Visit Hunspach: France's Favorite Village in Alsace
On July 1, 2020, Hunspach was crowned “France’s Favorite Village” on France 3 during the show hosted by Stéphane Bern. This village of 652 residents, also listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” is nestled in the heart of the Outre-Forêt region, at the eastern edge of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. Here, there are no colorful half-timbered houses like those found in southern Alsace. In Hunspach, the houses are pristine white, adorned with arched windows and swing-arm wells. A setting unique in Alsace, not to be missed.
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Why is Hunspach so special?
Hunspach is unlike any other village in Alsace. Forget the colorful facades of Colmar or Riquewihr. Here, all the half-timbered houses are a brilliant white. This uniformity creates a unique atmosphere that is both pure and timeless.
As you walk around, take a close look at the windows. You’ll notice the distinctive curved Baroque windows, a true architectural curiosity. These convex windows once allowed residents to look out without being seen from the street. It’s an ingenious design that speaks to the skill of local craftsmen.
Another distinctive feature is the swing-arm wells, which can be found in several of the village’s narrow streets. These wooden structures, typical of the Outre-Forêt region, were used to draw water using a counterweight system. Be sure to look up to admire the hipped roofs, which are characteristic of the region.
Hunspach is located in the Outre-Forêt region, at the eastern edge of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This unspoiled area features landscapes of forests, hills, and orchards. To discover everything the region has to offer, check out our comprehensive guide to activities in Alsace as well as the Visit Alsace website.
A turbulent history
The first written mention of Hunspach dates back to 1298. The village has weathered the centuries through a particularly turbulent history, marked by successive periods of destruction and revival.
During the Reformation, Hunspach adopted Protestantism. The village then became a stronghold of the Reformed faith in the Outre-Forêt region. This Protestant identity has profoundly influenced local architecture and traditions.
But in 1633, during the Thirty Years' War, the village was completely destroyed. The devastation was total. It wasn't until the late 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIV, that Hunspach rose from the ashes. New settlers from Switzerland then moved in and played an active role in the reconstruction.
It was these builders who gave the village the appearance we know today. The white half-timbered houses, the straight streets, and the arched windows—all of these date back to that period of reconstruction. Swiss and Alsatian influences blend harmoniously in every architectural detail.
💡 5 things even people from Alsace don't know about Hunspach
- The curved windows are spy mirrors. These 18th-century convex windows functioned like rearview mirrors: from inside, residents could see the entire street without being seen. In short, they were the Alsatian version of a surveillance camera.
- The village was rebuilt by the Swiss. After its complete destruction in 1633, Swiss families who had immigrated under Louis XIV rebuilt Hunspach. That is why its architecture is unlike anything else in Alsace.
- Fort Schoenenbourg was never captured. As the largest fort on the Maginot Line open to visitors, it withstood the heaviest bombardment in the sector. Its 600 soldiers did not surrender until after the armistice, on orders. Technically, the fort remained undefeated.
- Hunspach beat out 13 other villages in the final round. In the 2020 “France’s Favorite Village” contest, Hunspach won 21% of the vote against 13 competitors from across France. The charm of white houses.
- The Dicke Kuche is only available two days a week. This legendary brioche from Boulangerie Fischer is sold only on Fridays and Saturdays. If you come on a Wednesday, you’ll miss out. Plan ahead for your treat.
What to see and do in Hunspach?
Stroll through the white-washed streets
The first thing to do in Hunspach is simply to walk. The village is best explored on foot, without a set route. Every alleyway reveals new details. Here, a perfectly preserved swing-arm well. There, a window with a convex pane in which you’ll see your distorted reflection.
Take a moment to admire the half-timbered walls, which are always painted white. Look at the hipped roofs, the ornate front doors, and the well-tended gardens. Hunspach is a lively, inhabited village. The houses aren’t museums, but homes that their owners take meticulous care of. It is precisely this authenticity that captivated viewers in 2020.
Church of St. James the Greater
Built in 1761, the Church of Saint James the Greater is the village’s main religious building. Inside, you’ll find a remarkable wooden ceiling and a decorated gallery typical of Alsatian Protestant churches.The restored organ is also worth a look. The whole place exudes a serene atmosphere, a far cry from the opulence of the Baroque churches in the southern part of the region.
Kelsch’Idées Store
Housed in an old farmhouse, the Kelsch’Idées shop offers local handicrafts. In particular, you’ll find kelsch, a hand-woven Alsatian fabric known for its colorful stripes. It’s a lovely place to pick up an authentic souvenir.
