How long does it take to walk the Gutenberg route?

The walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), covering key sites like Place Gutenberg and Place Kléber.

Where did Johannes Gutenberg live in Strasbourg?

Gutenberg lived in Strasbourg for about ten years in the mid-15th century, primarily in the St. Arbogast suburb, though the square named after him in the city center commemorates his invention of the printing press.

Is the Goethe house in Strasbourg open to the public?

The Maison de Goethe at 16 Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons is a private building, but a commemorative plaque on the exterior marks where the poet lived. Visitors can view the facade as part of a literary walking route.

Is this Strasbourg walking route wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the route is mostly flat as it stays within the Grande Île. While some streets have historic cobblestones, there are usually paved paths or flat sections that accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

What is L'Aubette in Strasbourg known for?

L'Aubette is famous for its 1920s interior designs by Hans Arp and Theo van Doesburg, which are considered a masterpiece of the De Stijl movement. It originally served as a military building in the 18th century.

Can I see the Gutenberg statue for free?

Yes, the statue of Johannes Gutenberg is located in a public square (Place Gutenberg) and can be viewed at any time without a ticket.

What is the best time of day for a self-guided walk in Strasbourg?

Morning is best to avoid the large crowds near the Cathedral, though an evening stroll is also beautiful when the timbered houses and the Cathedral are illuminated.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 15 min

Duration

5

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step into a world where the written word transformed human history. This self-guided walk through Strasbourg’s Grande Île explores the profound intersection of technology and literature. Strasbourg is not just a city of canals and timbered houses; it is the cradle of the printing revolution and a sanctuary for some of Europe’s greatest literary minds. On this walking route, you will uncover the legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, whose invention of movable type in the 15th century forever changed how stories are shared, and follow the footsteps of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the titan of German literature who found his poetic voice in these very streets. Beginning near the towering presence of the Cathedral, the route winds through narrow medieval alleys that have remained largely unchanged since the Renaissance. You will explore the square dedicated to Gutenberg, where his statue serves as a reminder of the city's industrial and intellectual heritage. Beyond the history of the press, this neighborhood stroll highlights the romantic era, focusing on the house where a young Goethe resided during his university years. The journey also takes you through the heart of the UNESCO-listed Grande Île, showcasing the architectural evolution from grand religious seminaries to the avant-garde designs of the early 20th century. This walking tour Strasbourg experience is designed for those who appreciate the quiet power of a library and the vibrant history of urban design. Whether you are a bibliophile interested in the origins of the book or a history enthusiast looking to understand Strasbourg’s role as a bridge between French and German cultures, this route offers a deep dive into the city's soul. Enjoy the freedom to pause at a local café or linger in a historic square, discovering at your own pace how a single invention and a few visionary poets helped shape the modern world. Exploring independently allows you to truly soak in the atmosphere of the 'City of Roads' without the rush of a group.

Highlights

Stand before the house where the legendary poet Goethe lived
See the monumental bronze statue of Johannes Gutenberg
Wander through the UNESCO-listed medieval streets of Grande Île
Discover the historic Grand Séminaire near the Cathedral
Visit Place Kléber and the avant-garde interiors of L'Aubette

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

Maison de Goethe

Our journey begins at 16 Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons, the former residence of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In 1770, a young Goethe arrived in Strasbourg to complete his law studies, but it was the city's culture and its magnificent Cathedral that truly captured his heart. It was here that he transitioned from a student to a leader of the 'Sturm und Drang' literary movement. His time in Strasbourg was marked by his obsession with the Cathedral's Gothic architecture and his tragic romance with Friederike Brion. This house serves as a silent witness to the formative years of a man who would become the most influential figure in German literature. Notice the plaque commemorating his stay, marking the spot where romanticism found its stride in the shadow of the spire.

2

Statue de Johannes Gutenberg

Walking into Place Gutenberg, you are greeted by the bronze image of the man who revolutionized the world. Johannes Gutenberg lived in Strasbourg for roughly a decade in the mid-1400s, and it was during this time that he experimented with the mechanics of the printing press. The statue, designed by the famous sculptor David d'Angers, depicts Gutenberg holding a page from the Bible with the inscription 'Et la lumière fut' (And there was light). This square was once the political and social hub of the city. As you look at the statue, consider how the ability to mass-produce texts allowed the ideas of the Reformation and the Renaissance to spread like wildfire across Europe, with Strasbourg serving as a primary engine of that change.

3

Grand Séminaire de Strasbourg

A short walk brings us to the Grand Séminaire, a bastion of education and religious history. This site reflects Strasbourg's long-standing tradition of scholarship and the preservation of knowledge. While the current buildings date back centuries, the institution itself represents the transition of Strasbourg from a medieval stronghold to an intellectual center. The seminary has housed vast libraries and served as a training ground for the thinkers who navigated the complex religious landscape of the Alsace region. The architecture here is a blend of sobriety and grandeur, typical of the city's ecclesiastical history, and it provides a quiet contrast to the bustling market streets nearby.

4

Grande-Île de Strasbourg

You are now standing in the heart of the Grande-Île, the first city center to be entirely classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This island, encircled by the River Ill, is a living museum of medieval and Renaissance urbanism. As you walk, observe the intricate timber-framed houses with their steeply pitched roofs—designed to store goods and dry hides in centuries past. This area was the backdrop for the daily lives of the printers, poets, and merchants we’ve discussed. The harmony of the architecture here reflects the dual French and German influence that defines Strasbourg. It is easy to see why writers like Victor Hugo and Goethe found endless inspiration in these winding, atmospheric lanes.

5

L'Aubette

Our final stop is L'Aubette, located on the northern side of the expansive Place Kléber. Originally built in the 1770s as a military building, its name derives from 'aube' (dawn), referring to the changing of the guard. However, its literary and artistic significance peaked in the 1920s when artists Theo van Doesburg, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and Jean Arp transformed its interior into a masterpiece of the De Stijl movement, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of Abstract Art.' This evolution from a rigid military structure to a space for avant-garde expression mirrors Strasbourg's own journey through history. It marks the shift from the traditional printed word to the modern visual and abstract languages of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Grande Île is ideal, as it covers Gutenberg's legacy and Goethe's residence within a compact, UNESCO-listed area. This route allows you to explore the 15th-century printing revolution and 18th-century romanticism at your own pace.