route with sweeping views of the landscape. If you’re looking for hotels in Leimbach, you can use these themes to tailor your stay to your interests.

Churches and Chapels in Leimbach

The Saint-Blaise Church in Leimbach was built between 1925 and 1927. It is distinct from the ruins of the former Church of Saint-Blaise, located at the edge of the village on the road towards Rammersmatt in the Gottesthal valley. The former church was first mentioned in 1181; its ruins include a Romanesque portal porch from this early building phase. The dates mark different historical references: the early mention of the former church and the later construction of the Saint-Blaise Church. Visitors interested in religious architecture will find two different periods and a Romanesque remnant as specific points of interest.

Another landmark in the village’s history is the Notre-Dame de la Heiden Chapel. It was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and is a former pilgrimage chapel. It was enlarged in 1840. A statue of the Virgin Mary can be venerated in the chapel. Its construction period and later enlargement add a distinct historical note alongside the Saint-Blaise sites. Together, the church, chapel and ruins offer different religious and architectural themes to consider when planning a visit.

The Saint Blaise Celebration in February

Saint Blaise is also associated with an annual event: the parish celebrates its patron saint every year on the first Sunday in February. The celebration includes the faithful drinking wine blessed with the relic of the patron saint. If you’re planning a trip to Leimbach around this time, you can make this religious occasion a focus of your visit. It complements the architectural history with a living tradition held on a date set for the first Sunday in February.

Vineyard Trails and Landscapes

The “Sentier viticole du Gottestal” is a very easy, approximately one-hour hike covering 3.5 kilometres. Along the way, it offers 360-degree views of the Grand Cru du Rangen, neighbouring vineyards and the Alsace plain. Its distance, approximate duration, difficulty level and views give you several specific details to consider if you’d like to include a hike in your plans. The panoramic trail connects the wine-growing landscape with sweeping views of these features.

Another hike, “Balade les 3 chênes et l'oratoire de la Vierge,” leads from the cemetery at the church ruins in Leimbach to a forest oratory. This offers two different thematic options: the Sentier viticole is characterised by its views of vineyards and the plain, while the destination of the second hike is an oratory in the forest. Leimbach’s vineyards are accessible year-round.

Winegrowing in Leimbach

The vineyards mentioned above can also be understood through specific production details. At the Obere-Heiden site, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown on approximately six hectares for the production of Crémant. Grapes from the Kalkgruben site in Leimbach’s vineyards are used to make the Pinot Gris “Clos Gottestal.” These details describe different connections: Obere-Heiden links an approximate growing area and three grape varieties with Crémant, while Kalkgruben is associated with a named Pinot Gris. Alongside the hiking trails, local winegrowing offers another theme to consider when choosing what to explore on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Wintzenheim, Biesheim, Walbach, Eguisheim, Pulversheim, Hagenthal-Le-Bas, Ruederbach, Issenheim

Return to the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.