Scherwiller is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department in Alsace in northeastern France.

Geography

The town is situated on the wine route at an altitude of 185 m. Scherwiller is located at the mouth of the valleys of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines to the east, and Villé at north, 5 km west of Sélestat, Center Alsace, and 3.5 km south of Châtenois.

Population

Residents are referred to as Scherwillerois in French.

History

The name was mentioned early in the form Sceravillare or Scerwiller, designating a hamlet on the edge of the Scheer, the former name of the Aubach River, which runs through the village. Scherwiller is located at the intersection of two Roman roads: on an east–west axis the salt road from the Villé Valley, and on a north–south axis a Roman road, two milestones of which are still identifiable in the town itself. This explains the presence of Ortenbourg Castle during the 12th century.

Economy

Located in the heart of Alsace, the village is built in the middle of a 300 ha vineyard, extending along the slopes downwards from Ortenbourg and Ramstein castles.