Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg lies in the canton of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, which itself is a subdivision of the Colmar-Ribeauvillé arrondissement. It was a separate commune until 1 January 2016, when it was merged into the new commune of Kaysersberg Vignoble together with nearby Kientzheim and Sigolsheim, and remains its seat. The town was first mentioned in 1227, when Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor purchased the castle and gave orders to refortify it. During the Middle Ages, Kaysersberg, a member of the Décapole, prospered. In 1648, the city became a part of France, although most inhabitants continued to speak German. From 1871 to 1918 and (again from 1940 to 1944) Kaysersberg belonged to Germany. In 2017 Kaysersberg was voted the Village préféré des Français (Village favoured by the French). The inhabitants are called Kaysersbergeois.

• Name — Kaysersberg • Native Name — Kaiserschbarig (Alsatian) Kaisersberg • Arrondissement — Colmar-Ribeauvillé • Canton — Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines • Insee — 68162 • Postal Code — 68240 • Type — Delegated commune • Commune — Kaysersberg Vignoble • Elevation M — 240 • Elevation Min M — 236 • Elevation Max M — 924 • Area Km2 — 24.82 • Population — 2720 • Population Date — 2022

Kaysersberg lies about 12 km northwest of Colmar, on the eastern slopes of the Vosges mountains, on the river Weiss. Kaysersberg lies on the Route des Vins d'Alsace (Alsace "Wine Route"). Kaysersberg is north of Ammerschwihr and south of Riquewihr.

The area around Kaysersberg is one of the finest wine-growing areas in Alsace. The first vines were brought here in the 16th century from Hungary, and wine production is still an important aspect of the town's economy today. Wine produced from the pinot gris variety is a local specialty.

Kaysersberg is a historic town, that has preserved many architectural monuments. These include: • Église Sainte-Croix, the oldest parts of which date from the 13th century • Hôtel de ville (town hall), 16th century, renaissance style • Oberhof chapel, 14th century • Saint-Michel chapel, 16th century • Château de Kaysersberg or Schlossberg, 13th century, partly ruined

• Illustration — Conscripts' flag displayed in the window of a building on July 14th. The town boasts several associations and folk groups that keep traditions alive throughout the year. • Illustration — Members of "L'Accordéon Club folklorique Écho du château" gathered in the Town Hall square on July 14, 1979.

Besides the fact that Alsace wine is produced locally, there is the ruin of Kaysersberg Castle. The ruins of Château de Wineck in Katzenthal, Château de Lupfen-Schwendi and Château de Reichenstein in Kientzheim are within walking distance.

• Matthäus Zell (1477–1548), Protestant reformer • Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965), theologian, musician, philosopher, and physician

• Illustration — On the left, Oberhof chapel • Illustration — View of Kaysersberg • Illustration — The fortified bridge (1501) over the Weiss. • Illustration — The Weiss. • Illustration — Fountain and facade of Holy Cross Church • Illustration — 1518 altar inside the medieval church • Illustration — Kaysersberg's Renaissance town hall • Illustration — Albert Schweitzer museum • Illustration — Kaysersberg is dominated by the ruins of its castle • Illustration — Kaysersberg Castle • Illustration — Cemetery and vineyards • Illustration — Bell tower and roofs seen from Schlossberg • Illustration — Maison Herzer • Illustration — A typical building • Illustration — General de Gaulle Street, the Weiss River, Potiers Street and Oberthof Street seen from the castle tower.