Koïfhus (Old Customs House) - white and red concrete building
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Koïfhus (Old Customs House)

4.6
·83 reviews·Colmar, France

A beautifully restored medieval building, Koïffhus boasts an iconic green tiled roof and anchors a vibrant town square.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Koïfhus (Old Customs House) - white and red concrete building

Koïfhus (Old Customs House)

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully restored medieval building, Koïffhus boasts an iconic green tiled roof and anchors a vibrant town square.

4.6
(83 reviews)

"This medieval edifice is easy recognizable with its mostly green ceramic tiles on its roof."

Vertical photo
TIP

Distinguish from Restaurant

Don't confuse Koïffhus with the 'Au Koifhus' restaurant across the square. They are separate entities! :warning:

Admire the Roof

The unique green ceramic tiles on the roof are a major highlight. Look up and appreciate the craftsmanship! :star:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Tiled Roof

The Iconic Tiled Roof

Exterior

Instantly recognizable green ceramic tiles adorn this medieval edifice, a stunning visual against the sky.

Restored Historic Architecture

Restored Historic Architecture

Exterior and Interior (when accessible)

Appreciate the beautifully restored medieval building, preserving its old features and historical significance.

Vibrant Town Square

Vibrant Town Square

Surrounding area

The building anchors a beautiful square that often hosts markets and events, adding to the lively atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Koïffhus, the Old Customs House, is a beautiful historic building. While its exterior is always accessible, check for special events or exhibitions inside, as these can draw crowds. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate its architecture and the surrounding square.

Navigating the Area

The Old Customs House is situated in a lively square, often hosting markets or events. Be aware that there's a restaurant with a similar name nearby, so confirm you're heading to the correct historic building. The area is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Experience markets & art
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This coming Sunday! January 12th 🪅 We will be playing a show in the alleyway at the Old Custom House @oldcustomshousewa in Fremantle😼 @stella.prassi will be playing Cello and @felixteto3 will be playing Trumpet 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ the amazing @claudie.joy and @newnausea will be playing supports on the night 💜 It will be the last chance for a little while to see Stella and I performing together in Perth be...
l.mrsn
165 likes • 0 views

Distinguish from Restaurant

Don't confuse Koïffhus with the 'Au Koifhus' restaurant across the square. They are separate entities! :warning:

Admire the Roof

The unique green ceramic tiles on the roof are a major highlight. Look up and appreciate the craftsmanship! :star:

Fabulous opening night for studio artist, Alessandra Rossi @ellaissor ‘Fluid Boundaries’ at Old Customs House! Great crowd, great energy. - Alessandra’s diverse and engaging figurative artworks range from original paintings and gold leaf limited edition prints to sculptures made from a variety of materials and techniques. Her 3D works were certainly a talking point including sculptures from @sculp...
artsourcewa
78 likes • 0 views
ArtSource Studio Artist, Alessandra Rossi @ellaissor preparing for her solo exhibition ‘Fluid Boundaries’ in the Atrium at Artsource, Old Customs House opening on Friday 30th May. You might have caught Alessandra’s fantastic sculpture this year at @sculptureatbathers ‘Ester: I am Land, Land is me’, this coming exhibition features both her paintings and sculpture works. ‘This body of work explore...
artsourcewa
74 likes • 0 views

Check for Events

The ground floor sometimes hosts markets or exhibitions. Check local listings before your visit! :calendar:

Enjoy the Square

The surrounding square is lovely, especially with shade and breezes on warm days. :sunwithface:

The @artsourcewa Fire Escape party Rock’it 🤟Thanks @ellaissor and @juniploves and also @delta_tune for bringing the vibes. The @signals_sound_laboratory is open by appointment and provides VIP ‘tour and play’ sessions for touring musicians visiting Perth. #thisisfremantle #perthsynth #testequipmentmusic #artsourcewa #perthmusicscene #sleepycircuitshypno
signals_sound_laboratory
67 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Distinguish from Restaurant

Don't confuse Koïffhus with the 'Au Koifhus' restaurant across the square. They are separate entities! :warning:

Admire the Roof

The unique green ceramic tiles on the roof are a major highlight. Look up and appreciate the craftsmanship! :star:

Check for Events

The ground floor sometimes hosts markets or exhibitions. Check local listings before your visit! :calendar:

Enjoy the Square

The surrounding square is lovely, especially with shade and breezes on warm days. :sunwithface:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(83 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Koïffhus for its beautiful, well-restored medieval architecture, particularly its iconic green tiled roof. The surrounding square is noted as a pleasant area, often hosting markets and events, and offering a lively atmosphere. Some confusion exists with a nearby restaurant of a similar name.

"Formally a custom house, now is a public building, nice exterior and colour"

Jerald Kng

"The former customs house, a massive building, with a rather common architecture. Beautifully restored, keeping the old features.
I see that some people confuse it with the "Au Koifhus" restaurant, located in another building, diametrically opposite, in the same square. They are two different things!
At the time of my visit, around Christmas, the ground floor hosted a Christmas Market, with traditional products and handicrafts."

