City of Alsace, Erstein is located in the Lower Rhine, just 25 kilometers from Strasbourg and a dozen kilometers from the border with Germany and the Rhine. Located on the banks of the Rhone-Rhine canal, the city of Erstein is crossed by the Ill, on the boundary between the Grand Ried and the Rhine plain Loess.
Old, the city still possesses a beautiful typical medieval architecture of the region and an important historical heritage. Known since the Middle Ages for its Benedictine monastery, and later for its candy, Erstein no shortage of tourist interest.
The area around the town provide evidence of the Alsatian countryside, and a very interesting flora. Hiking and cultural visits are planned in the city where reigns the good life and good humor.
In the old center of Erstein, visitors can discover a beautiful architectural and historical heritage focused on the Middle Ages or the nineteenth century industrial.
Built in the thirteenth century and rebuilt in the mid-nineteenth century on the model of the Church of Willer-sur-Thur, St. Martin Erstein church once housed a clock comparable to that of Selestat. Restored, it is now presented in Etappenstall, home of heritage and cultural information.
The Würth France Erstein museum of modern and contemporary art museum opened in 2008. Thirteenth museum opened by the industrialist and art lover, Reinhold Würth, it is devoted to the exhibition of his collection in France. Temporary exhibitions are regularly held with works of all kinds of Pablo Picasso, René Magritte, Max Beckmann or Christo. Around the museum, the park, designed by Martine Rascle, was awarded the trophy of the Golden Tree 2000. This spans five hectares, in the form of a grove with very different styles.
Founded in 1893, the sugar factory Erstein is still in business. It still offers guided tours to learn more about the technique of processing sugar beet.
Located rue du Moulin, the house of a tanner was listed historic monument for its incredible architecture.
The National Nature Reserve Erstein forest is a national nature reserve in Alsace high of almost 180 hectares. Specially installed hiking trails allow you to admire the fauna and local flora, and it is possible to admire elms, ash trees, poplars or willows and dogwoods.
A walking tour is organized by Standing walkers sugar throughout the year. There are two different long course of 12 or 20 kilometers.
Always bustling, the city of Erstein offers regular cultural and sporting events to attract passing visitors and highlight its rich history.
The Erstein weekly market takes place every Thursday, from 8 am to 13h in the streets of downtown. In the Alsatian tradition, the city also offers a large Christmas market in December.
Every last weekend of August, the town of Erstein offers its sugar festival. On this occasion, educational workshops are organized to present the production of sugar beet, and various music and other events, are proposed.
The market Hansel and Gretel candy takes place every first December weekend to the delight of children. Demonstrations, sales of sweet products in all forms and workshops are well organized.
The second Saturday of December, Erstein sets up the popular night market and soundtrack of St. Nicolas. This is then converted into market day on Saturday, for the whole Christmas period.
