Alsace is not only the EU stronghold of Strasbourg, but a region that makes all wine lovers' eyes sparkle a little extra. This is one of France's most charming regions, where half-timbered villages are lined with vines and the rooftops are inhabited by storks. Every village has its Grand Cru estates and the medieval alleys are wonderfully narrow and flower-filled.
I've been to Alsace three times and I'll probably never get tired of going here. The region is a perfect stop for a few days on your way to a European road trip, but you could just as easily spend your entire vacation here.
Here I’ve collected my XNUMX favorite things to do in Alsace – from scenic wine routes and charming cheese museums to mountain hikes and unforgettable farm lunches with goats. A list for those who have already discovered the region’s magic, and for those who haven’t quite fallen in love yet.
1. Eguisheim
Eguisheim in Alsace is a cute little village with colorful half-timbered houses, flowery facades and narrow medieval ring roads. The village is famous for its wine production, storks that chatter from the roofs and the lush vines that grow right into the alleys.
Eguisheim was the birthplace of Pope Leo IX (not the current Pope), and the village's most famous wine producer, Wolfberger. Here you can wander through the vineyards, sample Grand Cru wines and enjoy inviting wine festivals. Evenings are filled with lively outdoor cafés and homely restaurants and shops. Eguisheim is one of my favourite towns in Alsace and a perfect base for exploring the region.
Read more about Eguisheim on my page: Eguisheim- Half-timbered houses, storks and vineyards in the heart of Alsace
2. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg – A Fairytale Fortress from the Middle Ages
On a cliff 757 meters above sea level lies the impressive Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. Dating back to the 17th century, the castle was rebuilt by Emperor Wilhelm II von Hohenzollern in the early 20th century. The emperor had a great fascination with the Middle Ages and created a castle that is almost exaggeratedly medieval. With drawbridges, courtyards, large gates, knights' halls and towers, it almost feels like entering a film set.
The castle is open to visitors all year round and is only closed during Christmas and New Year. There are guided tours in English, but the easiest way to discover the castle is with an audio guide. Allow approximately 2 hours for a visit. Dogs are not allowed.
Read more about the castle on the official website: Haut-Koenigsbourg castle : visit of a castle in Alsace, tourism in Alsace
3. Wine tasting on the Route des Vins d'Alsace
The XNUMX-kilometer-long Route des Vins d'Alsace winds from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, passing hundreds of wineries and the picture-perfect villages of Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, Obernai, Hunawihr, and Andlau. Whether you explore by car or by bike, the short distances between villages make it easy to stop, sip, and soak in the charm of Alsace.
The area grows white wine grapes of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner – but Riesling is by far the largest grape. The villages have wine festivals during summer and autumn and if you have the opportunity to time your visit to one of the festival days, you will get an extra experience.
Visiting wineries in the region couldn’t be easier – just follow the signs and drive in. Every winery we stopped at offered free tastings of their wines, even for casual drop-in visitors.
Read more about the wine route on the official website: Alsace Wine Route
4. Riquewihr
Riquewihr is one of the wine villages along the wine route, known for its medieval city wall, beautiful half-timbered houses and the historic Dolder Tower. The village's location at the foot of the Vosges Mountains creates optimal conditions for winegrowing.
Riquewihr is one of the most popular villages in the area, but despite its popularity, it's not just for its beauty that you'll return here, but also to taste the village's specialty: Macarons de Riquewihr. These juicy coconut-topped pastries, in flavors like chocolate, passion fruit, and pistachio, are baked at La Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie.
Read more: Tasting Riquewihr: A Sweet Journey for Coconut Macaroon Lovers
5. Ballons des Vosges and Route des Crêtes
When you've had enough of sugary half-timbered towns, Alsace's natural experiences in the mountain range The Vosges (Vosges) not far away. The Vosges is an area for skiing, hiking and fresh air. It's a bit like the Alps-lite, with cows roaming the slopes and cooler temperatures, but without the big tourist crowds.
Ballons des Vosges is one of France's largest regional national parks, covering an area of the Vosges mountain range and its soft peaks – the so-called "balloons".
The easiest way to taste the Vosges is to drive Route des Crêtes which begins west of Mulhouse. The road is considered one of France's most beautiful roads and offers countless panoramic views, historical sites and easily accessible hiking trails.
The highest peak in the Vosges is Le Grand Ballon at 1434 meters, where at the top there is a futuristic radar station and a memorial from World War I. A short and pleasant hike leads to the top – a must-stop during the car trip.
