Alsace

Region

Alsace, one of France's most picturesque regions, charms visitors with its unique blend of French lifestyle and German traditions. Characterized by vineyards, fairytale villages with half-timbered houses, and a rich history, it is a paradise for culture and culinary enthusiasts.The region offers unparalleled gastronomy, world-renowned wines, and a warm hospitality that invites you to linger.

Alsace, located on the border with Germany, is a region with a distinct bicultural identity, shaped by French and German influences.Here you'll find the picturesque Route des Vins d'Alsace, winding through gentle hills and renowned vineyards, past charming villages like Riquewihr and Eguisheim with their characteristic half-timbered houses.The capital, Strasbourg, impresses with its Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral and the historic district of Petite France, while Colmar is known for its 'Little Venice' and the Unterlinden Museum.Alsatian cuisine reflects this cultural blend, with specialties like Tarte Flambée and Choucroute garnie, accompanied by regional white wines such as Riesling.Historically significant is Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle (Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg), an imposing hilltop castle with expansive views over the Rhine plain.For a relaxed exploration of the wine villages, spring or autumn is recommended, when the vineyards are in full splendor or the grape harvest begins.

Places in Alsace

Obernai

Welcome to Obernai, one of the most charming medieval towns in the heart of Elsass! Let yourself be enchanted by the picturesque half-timbered houses, the flower-decked alleys, and the rich history of this former imperial city, while you enjoy the authentic Alsatian way of life along the famous Weinstraße.

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

This imposing fortress perches majestically on a rock, offering a spectacular panoramic view over the Rhine Plain and the Vosges.

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.

Mulhouse

The southernmost major city of Alsace is known for its fascinating museums, especially the Automobile Museum (Cité de l'Automobile) and the Railway Museum (Cité du Train), which bring industrial history to life.

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.

The Alsace Wine Route

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

Strasbourg

Strasbourg, a fascinating city in Alsace, blends French elegance with German precision and serves as an important European hub. You will be impressed by the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, a Gothic masterpiece featuring its astronomical clock. The historic quarter La Petite France captivates with its picturesque half-timbered houses, winding alleys, and canals, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the covered bridges (Ponts Couverts) and the Barrage Vauban for panoramic views over the city and the Ill River. In the European Quarter, you can visit the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, testaments to Strasbourg's role as a European capital. For a relaxed exploration, a visit in spring or autumn is recommended when tourist crowds are smaller. Be sure to try the local Alsatian cuisine in a traditional Winstub to experience the region's culinary unique flavor.

Sights in Alsace

Discover the most important sights and attractions

A Maze In - Escape Game Strasbourg

A Maze In - Escape Game Strasbourg offers you a modern form of interactive entertainment that has established itself worldwide in recent years. Here, you immerse yourself in thematically designed rooms where you and your team must solve a series of puzzles within a set time to fulfill a mission or escape. This type of game not only promotes logical thinking and creativity but also communication and cohesion within the group. The scenarios are often rich in detail and carefully designed to create an immersive atmosphere that allows you to fully dive into the respective story.Although Escape Games are a relatively young phenomenon, they draw on the universal fascination for puzzles and mysteries deeply rooted in human culture. They offer an exciting alternative to traditional leisure activities and challenge you in a playful way. Our Tip: To avoid disappointment, you should definitely book your desired slot online in advance, as spaces fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It is advisable to play with a team that brings diverse strengths to best master the various challenges.

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Zentralmoschee Strasbourg

The Strasbourg Central Mosque, officially known as Grande Mosquée de Strasbourg, is a significant building and an important center for the Muslim community in Alsace. Opened in 2012, it represents a modern interpretation of Islamic architecture that harmoniously blends into the cityscape. Its striking design, with a large dome and a slender minaret, symbolizes the presence and integration of Islam in Europe.Inside, you'll find a large prayer hall that impresses with its simple elegance and striking lighting. The mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a venue for intercultural dialogue and education. Here, you can soak in the serene atmosphere and admire the architectural details, such as the calligraphies and the design of the mihrab (prayer niche).Practical Tip: Visit the mosque outside of main prayer times to best experience the tranquility and architecture. Ensure appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees; women should also carry a headscarf. For a respectful visit and to avoid crowds, weekday mornings are recommended.

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Jung-Sankt-Peter protestantisch

The Jung-Sankt-Peter Protestant Church in Alsace is a significant testament to Strasbourg's rich history and the Reformation. Its origins date back to the 7th century, with the current structure impressively combining elements from various eras. Here you'll find a fascinating blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, reflecting the region's development. Particularly noteworthy is the Romanesque cloister, considered one of the most beautiful sites in Alsace, offering an oasis of calm. Inside, a Gothic nave awaits you, featuring remarkable frescoes and stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. The church played a central role during the Reformation, becoming an important Protestant preaching site. Pay attention to the intricate details of the stonework and the historic organ. For an undisturbed experience, we recommend visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Take your time to explore the cloister in peace – it offers excellent photo opportunities.

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Museum Œuvre Notre-Dame

The Museum Œuvre Notre-Dame in Strasbourg is inextricably linked to the history and construction of Strasbourg Cathedral. It preserves original artworks that once adorned the Cathedral and document the development of Gothic art in Alsace. Here you'll find an impressive collection of sculptures, stained-glass windows, building plans, and architectural fragments, spanning from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Particularly noteworthy are original statues such as the famous figures of „Ecclesia“ and „Synagoga“, which were removed from the Cathedral for protection against weathering and are exhibited here. The museum offers a deep insight into medieval architecture, the working methods of the 'Bauhütte' (cathedral workshop), and the continuous maintenance of the Cathedral over centuries. Our Tip: Ideally, visit the museum directly after the Cathedral to better understand the exhibits in the context of their original placement. For a peaceful experience and the opportunity to thoroughly examine the artworks' details, a morning visit is recommended.

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Food & Drink

The Cultural Heritage of Alsace

Alsace is a region whose identity is deeply shaped by its eventful history between France and Germany. This unique geopolitical position, dating back to Roman times and manifesting through eras under the Holy Roman Empire, the Kingdom of France, and the German Empire, has forged an unmistakable character. The region's history is marked by conflicts and intense cultural exchange, particularly evident during the Thirty Years' War and both World Wars, which repeatedly redefined its national allegiance.Architecturally, Alsace is renowned for its picturesque towns with well-preserved half-timbered houses, which notably define the townscapes of Strasbourg's "Petite France" and Colmar. The majestic Strasbourg Cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and bears witness to centuries of religious and artistic development. Numerous castles and fortresses, such as the impressive Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, attest to the region's strategic importance and eventful past.Culturally, Alsace maintains a rich blend of Franco-German traditions. The Alsatian language, a German dialect, is a key feature of this dual heritage and reflects the region's linguistic complexity. Local festivals and the distinct culinary tradition, which combines hearty German influences with French finesse, underscore this unique synthesis.

Locations nearby

These places are nearby — perfect for additional days or a day trip.

Strasbourg

Obernai

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

This imposing fortress perches majestically on a rock, offering a spectacular panoramic view over the Rhine Plain and the Vosges.

The Alsace Wine Route

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

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 Cultural Heritage of Alsace