Maison Schongauer, Colmar

Historic Building in Colmar

Maison Schongauer
Maison Schongauer
CC BY-SA 4.0 / FrDr

Tucked into Colmar's storybook Old Town, the Maison Schongauer (also known as the “maisonnette au Cygne”) is a protected historic building best appreciated from the street for its classic Alsatian lines and details.

You'll find it at the corner of Rue des Marchands and Rue Schongauer, an easy add-on to any self-guided stroll between Colmar's main sights. It works especially well as a quick photo stop on a walking tour that also includes the nearby cathedral area and the prettiest lanes of the historic center.

History and Significance of the Maison Schongauer

The Maison Schongauer is a listed historic monument in Colmar, associated with the Schongauer family name that's woven into the city's late-medieval artistic legacy. While the famous painter and engraver Martin Schongauer is linked to the family, the building's significance today is primarily architectural and contextual: it's one of the Old Town's memorable heritage façades.

The house dates to the late 15th century and, like many long-lived urban buildings, it was altered in later centuries. Those layers of change are part of the appeal in Colmar, where medieval street patterns and Renaissance-era prosperity sit side by side.

Look at it as a “street museum” piece: a landmark that helps you read the neighborhood’s history while you move between bigger-ticket attractions.

Things to See and Do in the Maison Schongauer

Start with the main façade facing Rue des Marchands: the ground level opens with large arcades, while the upper levels project outward in the traditional overhanging style that makes Old Town Colmar so distinctive. The overall silhouette is capped by a stepped gable that photographs well from slightly down the street.

Then circle toward Rue Schongauer to spot older elements and entry details. This side is where you can slow down and notice the craftsmanship in the portals and decorative stonework.

Because it’s best experienced from outside, the “to-do” here is simple: pause, frame your photos, and use it as a navigation point to continue your walk toward other half-timbered houses, small squares, and museum stops.

How to Get to the Maison Schongauer

The nearest major airports are EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP) and Strasbourg Airport (SXB), with additional options via Zurich Airport (ZRH) if you're building a wider Alsace itinerary. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Colmar on Booking.com.

Colmar is straightforward by rail, with frequent connections via Strasbourg and Mulhouse; from Colmar station, it's a pleasant walk or short taxi ride into the historic center. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place..

If you’re driving, aim for one of the Old Town edge car parks and continue on foot, since the central lanes are narrow and best explored without a car. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Maison Schongauer

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning for quiet streets and clean photos, or golden hour when the timber and stone details pop.
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes is plenty for a slow look and a few angles, especially if you’re already doing an Old Town loop.
  • Accessibility: The viewing experience is street-based on historic cobbles; expect uneven surfaces and tight corners in the surrounding lanes.
  • Facilities: No dedicated visitor facilities on-site; plan for restrooms, cafés, and seating in the nearby museum and central squares.

Where to Stay Close to the Maison Schongauer

Base yourself in central Old Town Colmar if you want to reach the Maison Schongauer and most major sights on foot.

For a classic, walk-everywhere stay, consider these nearby options. Each one is well-placed for early-morning wandering before day-trippers arrive, and for returning on foot after dinner.

Hôtel Le Maréchal Chosen for its postcard-pretty setting and easy access to the canals and Old Town lanes.

Hôtel Saint-Martin A strong pick for being right in the historic core, ideal for short breaks between sightseeing loops.

James Boutique Hôtel Included for a more contemporary feel while staying close to the center’s main walking routes.

Hôtel Turenne Great if you want a practical base with straightforward access in and out of town.

Novotel Suites Colmar Centre A good choice for extra space and an easy walk into the Old Town without being in the busiest lanes.

Is the Maison Schongauer Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy architecture, atmospheric streets, and the “small moments” that make Colmar feel like a living heritage set. It's a low-effort, high-reward stop: you don't need tickets or a time slot, and it fits naturally into a walking tour of the center.

Honest Pivot: if you're short on time and prefer attractions with interiors, exhibits, or guided interpretation, treat it as a quick photo pause rather than a destination. Your time may be better spent inside a museum or church, using the Maison Schongauer as a scenic waypoint along the way.

What Other Travellers Say...

4.6 (60)
Enjoy life
a month ago
"The house "Zum Schwan" (at the swan) or "huselin zum Swan" (little house at the swan), distinguished by its oriel window and sculpted door lintels,is known for having housed the workshop of the Colmar artist Martin Schongauer. It is often mistakenly believed to have been the home of the painter Martin Schongauer (1450-1491) ; in fact, it was one of the properties belonging to the Schongauer family, who actually lived at the "House with the Viola" at 36 Rue des Marchands. Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1491) was born in Colmar to a goldsmith father who had purchased citizenship in 1445. After an itinerant apprenticeship, which likely included a period in Flanders, Martin Schongauer returned to Colmar where he created one of his major works : the Virgin of the Rosebush in 1473. In 1477, he acquired the house "zum Schwan" to establish his workshop. After the artist's death, the house passed to his brother Ludwig, also an engraver, who lived there until around 1495. Other artists subsequently occupied the house, followed by several burghers, merchants, and artisans, including a hatter, a pewterer, and a pastry chef...."
Dragan P.
6 years ago
"Must see"
Pierre Di Natale
5 years ago
"Picturesque and typical of the region, look closely at the houses, they compete in detail, they are all different, tall in size and colour."

