Alsace

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and has shaped the city's skyline for centuries. Its construction began in 1176 and was only completed in 1439, combining elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles. From 1647 to 1874, it was the tallest building in the world. You will be captivated by its intricate facade with countless sculptures and the impressive rose window. Inside, magnificent stained-glass windows from the 12th to 14th centuries await you, along with the famous astronomical clock, whose figures come to life daily at 12:30 PM. A climb up 332 steps to the viewing platform offers an unparalleled panoramic view of Strasbourg and the Rhine Plain. Our Tip: It's best to visit the cathedral early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and special light, and to avoid the crowds. Allow ample time for the astronomical clock and be there by 12:00 PM at the latest to secure a good spot.

La Petite Venise in Colmar is a historic quarter that owes its name to the canals of the Lauch. Originally, this area served as a hub for tanners, fishermen, and market gardeners, whose homes were built directly by the water to facilitate goods transport. Here you will discover an impressive collection of colorful half-timbered houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, picturesquely reflected in the river. The narrow alleys and small bridges contribute to its unique charm, conveying an authentic impression of Alsatian architecture and way of life from past centuries. It is a living testament to medieval urban planning and the once-flourishing trade. For the best experience, we recommend visiting the quarter early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and take advantage of the soft light for photos. A boat trip on the Lauch offers a special perspective on the architecture and canals.

The Alsace Wine Route, one of France's oldest and most famous wine routes, stretches over 170 kilometres from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south. You'll traverse a picturesque landscape of gentle, vine-covered hills and discover over a hundred charming wine villages. These villages, often with medieval centres and colourful half-timbered houses, such as Riquewihr, Eguisheim, or Kaysersberg, invite you to linger.The region has been shaped by viticulture for centuries, reflected in its architecture and local traditions. Its unique geographical location between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine creates a special microclimate that favours the cultivation of grape varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Plan several days for a comprehensive exploration to enjoy the diversity of its wineries and local gastronomy. Our tip: Visit the Wine Route in spring, when the vines bud, or in autumn for the grape harvest, to experience the lively atmosphere and colourful landscape. To avoid the largest tourist crowds, focus on the smaller, lesser-known villages off the main routes or start your visits early in the morning.

The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg stands majestically on a rocky spur in the Vosges Mountains, offering an impressive insight into the medieval fortress architecture of Alsace. Its history dates back to the 12th century, but it owes its current appearance to an extensive restoration under Emperor Wilhelm II at the beginning of the 20th century. This reconstruction, led by Bodo Ebhardt, aimed to create an idealized image of a medieval castle, making the Château a unique testament to imperial historical interpretation.During your visit, you'll explore well-preserved courtyards, living quarters, the keep, and the imposing defensive walls. From the upper platforms, you'll enjoy a sweeping panoramic view over the Rhine Plain, the Vosges Mountains, and on a clear day, even as far as the Black Forest. The blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements, as well as the detailed furnishings, convey a vivid picture of life in a medieval castle. Our Tip: To avoid peak crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the site, it's best to visit the Château early in the morning right after opening or in the late afternoon. For the best photos of the castle in its full splendor, a vantage point from the access road is recommended.

Eguisheim, located in the heart of Alsace, is a historic village that will impress you with its unique, concentric architecture built around the former castle of the Counts of Eguisheim. This architectural style, rooted in medieval urban planning, lends the village its unmistakable charm. You'll wander through narrow, cobblestone streets, lined with colorful half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, often richly adorned with flowers. Eguisheim is considered the birthplace of Pope Leo IX. and is deeply rooted in Alsatian wine culture; numerous winemakers offer tastings. Our Tip: The best time to visit Eguisheim is during the week or early in the morning, to peacefully explore its picturesque lanes and enjoy the atmosphere without large crowds. For an impressive perspective of the entire village, with its three castle ruins in the background, a stroll through the surrounding vineyards is highly recommended.

Die Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg ist ein herausragendes Beispiel gotischer Architektur und prägt seit Jahrhunderten das Stadtbild. Ihr Bau begann im Jahr 1176 und zog sich über mehrere Jahrhunderte hin, was zu einer faszinierenden Mischung architektonischer Stile führte. Mit ihrem 142 Meter hohen Turm war sie lange Zeit das höchste Gebäude der Welt und ein Symbol für die Ingenieurskunst ihrer Epoche. Im Inneren erwarten dich beeindruckende Glasfenster, darunter die große Rosette, sowie die berühmte astronomische Uhr aus der Renaissance, die täglich um 12:30 Uhr mittags eine faszinierende Apostelprozession zeigt. Für einen unvergleichlichen Ausblick über Straßburg und die Rheinebene kannst du die Aussichtsplattform besteigen. Unser Tipp: Um die Menschenmassen zu vermeiden und die Kathedrale in Ruhe zu erkunden, besuche sie am besten direkt nach der Öffnung am Morgen. Für die astronomische Uhr solltest du mindestens 30 Minuten vor der Vorführung anwesend sein, um einen guten Blick zu erhalten.