Colmar

CityCulture

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.

Overview

Colmar, a city in Alsace, is distinguished by its historic old town and the architectural blend of French and German influences. Here you'll encounter numerous well-preserved half-timbered houses, standing along winding alleys and canals, which gave the district "La Petite Venise" its name. A cultural anchor point is the Musée Unterlinden, which preserves the Isenheimer Altar, a masterpiece of late medieval art. Explore the Fischermarkt district and the banks of the River Lauch for authentic insights into the cityscape, or visit the former custom house Koïfhus. Colmar also serves as an ideal starting point to discover the Alsace Wine Route with its traditional wine-growing villages. The city can be optimally explored on foot or by canal boat; a visit in spring or autumn is advisable to avoid the peak tourist seasons.

Places in Colmar

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Sights in Colmar

Taller de chocolate en Colmar

Attraction in 12 Pl. de la Cathédrale.

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Quai de la Poissonnerie Colmar

Attraction in 25 Quai de la Poissonnerie.

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Platz der Liebe

Attraction in 11 Pl. de la Cathédrale.

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La Petite Venise

Exklusives italienisches Restaurant in historischem Ambiente mit Innenhof, saisonalen Gerichten, Bier & Wein.

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Unterlinden Museum

Zum Museum für sakrale und lokale Geschichte und Kunst umgebautes Dominikanerkloster aus dem 13. Jh.

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City walks in Colmar

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

Colmars Kulturelle Schätze und Kaiserzeit-Architektur

Dieser Spaziergang führt Sie abseits der malerischen Fachwerkgassen zu den kulturellen Hauptattraktionen Colmars und enthüllt Facetten der Stadtgeschichte, von mittelalterlicher Kunst bis zur Architektur der Kaiserzeit. Entdecken Sie Meisterwerke, beeindruckende Monumente und Zeugnisse einer wechselvollen Vergangenheit, die ein tieferes Verständnis der Stadt Colmar ermöglichen.

~2 Std. 30 Min.

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Stopps (7)

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Colmar's Cultural Heritage

Colmar, nestled in the heart of Alsace, is a living museum of its complex history and rich culture. The city embodies a unique blend of French and German identity, manifest in its architecture, art, and local traditions.Colmar's historical roots stretch back to Roman times, with its first documented mention in the 9th century. As a significant Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire, Colmar developed into an important trading hub during the Middle Ages. This era profoundly shaped the city before it became French in the 17th century and changed nationality multiple times over the centuries.The cityscape is characterized by a remarkably well-preserved old town, whose picturesque half-timbered houses from the 14th to 18th centuries feature Gothic and Renaissance elements. An artistic highlight is the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald in the Unterlinden Museum, a key work of late Gothic art. The “Petite Venise” with its canals and historic buildings attests to Colmar's former importance as a trading city.Local traditions reflect the Alsatian identity, for instance in the regional cuisine, wine festivals, and the famous Christmas markets, which are deeply rooted in the region's history and cultural exchange.

Exploring locally

The charming city of Colmar is ideal for exploring on foot, as most attractions are easily accessible. For longer distances within the city, the public bus network TRACE offers a practical option. Travellers wishing to explore the picturesque region will benefit from the well-connected train station with regular rail services.

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Campgrounds nearby (15km)

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Locations nearby

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Alsace

Welcome to Alsace, a region of France that will enchant you with its unique blend of German and French culture! Here you'll find picturesque wine villages, historic towns with half-timbered houses, and unparalleled hospitality that you'll feel everywhere. Let yourself be captivated by the culinary delights and the rich history of this fascinating border region.

Eguisheim

Welcome to Eguisheim, often crowned as one of **France's most beautiful villages**, where a magical labyrinth of cobblestone streets awaits you, winding in concentric circles around its historic center. Immerse yourself in the picturesque setting of Alsace, characterized by flower-adorned half-timbered houses and an unmistakable atmosphere that invites dreaming and transports you to a bygone era.

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

Welcome to Ribeauvillé, a picturesque gem on the Alsace Wine Route, where history, wine, and charming half-timbered architecture combine to create an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of this flower-decked town, which will immediately captivate you with its narrow streets and the majestic ruins of its three castles perched high above the vineyards. Here, you'll feel the spirit of Alsace with every step!

The Alsace Wine Route

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

Colmar

Overview

Places in Colmar

Sights in Colmar

Taller de chocolate en Colmar

Quai de la Poissonnerie Colmar

Platz der Liebe

La Petite Venise

Unterlinden Museum

City walks in Colmar

1Musée Unterlinden

2Dominikanerinnenkirche (Église des Dominicains)

3Musée Bartholdi

4Place Rapp & Statue Général Rapp

5Cour d'Appel (Gerichtsgebäude)

6Synagoge von Colmar

7Lycée Bartholdi (Ehemaliges Jesuitenkolleg)

Dining &amp; Drinks

Colmar's Cultural Heritage

Exploring locally

Accommodations in Colmar

Accommodations in Colmar

Campgrounds in Colmar

Plan your trip to Colmar

Save places

Build your route

Refine with AI

Locations nearby

Alsace

Eguisheim

Riquewihr

Ribeauvillé

The Alsace Wine Route

Dining & Drinks