Read more about the Vosges Mountains on Explore Grand Est: Vosges | Explore Grand Est
6. Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg is one of the lesser-known half-timbered cities, with a history filled with emperors, gastronomy and crafts. The city is guarded from above by a ruin and surrounded by vines from the Grand Cru Schlossberg – Alsace’s largest and proudest terroir.
The Weiss River winds through the town, among the flamboyant facades and small alleys. But Kaysersberg is no sleepy backwater. Here, Michelin-starred restaurants coexist with pottery and local Alsatian whiskey. It is charming, full of taste sensations and just the right amount of touristy.
Read more: Kaysersberg in Alsace: Where Wine, Art, and Whiskey Meet
7. Munster cheese
No trip to France is complete without a visit to at least one cheese town! Alsace’s most famous cheese is Munster, named after the town where it originates. Made from the milk of cows grazing on fragrant mountain flowers, it earned the charming English nickname “the Stinking Beauty.” Definitely not your typical mild cheese – it’s an experience best enjoyed by adventurous palates!
In Munster there is the cheese museum La Maison du Fromage which provides a unique opportunity to see Munster cheese being made and there is also the opportunity to taste the cheese.
Read more on the Visit Alsace page about La Maison du Fromage: La Maison du Fromage – Munster Valley – Visit Alsace
8. Route of the 5 Castles
From Turckheim to Eguisheim runs the Route des XNUMX Châteaux (Route of the XNUMX Castles) – a winding road through the Vosges Mountains past five fascinating castle ruins: Château du Hohlandsbourg, Château de Pflixbourg, Les Trois Châteaux d’Eguisheim, and the trio of Château de Hagueneck, Wahlenbourg, and Weckmund. The largest, Hohlandsbourg, hosts medieval festivals and even has a restaurant, while the other ruins feel wilder and more untouched, perfect for explorers seeking history off the beaten path.
The road is a perfect day trip and it's really lovely to bring a baguette and a salad and have lunch along the way with a view of the vineyards from above.
The Route des 5 Châteaux is relatively steep and winding and the ruins are located some distance from the road on rocky paths, so good shoes are recommended. The road is closed during the winter months.
Read more about the road and its castles at Visit Alsace: The five castles road – Visit Alsace
9. Have lunch (and stay) at a ferme-auberge
The Vosges are dotted with charming family-run farms with restaurants – known as ferme-auberges. Here, you can enjoy lunch right on the farm, surrounded by animals and stunning views. The food is rustic, hearty, and full of potatoes and meat, often featuring dishes that are delightfully unfamiliar – and sometimes tricky to pronounce!
We had lunch in the sun atAuberge du Schmargultand besides getting a really goodRoigabrageldi(pronounce it if you can!) accompanied by a free-ranging goat that tried to steal bread from our table.
There are several ferme-auberges along the Route des Crêtes and beyond, and it’s popular to book stays with half board year-round. In winter, guests come for skiing, while in summer, hiking draws visitors. It’s an incredibly charming way to experience both the region and its rich food culture.
Read more and book your stay at one of the over 40 farms here: Les fermes-auberges du Haut-Rhin en Alsace
10. Ribeauville
Ribeauvillé is like a postcard from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale – of course with its fair share of half-timbered houses, wisteria, pretty signs and vines. The small medieval town offers Grand Cru wines, storks on the roofs and hills filled with history. Here the days pass at a leisurely pace, with horse-drawn flower carts on cobblestone streets and evenings that smell of onions, pork and tarte flambée.
Stroll along the Grand-Rue, admire the silhouettes of the three castles against the evening sky and gaze at the illuminated Tour des Bouchers. Ribeauvillé is a place where starry nights and stork nests are more important than a wild nightlife.
Read more: Ribeauvillé – Vineyards and the Tale of Three Castles
11. Colmar
Colmaris the crown jewel of Alsace half-timbered dreams. Take the charm of all the little half-timbered villages in the area and scale it up to a city, and you have Colmar. Colmar is the heart of the wine region and in the city's many caves you can easily taste your way through the entire wine region without having to drive.
Colmar was founded in the 9th century and despite fires and wars, the city's core has remained intact over the centuries. Some of the most beautiful houses you shouldn't miss are Pfister House and Koïfhus, but Colmar also has a well-stocked and well-known food market.
Read more: Colmar – Alsace's charming town with canals and half-timbered houses
Would you like to read more about Alsace and France?
Read more about all the attractions in Alsace on my Alsace page!
Do you want to read more about France? Here you will find more articles about nature, cities, caves and hiking.
