14 Must do’s in Alsace | France

Dreaming of walking in a Disney movie? Then you have to visit the Alsace region in France! You can take beautiful walks in the Vosges mountain range, visit historic towns and eat delicious regional products. Here are my must do’s when in the Alsace region.

1) Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges

The Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges is a beautiful natural park in the Vosges. The park has been protected since 1989. If you’re lucky, you can spot the following animals: lynx, falcons, owls and many other bird species

2) Colmar

Colmar is located between Strasbourg and Mulhouse and is arguably the prettiest town in the region. The medieval center catapults you back in time. Be sure to visit the Maison Pfister and the 13th-century Eglise Saint-Martin. In Colmar you can also taste the local wines or visit one of the surrounding vineyards. Recommended! Explore it for yourself with our walking tour of Colmar.

3) Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the largest city and also the capital of the Grand Est region. It is also an important city politically, as it is home to the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The sessions of the European Parliament also take place here every other month. Strasbourg borders Germany and both French and German are spoken.

The Grande Île, the historic center of the city, is a UNESCO protected area and overflowing with sights. Be sure to stroll around on the narrow streets between the old half-timbered houses and along the medieval buildings. The eye-catcher is the gothic cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg where you can also admire the world-famous astronomical clock. Strasbourg is also an important student city full of museums and green parks.

4) Mulhouse

Like Strasbourg, the city of Mulhouse has a beautiful historic center. The city already existed in the ninth century and thus carries with it centuries of history. The must-see sights are the town hall from 1551 and the Bollwerk, a remnant of the fourteenth-century city wall. Another highlight is the neo-Gothic Temple Saint-Étienne.

5) Alsace Wines

Alsace is the most northerly wine region of France. The extensive vineyards are mainly located between Strasbourg and Mulhouse in the Rhine Valley. Mainly white wines are produced, but you can also taste some fresh red wines. The region is also known for the sparkling wine Crémant d’Alsace. Be sure to visit one of the wineries if you go to Alsace to taste the unique wines.

6) Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord

This UNESCO nature reserve is located in the north of the Vosges near the border with Germany. Unlike the Ballons des Vosges reserve mentioned above, you will not find high mountain peaks here, but you can take beautiful walks between wetlands, forests and rolling meadows.

7) Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle in Alsace-Vosges has a rich history spanning 9 centuries. When you visit this castle, you really imagine yourself in the Middle Ages! Here you can see what a defensive stronghold used to look like in the 15th and 16th centuries. The castle is located on the 755m high Stophanberg mountain, which strategically was the ideal place for a castle. The fact that this castle has been involved in wars and conflicts between kings and emperors several times makes it all the more interesting to visit!

8) Obernai

You will find old half-timbered houses, a beautiful medieval center, old city walls (partly restored), and the most striking: the Peter and Paul Church. Moreover, it is a well-maintained and clean town. Even more, sights that you can see here are the market with granaries, a beautiful fountain called Sainte-Odile, the town hall, a belfry, and the Place de L’étole.

9) Ribeauvillé

In Ribeauvillé you will find beautiful houses in a typical Alsatian architectural style and also old half-timbered houses. The Ribeaupierre family had three castles built around the 12th and 13th centuries. These castles, together with the other impressive sights, are the reason to visit Ribeauvillé

10) Riquewihr

Riquewihr is a tourist town that attracts an average of 2 million tourists a year. This is not surprising, because Riquewihr is beautifully situated surrounded by vineyards, hills, and nature. It also has a charming medieval center where you can admire the city walls and defensive strongholds. Part of the city walls today serves as a museum.

11) Bergheim

Bergheim is a medieval gem in the Alsace. You can admire the beautifully intact fortified walls and even walk around them via a finely laid path. During your walk, you will also see the 9 turrets and the remaining Gothic gate La Porte Haute. You can also get acquainted with the wine culture here by taking a walk along the vineyards via the wine trail.

12) Eguisheim

Eguisheim is considered to be one of the prettiest villages in Alsace. The village is known for its colorful streets, castle, and dreamy fountains and wells. You can also enjoy delicious food here and taste regional wines or local dishes. A must-see in Eguisheim is the 13th-century castle. The village was built in circles around this castle. Near the village, you can also visit three ruins of castles and from here you get a beautiful panoramic view of the area as icing on the cake.

13) Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg is one of the oldest villages in Alsace. Take a leisurely stroll, eat in a decorated restaurant or enjoy an aperitif in a café and don’t forget to follow the path just outside the village: here you walk up to the old castle to have an amazing view.

14) Hunawihr

A hidden gem in Alsace is the village of Hunawihr. Less known, but certainly not less beautiful. The church of Hunawihr is surrounded by beautiful vineyards, which provide very nice views as far as the eye can see.