Fischer Bakery — La Dicke Kuche
You can’t visit Hunspach without trying the Dicke Kuche. This large local brioche, a specialty of Fischer Bakery, is a must-try. But be warned: it’s only sold on Fridays and Saturdays. Plan your visit accordingly if you want to enjoy it fresh from the oven.
Au Cerf Restaurant
For a full meal, head to Restaurant Au Cerf. This restaurant serves traditional Alsatian cuisine in a charming, traditional setting. It’s a great spot to continue exploring the village while enjoying the specialties of the Outre-Forêt region.
Fort Schoenenbourg — Maginot Line
Just a few minutes from Hunspach lies one of Alsace’s most impressive monuments. Fort Schoenenbourg is the largest Maginot Line fortification open to the public in the region. In 2022, it was voted the second favorite monument by the French.
The figures are staggering. The fort covers 15, 000 square meters, with 3 kilometers of underground tunnels dug 30 meters below ground. The structure was designed to house 600 men in complete self-sufficiency for three months. Barracks, a power plant, an infirmary, and a kitchen: a veritable underground city.
A remarkable fact: Fort Schoenenbourg was the most heavily attacked fort along the entire Maginot Line. Yet it remained unconquered. Its soldiers did not surrender until after the armistice, on orders from their commanders.
The tour consists of two parts. First, a 2- to 2.5-hour underground tour through the tunnels and combat bunkers. Next, an approximately 1.5-hour outdoor tour to explore the surface casemates and turrets. Be sure to wear warm clothes: the temperature underground is 13°C year-round.
2026 Rates
| Category | Rates |
|---|---|
| Adult | 10 € |
| Child (ages 6–18) | 5 € |
| Student | 5 € |
| Parking | Free |
2026 Schedule
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| January – February | Weekends, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| March | Weekends, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| April – June | Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM + extended hours on weekends |
| July–August | Every day, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Practical Information — Fort de Schoenenbourg
Address: Route du Commandant Reynier, 67250 Hunspach
Phone: 03-88-80-96-19
Email: infos@lignemaginot.com
Total duration: 3.5 to 4 hours (underground + outdoors)
Temperature: 13°C — bring a warm jacket
Parking: Free on-site
Find all the information at www.lignemaginot.com.
What is there to do around Hunspach?
Hunspach is a small village. You can explore it in just one or two hours. Fortunately, the surrounding area is full of things to discover. Here are the best day trips to combine with your visit.
Wissembourg (20 min)
Wissembourg is a medieval town listed among France’s 100 Most Beautiful Detours. Here you’ll discover a magnificent abbey church and the Wentzel Museum. For a more unique experience, visit the Caves de Wissembourg, which has been producing sparkling wine since 1970. Don’t missthe Romanesque church in Altenstadt, listed on the Romanesque Route of Alsace.
Seebach (10 min)
Seebach is a charming village known for its flower-filled houses, famous for its annual Flower Festival held every July. This traditional event attracts visitors from all over the region. Take the opportunity to explore the 8-hectare family-run organic farm located in the town.
Betschdorf (15 min)
Betschdorf is the pottery village of Northern Alsace. Its pottery museum, housed in a half-timbered farmhouse, traces the history of this centuries-old craft. The local specialty: blue-gray salt-glazed stoneware, instantly recognizable.
Haguenau (30 min)
As the fourth-largest city in Alsace, Haguenau is home to France’s largest lowland forest (21,000 hectares), the Luggage Museum—the only one of its kind in Europe—and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s also where you’ll find our Nexvisit accommodations closest to Hunspach. Check out our guide to things to do in Haguenau over the weekend.
Fleckenstein Castle (25 min)
Perched on a rocky outcrop, Fleckenstein Castle is an impressive ruin waiting to be explored. Families will especially enjoy the treasure hunts for children organized on the grounds. Discover more family-friendly activities in Alsace.
Alsace Summit Trail (Drachenbronn)
Near Hunspach, the Chemin des Cimes d’Alsace in Drachenbronn offers a canopy walk accessible to everyone. This high-altitude trail above the forests of the Northern Vosges is ideal for hikers of all ages. For more ideas, visit the Alsace Verte website.
Cleebourg Winery
Did you know that Northern Alsace also has vineyards? The Cleebourg Winery is located in the northern part of the Alsace Wine Route. Wine tastings are available every day. A must-see for wine lovers.
49-km bike route
For active travelers, a 49-kilometer cycling route starts in Hunspach and passes through the villages of Hoffen, Hatten, and Seebach. The relatively flat route winds through the Outre-Forêt region and offers a unique way to explore this unspoiled area.
