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Pfaffenhoffen
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ℹ️Practical info — Pfaffenhoffen
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The town has merged into Val-de-Moder, so look for 'Val-de-Moder' on recent road signs and mapping applications.
- The former synagogue is a beautiful museum of Alsatian Jewish heritage, but check the opening days in advance as they are limited.
- It's a great starting point for cycling along the Moder river on flat, smoothly paved paths.
- Take a stroll through the center to admire the traditional painted facades of the historic timber-framed houses.
- Local bakeries often close early in the afternoon, so be sure to purchase your traditional pastries in the morning.
🍽 Food
🍽
Flammekueche (Tarte flambée)
Try this iconic thin-crust Alsatian dish in the authentic local Winstubs (traditional taverns).
🍽
Baeckeoffe
Order this traditional Alsatian meat and potato stew at local restaurants (often requires ordering in advance).
🍽
Alsatian Pretzel (Bretzel)
Buy these freshly baked, soft pretzels from the artisan bakeries in the town center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Alsatian Pottery
Look for traditional, locally painted ceramics in the regional craft shops as a unique souvenir.
🛍
Munster Cheese
Buy this famous strong-smelling cheese from the farmers' markets or local delicatessens.
🧘
Banks of the Moder
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the tree-lined river that runs directly through the town.
🧘
Former Jewish Quarter
The small alleys surrounding the old synagogue offer a very quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Guided Tour: Musée du Pays de Hanau
Discover the fascinating history of the pretzel and the Alsatian headdress in the historic setting of Bouxwiller.
Francine Mayran Exhibition
The Jewish Alsatian Museum in Bouxwiller hosts paintings by Francine Mayran and "memory suitcases" created by students reflecting on exile.
Cinema – Mario Galaxy, the movie
Follow the latest adventures of the world's most famous plumber, Mario, in this new animated film.
Danse innée - Dance Workshop
A dance workshop in an intimate space: listen to your body's wisdom and let movement emerge from the breath and the heart's impulse.
My Alsace in Costume Exhibition
Discover traditional Alsatian costumes through plastic artworks created during creative workshops and museum visits.
Character Sundays: Nobility in Bouxwiller
Explore the legacy of the local nobility followed by a tasting of authentic and delicious regional flavors.
Summer Party & Open Air 2026
Enjoy a lively Summer Party and Open Air organized by AIPZ, featuring catering, drinks, and a great vibe.
La Hochfeldoise Festival
A friendly event in Hochfelden combining sport and local traditions in a festive atmosphere.
Textiles in Pays de Hanau Conference
Learn how a museum studies clothing collections and discover recently rediscovered textile masterpieces.
Pfaffenhoffen is a historic town in the heart of Alsace, now part of the Val-de-Moder commune in the Bas-Rhin department. It sits at the scenic edge of the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park, a location that has historically made it a vital bridge between the Alsatian plain and the mountains. The town is most famous for its rich Jewish heritage; its 18th-century synagogue now serves as the Musée Judéo-Alsacien, providing a profound look into the lives and traditions of rural Jewish communities in the region. Architecturally, Pfaffenhoffen is a quintessential Alsatian settlement, featuring impressive half-timbered houses and grand structures built from local red sandstone. Once a strategic marketplace for the County of Hanau-Lichtenberg, the town remains a spirited local hub, celebrated for its traditional festivals, craft industries, and its authentic, warm Alsatian hospitality.
- Location: Grand Est, France
- Top sights: Museum of Painted Imagery · Église Sainte-Agathe · Église Saint-Étienne
- Nearby: Schweighouse-sur-Moder (9 km)
- Population: ~5.071
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 63 | 51 | 54 | 44 | 75 | 66 | 68 | 71 | 54 | 65 | 63 | 75 |
Geography
Facts
- Former synagogue built in 1791
- Home to the Judeo-Alsatian Museum
- Rich brewing heritage (Meteor brewery nearby)
- Market rights since the Middle Ages
- Hub of the Val-de-Moder community
- Located in the Grand Est region
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.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pfaffenhoffen (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is Pfaffenhoffen in Alsace known for?
Known for the Musée de l'Image Populaire, which showcases traditional Alsatian popular art.
Can you see typical half-timbered houses?
Yes, the town center features many well-preserved Alsatian half-timbered houses from various periods.
How to get from Strasbourg to Pfaffenhoffen?
Best by train to Obermodern and then by bus, or directly by car (approx. 35 minutes).
Can you find local beer nearby?
Yes, the Meteor brewery in Hochfelden is only about 10 km away and features tours.
When do traditional festivals take place?
In summer there are often village festivals, and in winter, small, authentic Christmas markets in the region.
Pfaffenhoffen: where is it located?
Pfaffenhoffen is located in Grand Est, France.
Pfaffenhoffen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum of Painted Imagery, Église Sainte-Agathe, Église Saint-Étienne.
Pfaffenhoffen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pfaffenhoffen: why is it worth visiting?
Pfaffenhoffen is a historic town in the heart of Alsace, now part of the Val-de-Moder commune in the Bas-Rhin department.
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