Turckheim
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Commune of Turckheim The view atop the Brand, Turckheim |
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| Location | |
| Longitude | 07° 16' 52" E |
| Latitude | 48° 05' 14" N |
| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Alsace |
| Department | Haut-Rhin (préfecture) |
| Arrondissement | Colmar |
| Canton | Chief town of 2 cantons |
| Intercommunality | Communauté d'agglomération de Colmar |
| Mayor | Jean-Pierre SCHALLER (2001-2008) |
| Statistics | |
| Altitude | 219 m–840 m (avg. 240 m) |
| Land area¹ | 16.46 km² |
| Population² (1999) |
3594 |
| - Density (1999) | 978/km² |
| Miscellaneous | |
| INSEE/Postal code | 68230/ 68230 |
| ¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 mi² or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
| ² Population sans doubles comptes: single count of residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel). | |
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Turckheim (German: Türkheim) is a small town and commune in Alsace, France. It lies in the Haut-Rhin département, west of Colmar, on the eastern slopes of the Vosges mountains. The population is estimated to be 3594 (1999). Turckheim is in the canton of Wintzenheim at the entrance to the Munster Valley.
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[edit] Attractions and reason to visit
Turckheim, located in Alsace, is a charmingly petite village known for its Gewürztraminer, traditional Alsatian cuisine, and stunning surrounding scenery.
Turckheim is probably most well-known for its surrounding medieval wall. It is the only such surviving wall in Alsace. The wall has three doors, or portes: The Munster Door, which opens into the Munster Valley; The Door of the Brand, which begins the Route des Vins; and the Door of France, through which lies the railway station and the roads to Colmar. These three portals help distinguish the village from the majority of Alsatian towns by lending it a unique character.
Another attractive feature of Turckheim is the Night Watchman. The traditionally dressed Turckheim native, cloaked in black and carrying a halberd and lamp makes the rounds at 22.00 (10pm) each night from May to October. As he strolls the protected city, he sings a number of Alsatian favorites. The Watchman is often accompanied by a throng of tourists attempting to join in the songs. Some newcomers to the town have been surprised to have a seemingly tranquil early evening interrupted by a crowd of carolers led around by a Nightwatchman.
Surrounding the village are the stunning Vosges foothills. Topping many of these soft, green hills are old castles and fortifications. These are all reachable by foot or by bike. The town is also nestled among a series of dramatically colorful vineyards, which produce the regions delectably delicious white wine.
[edit] Culture
Turckheim boasts a particularly quaint and well-kept city. Few of the early Renaissance buildings were destroyed in the numerous wars which have swept through Alsace and Moselle, therefore the destination is popular for tourists interested in the Alsatian building style typified by half-timbered homes, varied pastel wall colorings, and flowers. In fact, Turckheim is a ville fleurie, meaning it is considered one of the most flowerful cities in France.
[edit] See also
Colmar, the seat of the Haut-Rhin is a marvellously preserved Alsatian city about 1.5 km from Turckheim. It is reachable by train, car, bicycle (about 15 minutes), or foot.
[edit] External links
