Old Customs House (Koïfhus)
Grand Rue, Colmar, Grand Est
At the meeting point of Colmar’s two main boulevards, the Old Customs House (Koïfhus), also known as the “Ancienne Douane,” is hard to miss. Once an important center of Alsatian commerce, the 15th-century landmark is now protected as a National Historical Monument. It is celebrated for its distinctive Gothic and Renaissance architecture, most notably its colorfully tiled roof.
Most sightseeing and walking tours of Colmar pass by the Old Customs House. Visiting with a guide means you’ll be able to fully appreciate the landmark’s architectural details. Learn about its striking green-tiled roof, the 19th-century turret, and the symbolic two-headed eagle that guards the entrance. It’s also possible to visit inside the Koïfhus, and a cluster of small shops and exhibition spaces now populate the ground floor and courtyard.
Don’t confuse the Koïfhus itself with the popular Restaurant Au Koïfhus, located just across the square and serving traditional Alsatian cuisine.
There is no admission fee to visit the Old Customs House.
The ground floor and courtyard are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
The Old Customs House sits on Place de l’Ancienne Douane at the intersection of the Grand Rue and the Rue des Marchands in the heart of the Old Town. Most of Colmar’s historic center is pedestrianized, so arriving on foot is easiest. The Koïfhus is just a few minutes walk from La Petite Venise or a 15-minute walk from the central train station.
The picturesque façade of the Old Customs House is admirable at any time of day, and it’s worth revisiting after dark to enjoy its atmospheric illuminations. A popular time to visit is the festive period when the landmark hosts a small Christmas Market on the ground floor. Look out for seasonal fairs in summer or temporary exhibitions throughout the year, too.
Colmar’s charming Old Town is brimming with medieval architecture, and wandering its cobbled lanes reveals plenty of highlights. You won’t want to miss the candy-painted buildings that border the canals of La Petite Venise and the old fishmonger’s district, but equally photo-worthy are the half-timbered buildings of the Tanner’s Quarter, the quirky Pfister House, the 14th-century Adolph House, and the House of Heads, adorned with Bartholdi sculptures.
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