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Ensisheim

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City
—°1057
Ensisheim (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Ensisheim

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Musée de la Régence is to see the famous 1492 meteorite, one of the oldest recorded meteorite falls in Europe.
  • Notice the town's well-preserved hexagonal defensive layout as you walk around the historic center.
  • Parking is generally easy and often free around the Palais de la Régence.
  • Take a short bike ride into the surrounding Ochsenfeld plain for beautiful views of the Vosges mountains.

🍽 Food

🍽
Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée)

A thin, crispy dough topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, well-suited for sharing in a local Winstub.

🍽
Baeckeoffe

A hearty, slow-cooked meat and potato casserole traditional to Alsace.

🍽
Alsatian Wine

Pair your meals with a local Riesling or Gewurztraminer from the nearby vineyards.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Wineries

Buy bottles of authentic Alsatian wine directly from local producers or cellars in the town.

🛍
Friday Market

Held in the town center, offering fresh regional produce, cheeses, and Alsatian specialties.

🧘
Ill River banks

Take a peaceful stroll along the banks of the Ill river, which passes just east of the town.

🧘
Parc de l'Églantine

A small, quiet green space near the center, convenient for a short rest after visiting the museum.

Highlights of 2026

10

Located in the heart of the Alsatian plain in the Haut-Rhin department, the historic small town of Ensisheim is world-famous for a fascinating celestial event. On November 7, 1492, a massive meteorite fell from the sky just outside the town walls in front of astonished witnesses, making it the oldest recorded meteorite fall in Europe with a precisely documented date. Today, visitors can marvel at a large, preserved fragment of this extraterrestrial rock at the Musée de la Régence. The museum itself is housed in the spectacular Palais de la Régence, a magnificent 16th-century Renaissance palace that once served as the seat of government for Further Austria under the Habsburgs. The spacious square in front of the palace, flanked by elegant bourgeois houses and the Late Gothic Saint-Martin church, forms the grand architectural core of the town. Ensisheim has beautifully preserved the quiet, prosperous charm of an Alsatian country town, with peaceful streets that invite leisurely strolls. The surrounding landscape features fertile agricultural plains, while the remnants of 20th-century potash mining on the outskirts offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's diverse industrial heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C0151014182019151051
Rain mm604856579683858664786470

Geography

Population
6,940
Coordinates
47.86560, 7.35250

Facts

  • The Ensisheim meteorite fell on November 7, 1492.
  • Total land area of the commune is 36.59 square kilometers.
  • The official postal code is 68190.
  • Average elevation is 215 meters above sea level.
  • It was the capital of the Habsburg Further Austria for over 200 years.
  • Situated on the banks of the river Ill.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ensisheim (5)

Palais de la Régence🏺 historical

Built in the 16th century, this palace was the seat of the Further Austrian government and now houses the town's museum.

Ensisheim Meteorite🏺 historical

The famous space rock that fell in 1492; it is one of the oldest recorded falls in Europe, with a piece displayed in the museum.

La Boule d'Or👨‍👩‍👧 family

La Boule d'Or, named 'The Golden Ball', is a family-friendly venue in Ensisheim.

Parc du Petit Prince👨‍👩‍👧 family

Parc du Petit Prince in Ensisheim is a theme park based on the story of the Little Prince, offering attractions for families.

Parc à cigognes👨‍👩‍👧 family

Parc à cigognes, a stork-themed park, is a family attraction in Ensisheim.

🕒 PH,Mo-Su 00:00-24:00

Frequently asked questions

What is Ensisheim world-famous for?
For the Ensisheim meteorite, which fell in 1492 and is one of the oldest documented meteorite falls in Europe.
Where can the meteorite be seen?
The main piece of the meteorite is kept in the Palais de la Régence in the town center.
How far is Ensisheim from Colmar?
Ensisheim is about 20 km south of Colmar and can be reached in 20 minutes via the A35 motorway.
What is the oldest building in town?
The Hôtel de la Couronne, dating from 1610, is one of the most remarkable historic buildings on the market square.
Are there museums for children in Ensisheim?
The Ecomusée d'Alsace and Parc du Petit Prince are just a short drive away and handy for families.
Ensisheim: where is it located?
Ensisheim is located in Grand Est, France.
Ensisheim: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palais de la Régence, Ensisheim Meteorite, La Boule d'Or.
Ensisheim: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ensisheim: why is it worth visiting?
Located in the heart of the Alsatian plain in the Haut-Rhin department, the historic small town of Ensisheim is world-famous for a fascinating celestial event.
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