Ostheim is an Alsace village with a remarkable story. Recorded as early as the year 785, it was 98 % destroyed during the battle of the Colmar Pocket in the winter of 1944–45, after about 60 days of fighting. Only one gable wall of an old coaching inn survived – and the storks returned to their nest on top of it. Today Ostheim, home to around 1,650 people, is a rebuilt village on the plain between Colmar and Riquewihr.
Why stay in Ostheim
It is a calm, practical base for Colmar and the Alsace Wine Route, with a moving piece of history at its heart.
Things to see in and around Ostheim
The stork wall
The surviving wall with its stork nest, the mur aux cigognes, has become the village’s war memorial for 1914–18 and 1939–45.
The churches and the Schoppenwihr park
The village has a Catholic church and a Protestant church with a square bell tower. Nearby, the park of the Château de Schoppenwihr is a lovely landscaped park.
Colmar and Riquewihr
Colmar, with Little Venice and the Unterlinden Museum, and the wine village of Riquewihr are both a short drive away.
The Alsace Wine Route
Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim are within easy reach for tastings and walks among the vines.
Best time to visit
April to October for the vineyards and walks; December for the Christmas markets of Colmar and the wine villages.
Getting there
Ostheim lies on the plain north of Colmar. Colmar station has TGV and regional trains. The nearest airports are EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse and Strasbourg. A car or bike is ideal for the Wine Route.
What to eat
Alsace classics: flammekueche, choucroute, baeckeoffe, kougelhopf, Munster cheese and Alsace white wines.
FAQ
Why are there storks on a wall in Ostheim?
The storks came back to their nest on the only wall left standing after the village was destroyed in 1944–45; it is now the war memorial.
How far is Ostheim from Colmar?
Just a few kilometres – about 10–15 minutes by car.
