Zellenberg

Perched at 285 meters altitude, the village of Zellenberg, nestled in the heart of the Alsace vineyard, is a gem of the Wine Route. Just 1 km from Riquewihr and 3 km from Ribeauvillé, this small town of about 400 inhabitants captivates with its authentic charm and gentle way of life. Its old houses, narrow streets, and refreshing fountains make it a picturesque place where time seems to stand still. Perched on its hill, it offers breathtaking views over the Alsace plain and the Vosges, ideal for contemplative walks around the vineyard hill. The marked wine trail allows discovery of the two local Grand Crus, Froehn and Schoenenbourg, while winemakers offer tastings of their Alsace wines and cellar tours. Nicknamed "Little Toledo" for its warm atmosphere, Zellenberg is also an ideal starting point to explore nearby tourist sites. Visitors will find guest rooms, rural cottages, hotels, restaurants, a communal campsite, and mobile shops. The village, beautifully flowered, combines history and nature, with remains of its old fortifications, an 18th-century church dedicated to Saint Ulrich, and a medieval Pietà. Not to be missed: the two corner towers of the old city walls (1252), topped with a stork's nest, the wooden Christ sculpture by Paul Windecker (1508) at the entrance to the old town, the tocsin bell (1445) on the former guardhouse, as well as the wines and brandies of the Cru.