Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane / Old Custom House)
On Gingerguide's self-guided Colmar audio tour, Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane / Old Custom House) is a stop worth about ~20 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Colmar Colmar guide
About Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane / Old Custom House)
Colmar's medieval customs house, completed in 1480, where goods were once stored and taxed; its glazed-tile roof and turret date from an 1895-1898 restoration, and it now houses a restaurant.
The Koïfhus, or Ancienne Douane, is Colmar's old customs house, standing on the Place de l'Ancienne Douane in the old town. The present building was completed in 1480, with two adjoining wings added in the 16th century, and it blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture beneath a distinctive polychrome glazed-tile roof and turret. On the ground floor, goods entering and leaving the city were once stored and taxed, making it the economic heart of the medieval town, while the upper floor is said to have served as the assembly room of the Décapole, the league of ten Alsatian imperial cities.
By the 19th century the building had decayed so badly that demolition was considered, but it was restored instead between 1895 and 1898, when the turret and glazed tiles were added; a 2002 renovation restored a Renaissance sandstone balustrade removed in 1976. Classified a monument historique since 1930, the Koïfhus today houses a restaurant and hosts temporary exhibitions and fairs.
Did you know? The Koïfhus looks thoroughly medieval, but its glazed-tile roof and rooftop turret were actually added during an 1895-1898 restoration, undertaken after the town had considered demolishing the decayed building entirely.
How much time do you need at Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane / Old Custom House)?
Around ~20 min works well for Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane / Old Custom House) — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane / Old Custom House)?
Yes — Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane / Old Custom House) made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Colmar. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Colmar
Day 2 of the Colmar in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane / Old Custom House)
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