Where to stay near Hunspach?
Hunspach is a residential village with no on-site tourist accommodations. However, Haguenau, located 30 minutes away, is an excellent base. Nexvisit offers several fully equipped accommodations there at all-inclusive rates (cleaning and linens included). For a complete overview, check out our guide to where to stay in Northern Alsace.
The Royal House — Haguenau
A spacious family home, ideal for groups. Features a private garden, foosball table, and a quiet location. Just 30 minutes from Hunspach, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Outre-Forêt region.
The Serenity — Haguenau
A modern house with a garden, barbecue, and arcade machine. A welcoming setting for families and groups of friends looking to explore Hunspach and the surrounding area.
Le Luminosa — Haguenau
Bright 3-bedroom apartment near the Haguenau train station. Centrally located, ideal for exploring Hunspach and the rest of Northern Alsace.
You can also check out our guides to places to stay in Northern Alsace and vacation rentals in the Bas-Rhin to find the perfect accommodation.
When is the best time to visit Hunspach?
Hunspach is worth visiting year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Here is our seasonal guide.
🌸 Spring (March to May)
The gardens are coming to life, and the white facades gleam in the soft light. Fort Schoenenbourg opens its doors on weekends starting in March. The weather is perfect for bike rides along the 49-kilometer route.
☀️ Summer (June through August)
High season. The fort is open daily in July and August. Folklore Festival in June in Hunspach. Flowered Houses Festival in Seebach in July. Cleebourg Winery for tastings. The busiest time of year.
🍂 Fall (September through November)
Our favorite season. The autumn colors make the forests of the Northern Vosges look stunning. Fewer tourists, a peaceful atmosphere. Grape harvest in Cleebourg. Perfect for taking photos and exploring at your own pace.
❄️ Winter (December through February)
Hunspach has a unique winter charm. Discover Alsatian Christmas traditions with Hàns Tràpp and the Christkindel, iconic figures of the Outre-Forêt region. The market is open on weekends in January and February.
Practical Information
Access
By car: Hunspach is located 1 hour from Strasbourg and 30 minutes from Haguenau. Easy and free parking is available on site.
By train: Hunspach Station is served by two trains a day bound for Strasbourg. For more flexibility, use Soultz-sous-Forêts Station (12 round trips daily, 6 km or a 10-minute drive away).
Useful Contacts
Hunspach Town Hall: 74 Main Street, 67250 Hunspach — Tel: 03 88 80 42 16
Tourist Office: 3 Rue de Hoffen, 67250 Hunspach
To plan your trip, be sure to check out Visit Haguenau.
Nexvisit Tip: Hunspach is a small village. Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore it. We recommend combining your visit with stops in Seebach, Wissembourg, and Betschdorf for a full day out. The most beautiful villages in Alsace are all worth a visit: Éguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and of course Hunspach at the top of the list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunspach
Why was Hunspach voted France's Favorite Village?
Hunspach was named France’s Favorite Village on July 1, 2020, during Stéphane Bern’s show on France 3. Its unique architecture—featuring white half-timbered houses, baroque arched windows, and swing-arm wells—along with its well-preserved setting in the heart of the Outre-Forêt region, won over viewers.
How long does it take to visit Hunspach?
Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore the village on foot. If you include a visit to Fort Schoenenbourg (3½ to 4 hours), plan on spending a full day. We recommend combining this with a visit to Seebach, Wissembourg, or Betschdorf.
Can you visit Fort Schoenenbourg all year round?
Yes, Fort de Schoenenbourg is open year-round. In January and February, it is open on weekends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In July and August, it is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission for adults is €10. The temperature underground is 13°C, so be sure to wear warm clothes.
Where can I park in Hunspach?
Hunspach offers free parking in the village. Schoenenbourg Fort also provides free parking. Since the village is small, you can easily explore everything on foot once you’ve parked.
How can I get to Hunspach without a car?
Hunspach Station is served by two trains a day from Strasbourg. For greater flexibility, Soultz-sous-Forêts Station offers 12 round-trip services daily and is located just 6 km away (a 10-minute drive or taxi ride).
Where to stay near Hunspach?
Haguenau, just 30 minutes away, is a great place to stay. Nexvisit offers several vacation rentals in Haguenau with all-inclusive rates (cleaning and linens included), such as La Maison Royale (sleeps 9, starting at €163/night) or Le Serenity (sleeps 8, starting at €120/night). Find all accommodations on nexvisit.com.