Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    Eguisheim

    France

    Eguisheim

    VillageCulinaryCultureFor Families

    Eguisheim, on the Alsace Wine Route just southwest of Colmar, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". Its cobbled streets spiral around the central castle, lined with colorful, flower-adorned half-timbered houses.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Alsace
    9. Eguisheim
    Eguisheim, on the Alsace Wine Route just southwest of Colmar, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". Its cobbled streets spiral around the central castle, lined with colorful, flower-adorned half-timbered houses. The Grand Cru sites Eichberg and Pfersigberg surround it.

    Sights

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Das mittelalterliche Dorfzentrum & Ringgassen

    Das mittelalterliche Dorfzentrum & Ringgassen

    Eguisheim's village center is laid out in concentric rings around the castle, an unusual and well-preserved example of medieval town planning. In the narrow, cobbled streets stand colorful half-timbered houses, many from the 16th and 17th centuries, often adorned with flowers. Eguisheim is one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”.The ring streets lead you through the entire historic core. Look out for wood carvings and bay windows. In the center lie the castle with the Saint-Léon chapel and nearby the Saints-Pierre-et-Paul church.Practical Tip: In the early morning, the streets are quiet. A walk on the outer ring, the Rempart, shows you the village's structure and the surrounding vineyards.
    Open in Google Maps
    Château St-Léon-Pfalz & Place du Château

    Château St-Léon-Pfalz & Place du Château

    At the heart of Eguisheim stands the Château Saint-Léon, the castle of the Counts of Eguisheim. Its octagonal curtain wall and equally octagonal keep date, according to current knowledge, from the early 13th century. Built on the foundations of the keep, the Neo-Romanesque Chapelle Saint-Léon IX was constructed between 1888 and 1894. It commemorates Pope Leo IX, who, according to tradition, was born here in 1002; however, Dabo in Lorraine is also a possible birthplace. In front lies the Place du Château, featuring a fountain and a statue of Leo, surrounded by half-timbered houses.Our Tip: The square is quiet in the early morning; with the sun low in the sky, the chapel makes for a beautiful photo opportunity.
    Open in Google Maps
    Kirche St. Peter und Paul

    Kirche St. Peter und Paul

    The Church of Saints-Pierre-et-Paul in Eguisheim was built around 1220 on a Carolingian predecessor building. In 1807, it was largely demolished and rebuilt; only the lower part of the 13th-century bell tower remained. In the Romanesque porch, you'll see a polychrome tympanum depicting Christ between Peter and Paul, below which is the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. Particularly valuable is the Vierge ouvrante, a painted wooden Madonna from the late 13th or early 14th century, whose upper body can be opened; there are only two such figures in Alsace.Our tip: It's quiet here in the morning. Take your time to admire the tympanum in the porch.
    Open in Google Maps

    Storchennester

    Eguisheim is renowned for its numerous stork nests, visible on the roofs of its historic buildings. Keep an eye out for these majestic birds, often raising their young, a distinctive part of the Alsatian landscape. It's a wonderful natural experience you can witness firsthand.
    Open in Google Maps

    Vins d'Alsace Gilbert Meyer

    Attraction in Caveau de dégustation - vente.
    Open in Google Maps

    City walks in Eguisheim

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Eguisheim: Between Vines and Panoramas – A Walk Through the Vineyards

    Escape the busy heart of Eguisheim and immerse yourself in the picturesque world of its surrounding vineyards. This walk leads you away from the colourful lanes up to the slopes of the famous Grand Cru sites, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Alsace, the Vosges and the charming village itself. Learn about winegrowing, the terroirs of Eichberg and Pfersigberg and the peaceful beauty of nature.

    ~1 Std. 45 Min.
    Open in Google Maps
    Stops (8)

    Restaurants & Cafés

    Auberge du Brand

    In this charming restaurant, authentic Alsatian cuisine awaits you in a cozy atmosphere. Be sure to try the 'Baeckeoffe' or one of the excellent Flammkuchen variations, accompanied by a local wine. The warm hospitality will immediately captivate you.
    Show on Google Maps

    Le Sarment

    Le Sarment offers an exquisite blend of traditional Alsatian dishes and sophisticated cuisine that creatively interprets local products. The wine list is superbly stocked, and the elegant ambiance makes it an ideal place for a special dinner. Let yourself be surprised by the seasonal specialties.
    Show on Google Maps

    Caveau d'Eguisheim

    Immerse yourself in the rustic coziness of a typical Alsatian cellar. Here you enjoy hearty regional specialties like 'Choucroute' or 'Tourte Vigneronne' in a historic wine cellar ambiance. It's the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine after a day of explorations and experience authentic cuisine.
    Show on Google Maps

    Café Pâtisserie Marx

    For a sweet treat or a delicious breakfast, Café Pâtisserie Marx is the perfect spot. Here you'll find homemade cakes, tarts, and fine pastries to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. A must for anyone with a sweet tooth and a perfect chance to watch the bustling village life.
    Show on Google Maps

    Au Vieux Porche

    Restaurant in 16 Rue des 3 Châteaux.
    Show on Google Maps

    Food and Drink

    Eguisheim is small and densely built, with its Winstubs lining the two ring streets. The village's wineries are numerous and mostly family-run.