For Different Travelers

The Maison Schongauer is best thought of as a charming street-side highlight rather than a standalone visit. It's flexible, free to appreciate from the outside, and easy to combine with whatever else you're doing in central Colmar.

Families with Kids

Kids tend to enjoy the fairy-tale look of the Old Town more than any single façade, so use the Maison Schongauer as part of a “spot the prettiest house” scavenger hunt. Keep it short and pair it with a treat stop nearby.

If you’re traveling with a stroller, plan your route on the flattest lanes you can and expect some cobbles. A quick look and a photo works better than lingering in a tight corner.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a great stop for couples who like slow wandering and beautiful backdrops. Come early or near sunset for a quieter feel and softer light.

Pair it with a meandering route through the surrounding lanes, then pick a nearby wine bar or classic Alsatian dinner spot. The appeal is the ambiance, not an itinerary checkbox.

Budget Travelers

It's an easy win: a memorable Colmar sight you can enjoy without paying for entry. Build a self-guided walk that strings together several façades, squares, and canals for a full afternoon at minimal cost.

Bring snacks and a reusable water bottle, and save paid attractions for one or two “must-do” interiors. The Maison Schongauer helps make the in-between walking time feel like the main event.

History Buffs

Treat the house as a clue to Colmar’s late-medieval and early-modern city life, where merchant streets and craft traditions shaped the urban fabric. The corner location makes it especially useful for understanding how streets and façades were designed to be seen.

To deepen the context, connect the Schongauer name to Colmar’s broader art history and follow up with nearby museums and churches where interpretation is stronger. The façade becomes more meaningful when you view it as part of a network of heritage sites.

FAQs for Visiting Maison Schongauer

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the Old Town and works well as a waypoint on a self-guided walking loop. Use Rue des Marchands and the cathedral area as your general bearings.
Yes, many visitors walk into the center, and the route is straightforward. If you prefer, a short taxi ride can save time, especially with luggage.
Yes, it’s surrounded by scenic lanes and other historic buildings. Plan to combine it with nearby museums, churches, and the most photogenic streets.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is typically needed because it’s primarily viewed from the street. Treat it as an exterior landmark on your walk.
Usually not, as it’s not set up like a public museum interior. Plan your visit around exterior viewing and photography.
Many Old Town walking tours pass through the surrounding streets. If you’re taking a tour, ask whether the route includes Rue des Marchands and Rue Schongauer.

Visiting Experience

Focus on the arcades at street level and the overhanging upper stories typical of Alsatian architecture. Walk around the corner to compare the two street-facing sides.
It’s a quick stop for most travelers. The value comes from pairing it with a broader Old Town stroll.
It can feel busy in peak season because the lanes are narrow. Visit early or later in the day for a calmer experience.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a mid-route highlight between the cathedral area and other Old Town streets. Add a museum or canal-side walk to round out the time.
Yes, because it’s a named landmark with a strong corner presence and good photo angles. But keep it brief if you’re prioritizing interiors.
Pick a small loop that avoids backtracking: cathedral area, Rue des Marchands, Maison Schongauer corner, then continue toward canals or a museum stop.

Photography

Step slightly back along Rue des Marchands to capture the façade and gable cleanly. Then shoot the Rue Schongauer side for detail shots.
Morning and late afternoon usually give the most flattering light in narrow streets. Overcast days can also be great for even exposure.
Go early and be patient for gaps in foot traffic. A slightly longer focal length can help you frame tighter compositions.

Accessibility & Facilities

Expect uneven cobblestones and tight corners typical of historic centers. It’s doable for many, but may require slower pacing and careful routing.
Not at the building itself, but you’ll find facilities in nearby museums, cafés, and central public areas. Plan a restroom stop before a long walking loop.
Not directly at the façade, but there are benches and café seating within a short walk. Consider pairing the stop with a café break.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Old Town is packed with cafés and bakeries within a few minutes’ walk. It’s easy to turn this into a photo-and-coffee stop.
Yes, central Colmar has plenty of Alsatian and French options. Reserve ahead in peak season if you have a specific restaurant in mind.
For a sit-down break, you’re better off heading toward canals or small squares with more space. The immediate streets are narrow and busy.

Safety & Timing

Central Colmar is generally calm, and the streets are well-traveled in the evening. Stay aware of your surroundings as you would in any tourist center.
Budget 10 minutes for a look and photos, plus walking time to your next stop. It’s easy to include without reshaping your day.
The main challenge is crowding during peak daytime hours. Early morning is the simplest way to enjoy the streets at their most atmospheric.

Nearby Attractions to the Maison Schongauer

  • Collégiale Saint-Martin: Colmar’s central church and a key landmark for orienting yourself in the Old Town.
  • Musée Unterlinden: The city’s flagship museum, ideal for adding deeper art and history context to your visit.
  • Maison Pfister: One of Colmar's most famous historic houses, known for its richly decorated façade.
  • Little Venice (La Petite Venise): A scenic canal area that’s perfect for a relaxed stroll and photos.
  • Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane): A historic customs house that anchors the old commercial heart of the city.

The Maison Schongauer appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Colmar!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: 36 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France
Colmar: 1 km

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