Nestled on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains, Obernai is a historic town in the French region of Alsace. It was first mentioned in 1240 and flourished in the Middle Ages as an Imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. Obernai became part of France in 1670 following the signing of the Treaty of Nijmegen.
Things to do in Obernai
Dominating Obernai’s town centre is the twin-spired Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which was built in a Neo-Gothic style at the end of the 19th century. It houses a 16th-century altar and beautiful stained-glass windows, as well as a church organ by the Baden-born builder, Joseph Merklin. If you’re visiting in the summer months, coincide your visit with a recital to hear the organ in action.
Set within a nine-hectare estate west of Obernai is the Domaine de la Léonardsau, a beautiful château listed as a Monument Historique. From the early 19th century, the site served as a laundry for washing hemp canvas before being purchased by Baron Albert de Dietrich to house his collection of earthenware. Today, the Domaine de la Léonardsau is an atmospheric spot to wander, with ornately carved stones and sculpted woodwork to discover.
If you continue driving west, you’ll arrive at the Château de Rathsamhausen, an 11th-century castle in the town of Ottrott. It is dominated by a crenellated residential tower and a cylindrical keep with a gallery of hoardings used for defensive purposes. Don’t miss the ruined Abbey of Truttenhausen with its English-style gardens.
Getting around Obernai
Obernai is around 20 minutes’ drive from Strasbourg and Strasbourg Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Obernai railway station and buses travel through the town.