    Grand Cru Eichberg and Pfersigberg

    The two sites above the village are known for Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. The wines are powerful and often with some residual sweetness.

    Winstub Cuisine

    Baeckeoffe, Flammkuchen and Zwiebelkuchen feature on the menus. In winter, game dishes from the Vosges join them.

    Crémant d'Alsace

    Several estates in the town make sparkling wine using the traditional method. It is often served as an aperitif for tasting.

    Christmas fair

    During Advent, stalls fill the Ringgassen. It's considered one of Alsace's most atmospheric and is consequently packed.

    Culture, Art & History of Eguisheim

    Eguisheim is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" and is deeply rooted in the history of Alsace.Eguisheim's settlement dates back far; its parish church stands on a Carolingian predecessor. It's known as the traditional birthplace of Pope Leo IX. (1002), though Dabo in Lorraine is also a possibility. The concentric street arrangement around the Counts of Eguisheim's castle is an unusual, well-preserved example of medieval town planning. Its 16th and 17th-century half-timbered houses showcase typical Alsatian architectural features: colorful facades and wood carvings.Village life is closely linked to viticulture, which has shaped the area for centuries. Wine festivals and the Christmas market in the circular lanes are part of the annual cycle, alongside Alsatian dialect and regional specialties.

    Exploring locally

    The historic center is largely car-free; explore it on foot. A bike is great for the surrounding vineyards. Colmar is about six kilometers away; from there, buses run to Eguisheim; by car, park on the outskirts.

    Accommodations in Eguisheim

    Find perfect stay in Eguisheim

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Campgrounds in Eguisheim

    Find perfect campground in Eguisheim

    Search via Google Maps
    Campgrounds nearby (15km)
    Camping.info
    Find Campgrounds
    Park4Night
    RV Parks & Camping

    Nearby

    Colmar

    Colmar

    Colmar, located in Alsace, captivates with its picturesque old town and the unique blend of French and German culture. Here you'll find well-preserved half-timbered houses, winding alleys and canals, which have earned Colmar the nickname "Little Venice" (La Petite Venise). A central highlight is the Musée Unterlinden, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece and making art history accessible. Stroll through the Fischermarkt quarter and along the Lauch River to experience the idyllic scenery, or visit the historic Koïfhus. The city is also an excellent starting point for the Alsatian Wine Route. You can best explore Colmar on foot or by boat; the spring and autumn months are ideal for a visit to avoid crowds.
    Riquewihr

    Riquewihr

    Riquewihr, a picturesque village on the Alsatian Wine Route, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. The main street, Rue du Général de Gaulle, leads you past colorful half-timbered houses and historic buildings that reflect the rich heritage of the place. Particularly striking is the Dolder Tower, a former 13th-century defensive gate that now houses a museum and offers insights into the local history. Here you will find numerous wine taverns and shops offering local products and the famous Alsatian wine. To experience the authentic atmosphere away from the main thoroughfare, we recommend exploring the smaller alleys and courtyards. A visit in spring or autumn, outside the high season, allows for a calmer experience of the historic setting and wine tastings.
    Ribeauvillé

    Ribeauvillé

    Ribeauvillé is a small town on the Alsace Wine Route, about 15 kilometers north of Colmar. Along the Grand'Rue stand half-timbered houses, fountains, and the Butcher's Tower; above the vineyards are the ruins of three castles belonging to the Lords of Rappoltstein. The town is also known for its Pfeifertag (Piper's Day) in September and the surrounding Grand Cru vineyards.
    The Alsace Wine Route

    The Alsace Wine Route

    France’s oldest wine route winds through picturesque villages, past endless vineyards, and offers tastings of famous Alsatian wines.
    Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

    Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

    The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, the High Königsburg, stands at about 750 meters on a mountain spur of the Vosges overlooking the Rhine plain. The castle was first mentioned in 1147, rebuilt in the 15th century, and destroyed in 1633 during the Thirty Years' War. Between 1900 and 1908, Kaiser Wilhelm II had it rebuilt by architect Bodo Ebhardt. You can visit furnished rooms such as the Emperor's Hall, the Armory, and the living quarters, plus the keep, courtyards, and battlements with views over the plain to the Black Forest. It is quieter in the morning or late afternoon.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI