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

    France

    Riquewihr

    VillageCulture

    Riquewihr, a picturesque village on the Alsatian Wine Route, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Alsace
    9. 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.

    Sites of Interest

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Sarl Etienne Simonis

    The family winery Etienne Simonis is located in Ammerschwihr, a few kilometers south of Riquewihr on the Wine Route. Here you can taste Alsatian wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris directly from the producer.Our tip: Arrange the tasting in advance and combine it with a visit to the neighboring villages.
    Open in Google Maps

    2Domaine DOPFF AU MOULIN

    The Domaine Dopff au Moulin in Riquewihr belongs to a winemaking family that has cultivated wine in the village since 1574. In the early 20th century, Julien Dopff began producing sparkling wine here using the traditional method of bottle fermentation, and is thus considered a pioneer of what would later become Crémant d'Alsace. During a visit, you can tour the cellars and taste wines, from Crémant to Riesling and Gewürztraminer, including those from the Grand Cru sites Schoenenbourg and Sporen of Riquewihr.Our Tip: Book tours and tastings in advance during peak season; it's quieter on weekday mornings.
    Open in Google Maps

    3Domaine Paul Blanck

    The Domaine Paul Blanck is a family winery in Kientzheim, a few kilometers south of Riquewihr. It is known for wines from the Grand Cru sites Schlossberg and Furstentum, as well as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris from other sites. During tastings, you will learn about the differences of these sites.Our tip: Book your wine tasting in advance, especially if you would like a guided tour.
    Open in Google Maps

    4Domaine BLANCK André et ses Fils

    The Domaine André Blanck et ses Fils is a family winery in Kientzheim, a few kilometers south of Riquewihr. Here you can taste typical Alsatian grape varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris directly from the producer and learn more about winemaking.Our tip: In high season, register in advance and combine your visit with a walk through Kientzheim.
    Open in Google Maps

    City walks in Riquewihr

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

    Riquewihr Green & Wine: Panoramic Views and Grand Cru Trails

    Discover the picturesque landscape around Riquewihr on a walk that leads you from the historic walls out into the endless vineyards. Enjoy breathtaking views, learn more about the famous Grand Cru sites and feel the bond between village and winegrowing that has shaped this region for centuries. This circular walk is a perfect complement to the charming village interior and shows Riquewihr from its green and far-reaching side.

    ~2 Std. 30 Min.
    Open in Google Maps
    Stops (7)

    Dining & Drinks

    Auberge du Froehn

    Restaurant in 5 Rte d'Ostheim.
    Show on Google Maps

    Au Trotthus

    Restaurant in 9 Rue des Juifs.
    Show on Google Maps

    La Grappe d'Or - Riquewihr

    Traditionelle Elsässer Küche in einem urigen Lokal mit historischen Werkzeugen und Utensilien an den Wänden.
    Show on Google Maps

    Le Caveau des Rois

    Restaurant in 1 Rue Hederich.
    Show on Google Maps

    Food & Drink

    Riquewihr thrives on wine. The main street is densely packed with Winstubs and salesrooms; quality varies accordingly; the wineries themselves are the more reliable address.

    Riesling from Riquewihr's vineyards

    The Grand Cru site Schoenenbourg above the village is one of the most famous in Alsace. The wines are dry, mineral, and long-keeping.

    Winstub Classic

    Choucroute, Baeckeoffe, and Flammkuchen are served in almost every eatery. If you prefer quiet, head for the side streets.

    Kougelhopf

    The fluted yeast cake is a breakfast staple, also baked in a savory version with bacon.

    Bredele in the Advent time

    From November, bakeries sell dozens of varieties of small Christmas cookies. The Christmas market then fills the entire main street.

    Culture, Art & History of Riquewihr

    Riquewihr's history stretches back to the Middle Ages. For a long time, it belonged to the Württemberg lordship of Reichenweier, experiencing a boom in the 16th century due to wine trade. Wars largely spared it, even during World War II, which contributed to its exceptional preservation.Narrow alleys lead between numerous half-timbered and stone houses from the 15th to 18th centuries, many featuring carvings, colourful facades, bay windows, and courtyards. The landmark is the Dolder, a gate tower from 1291, now home to a small museum; higher up stands the Diebsturm, the former prison.Riquewihr is closely linked to viticulture and one of the best-known stops on the Alsace Wine Route, with the Grand Cru vineyards Schoenenbourg and Sporen. The town is also known for its Christmas market.

    Local explorations

    You explore the town on foot, the centre is largely car-free. Parking lots are outside the Old Town and fill quickly during peak season and Advent. Regional buses connect Riquewihr with Colmar.

    Accommodations in Riquewihr

    Find perfect stay in Riquewihr

    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 Riquewihr

    Find perfect campground in Riquewihr

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

    Nearby

    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.
    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.
    Eguisheim

    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.

    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