Paul Ciprian

"Beautiful building with an amazing tiled roof"

Luke Burrows

What People Like

Iconic green tiled roof
Beautiful historic architecture
Lively surrounding square

What People Dislike

Confusion with nearby restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Koïffhus is located in a central square, making it easily accessible on foot if you're already in the town center. Public transport options will likely lead you to the main town square, from where it's a short walk. :bus: :train:

Parking availability can vary. It's best to research local parking garages or street parking regulations in advance, especially if arriving by car. :car:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The exterior of Koïffhus is always visible. Entry to the interior may depend on whether there are special exhibitions or events happening. Check local listings for details. :ticket:

As a historic building, the exterior is accessible at all times. Interior access, if available, will have specific opening hours that vary based on events or exhibitions. :clock1:

Viewing the exterior is free. If there are exhibitions or events inside, there might be an admission fee. It's advisable to check the specific event details. :moneywithwings:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the stunning medieval architecture, especially its unique green tiled roof. The surrounding square often hosts markets and events, offering a lively atmosphere. :camerawithflash: :shopping_cart:

Absolutely! The distinctive tiled roof and the historic building itself make for excellent photo opportunities. The surrounding square also offers picturesque views. :camerawithflash:

Guided tours might be available for specific exhibitions or events held within the building. It's best to inquire locally or check event schedules for tour information. :guide_dog:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the square where Koïffhus is located often has restaurants and cafes nearby. Be mindful not to confuse it with the 'Au Koifhus' restaurant. :forkandknife:

Typically, food and drink are not permitted inside historic buildings unless part of a specific event or catering. Dining options are usually found in the surrounding square. :ice_cream:

📸 📸 Photography

The best vantage points are from the opposite side of the square to capture the entire facade and its iconic roof. Angles from the sides can highlight the architectural details. :iphone:

If you gain access to the interior for an exhibition, photography rules will depend on the specific event. It's always best to check signage or ask staff. :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Customs House (Koïffhus) itself is primarily an architectural and historical site. While children might appreciate the unique green tiled roof from the outside, the main draw for families will be the surrounding square. If there's a market or a special event happening, this can provide entertainment and interactive elements for kids. Look for opportunities to explore stalls or enjoy street performers if available. Reddit

Consider visiting when the square is lively but not overly crowded. The open space of the square allows children some room to move, and the presence of nearby cafes means you can easily take breaks. Pack snacks and drinks, and make sure to point out the distinctive roof – it's often a hit with younger visitors! :icecream: :camerawith_flash:

Art & Culture Enthusiasts

For those interested in art and culture, Koïffhus is a must-visit, especially when it hosts exhibitions. Social media content highlights art exhibitions and studio artist showcases within the building, such as Alessandra Rossi's 'Fluid Boundaries'. These events offer a chance to see contemporary art in a historic setting. Instagram+1

Keep an eye on local event listings for Koïffhus and the surrounding Artsource WA. You might catch live music performances, like shows in the alleyway featuring cello and trumpet, or events like the 'Fire Escape party' with local musicians. Instagram+1 The building's historical significance as a former customs house also adds a layer of cultural context to any visit. :art: :musical_score:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The Koïffhus, or Old Customs House, is a striking example of medieval architecture, most notably recognized by its distinctive green ceramic tiled roof. This unique feature makes it a landmark that stands out in any cityscape. The building played a crucial role in the town's economy historically, as all goods entering the town were processed and taxed here before being sold in the market. This historical function underscores its importance in the town's development and trade.

Today, the building has been beautifully restored, preserving its old features while making it a public space. Visitors can admire the well-maintained exterior and, when accessible, the interior that retains its historical character. The restoration efforts ensure that this significant piece of history remains a point of interest for tourists and locals alike. Its presence on a beautiful square further enhances its appeal, making it a focal point for the surrounding area.

Insights from travelers highlight the visual appeal of the tiled roof as a primary draw, with many appreciating the building's aesthetic. The fact that it's a public building now, often hosting events or markets, adds a dynamic element to its historical significance. This blend of past and present makes Koïffhus a compelling destination for those interested in history, architecture, and local culture. Reddit+1

Experiencing the Surrounding Square

The Koïffhus is situated in a beautiful and often lively town square. This area serves as a natural gathering place and often hosts various events, such as Christmas markets with traditional products and handicrafts, or art exhibitions. The presence of restaurants and cafes on either side of the square means there are ample opportunities to relax and soak in the atmosphere after exploring the historic building. Reddit

Travelers have noted the pleasant experience of finding refreshing shade and a breeze in the square, even on hot days, sometimes accompanied by live music like string duets. This suggests the square is designed to be an enjoyable public space year-round. It’s important for visitors to be aware that there is a restaurant named 'Au Koifhus' located in a different building across the square, so confirming the correct destination is key to avoid confusion. Reddit+1

The square's vibrancy, combined with the architectural beauty of the Old Customs House, creates a rich experience. Whether you're visiting for a specific event or just to enjoy the ambiance, the area around Koïffhus offers a delightful glimpse into local life and history. Reddit

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