Information about Breisach, Germany - first stop on our cruise

Breisach is a town with centuries of history, much of it fortunately available for the tourist to enjoy. The town is impressive to see from the distance; the old, upper town rises up steeply from the plains of the Rhine River, with the spires of the cathedral visible from far away. 

The population of Breisach approximately 16,500

In Celtic, Breisach means "breakwater.'

The bridge over the Rhine was destroyed by Allied artillery during WW II when the allies crossed the Rhine. Eighty-five% of Breisach was destroyed.

WHAT TO DO: Badische Winzerheller eG = one of the largest wine cellars in Europe. 

Cathedral of St. Stephensmunster: See the late Gothic altar
The cathedral was damaged during WWII; however, some of the older works of art were saved including "Last Judgement" by Martin Schongauer (1400's) - worth seeing

"Europe Reaches for the Stars": A sculpture: An abstract of a female reaching for the stars. She is standing atop a bull. 1950: Breisach was the first European city to aspire to a unified Europe.

"Eckartsberg" (Visit in the morning to get the best photos). A former castle and monastery, walk through vineyards and passed old city walls to get to the top of a hill overlooking the Rhine.

Tullaturm: Site of 12 - 18th century castle. An observation tower built in 1874 provides impressive views of the Rhine.

Tourist Information Office website: You can get maps of four different Breisach walking tours. Follow the footsteps!

Tourist Office, also for the Kaiserstuhl-Tunib