Turckheim

Turckheim (Alsatian: Tercka ; German: Türkheim) is a commune in the Haut-Rhin department in Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine in north-eastern France. It lies west of Colmar, on the eastern slopes of the Vosges mountains.

Places of interest

Turckheim, located in Alsace, is a village known for its Gewürztraminer wines, traditional Alsatian cuisine, and stunning surrounding scenery.

Turckheim is probably most well known for its surrounding medieval wall. 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.