Maison Pfister

Maison Pfister is one of Colmar's most photographed landmarks, a striking example of German Renaissance architecture built in 1537 for a wealthy hatter. Its wooden gallery, eight-sided turret, and intricate frescoes depicting biblical and secular scenes make it a standout on Rue des Marchands. The ground floor houses a wine shop (VINUM), where you can sample Alsatian wines while admiring the building's exterior. The house's asymmetrical design and vibrant paintings, including the famous 'Pfister' (a man with a pipe), reflect the prosperity of 16th-century Colmar. Visitors often pause to photograph the oriel window and the intricate carvings on the corner. Though you can't tour the interior, the exterior alone is worth a stop, it's a living postcard of Alsatian heritage.

Don't miss

• The ornate oriel window with its conical roof and carved stonework
• Frescoes on the facade depicting scenes from the Bible and Aesop's fables
• The corner turret and wooden gallery typical of Alsatian Renaissance architecture
• The wine shop (VINUM) on the ground floor for tasting local vintages

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Maison Pfister

Cheapest way inColmar Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour4★ · 25 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Best full dayColmar, Medieval Village & Castle Small Group from Strasbourg4.8★ · 782 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$233 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleColmar Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt4.1★ · 27 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• The facade is best photographed from across the street to capture the full height and details.
• The ground-floor wine shop offers free tastings; it's a good spot to buy Alsatian wine as a souvenir.
• Combine with a walk along Rue des Marchands, which is lined with other historic buildings and shops.
• The nearby St. Martin's Church and the Maison des Têtes are also within a 5-minute walk.

A bit of history

Built in 1537 for Ludwig Scherer, a hatter, Maison Pfister is a rare survivor of Colmar's Renaissance period. Its name comes from a later owner, the Pfister family, who preserved the frescoes and woodwork. The building escaped major damage in both world wars.