A panorama of Place Kleber with a christmas tree and christmas market in Strasbourg, Alsace

Things to do in  Alsace

A French fairy tale come to life

Once the subject of bloody battles and Franco-German disputes, Alsace is a mountainous melting pot of French, Swiss, and German influences. From the regional capital of Strasbourg to the Hansel-and-Gretel-esque towns of Colmar, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim, storybook backdrops are everywhere. Bike between candy-colored villages and medieval castles, follow the Alsace Wine Trail, or visit France’s famous Christmas markets. And if you run out of fun things to do in Alsace, hop over the Rhine River to explore Germany’s Black Forest or Switzerland’s Basel.

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Top 15 attractions in Alsace

#1

La Petite France

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With its lattice of canals and half-timbered townhouses, La Petite France on Grande Île is one of Strasbourg’s most picturesque areas and is an integral part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site. At the mouth of the River Ill, the historic district is the city’s oldest area, dating back to the 16th-century when it was inhabited by fishermen, tanners, and millers.More
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#2

Colmar Old Town (Vieux Colmar)

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A highlight along the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar’s compact and lovingly preserved medieval center is renowned for its postcard-worthy prettiness. Come here to admire the town’s half-timbered buildings painted rainbow colors, fishing boats bobbing along the flower-lined canal ways, and a maze of cobblestone lanes dotted with small cafés and artisan shops.More
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#3

Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame (Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg)

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The Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame (also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, or simply, Strasbourg Cathedral) is the second most-visited cathedral in France, after Notre Dame in Paris. Up to 4 million people visit each year to admire its 465-foot (142-meter) spire and dramatic red facade sculpted from Vosges sandstone.More
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#4

Little Venice (Petite Venise)

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The colorful heart of Colmar earns its nickname from the canal-like Lauch River that divides its two banks, each lined with half-timbered fishermen’s homes that seem plucked straight from a fairytale. Soak up its quintessential Alsatian charm that's an easy day trip from Rhine River cruise ports.More
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#5

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

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Perched high in the Vosges Mountains, overlooking the Alsatian plains, the striking pink sandstone towers of the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg are an unmissable sight. Built in the 12th century and extensively renovated in the 19th century, the fairy-tale fortress is a popular attraction along the Alsace Wine Route.More
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#6

Vauban Dam (Barrage Vauban)

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One of Strasbourg’s key historical landmarks, the Vauban Dam (known locally as the Barrage Vauban was built in 1686. Designed by military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the covered bridge crosses the River Ill and also functions as a defensive fortification. It now houses a gallery and its rooftop is accessible to visitors.More
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#7

Rohan Palace (Palais Rohan)

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Built for then-Bishop оf Strasbourg, Cardinal Armand Gaston Maximilien de Rohan, 18th-century Palais Rohan has hosted an impressive guest list throughout its history—Louis XV, Marie Antoinette, Napoléon Bonaparte, and Charles X. Now, the riverfront landmark on Grande Île plays host to three important cultural institutions: Musée des Beaux-Arts,xa0 Musée Archéologique, and Musée des Arts Décoratifs.More
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#8

Pfister House (Maison Pfister)

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With its candy-colored buildings and half-timbered townhouses, Colmar has no shortage of photo-worthy architecture, but the Pfister House (Maison Pfister) stands out from the crowd. Its traditional wooden balconies, two-story corner oriel, and octagonal tower have a medieval fairy-tale quality and are decorated with ornate murals.More
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#9

Place Gutenberg

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Named after one-time Strasbourg resident Johannes Gutenberg, who famously invented the movable-type printing press in 1439, Gutenberg Square (Place Gutenberg) remains an important commercial and navigation center of Strasbourg's Old Town. Strategically located close to Strasbourg Cathedral, it's a popular meeting place, surrounded by cafés and restaurants.More
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#10

Unterlinden Museum (Musee Unterlinden)

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Occupying a 13th-century Dominican convent in the Alsace town of Colmar, the Unterlinden Museum (Musée Unterlinden) features a large collection of European art, spanning the period between the Middle Ages and the 20th century. Its best-known work is the altarpiece of Isenheim, created with a mix of sculpture and painting in the early 16th century.More
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#11

Strasbourg Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts)

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A trio of bridges arching over the canal ways of the River Ill, the Strasbourg Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts) are an iconic symbol of the city, marking the gateway to its central Grande-Île. A lasting vestige of Strasbourg’s medieval fortifications, the bridges once featured wooden roofs which offered soldiers protection.More
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#12

Orangerie Park (Parc de l'Orangerie)

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Covering 64 acres (26 hectares in central Strasbourg, the Orangerie Park (Parc de l’Orangerie is the city’s oldest and biggest public park. Dating from the 18th century—and some claim—planted in 1804 to the plans of Versailles’ garden landscaper, André Le Nôtre, it offers flower-lined lawns, a lake, pavilion, stork sanctuary, and family attractions.More
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#13

Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik)

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Among Europe’s most popular Christmas markets, Strasbourg’s annual Christkindelsmärik sees the city transform into a whirlwind of festivity. More than 2 million yearly visitors flock to the seasonal market, which includes craft and gift stalls andvin chaud (mulled wine) vendors, as well as an ice rink and carolers.More
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#14

Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien)

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Set up in 1907 to preserve the region’s unique cultural heritage, Strasbourg’s Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien) is a fascinating tribute to Alsatian folk arts and traditions, with more than 5,000 items on display. Housed in a trio of 16th- and 17th-century timber-framed mansions, each of the museum’s rooms provides a snapshot of traditional Alsatian life.More
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#15

Toy Museum of Colmar (Musée du Jouet Colmar)

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The Toy Museum (Musée du Jouet), a small, playful space in the heart of Colmar, is aimed at visitors both young and old. Home to a collection of playthings that date from the 19th century to the present day, the museum (housed in a former movie theater) offers exhibits about everything from dolls to model trains to board games.More
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Top activities in Alsace

Alsace Colmar, Medieval Villages & Castle Small Group Day Trip from Strasbourg

Alsace Colmar, Medieval Villages & Castle Small Group Day Trip from Strasbourg

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Alsace Wine Route Small Group Half-Day Tour with Tasting from Strasbourg

Alsace Wine Route Small Group Half-Day Tour with Tasting from Strasbourg

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Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg

Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg

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Alsace 4 Wonders Small-Group Day Trip from Colmar

Alsace 4 Wonders Small-Group Day Trip from Colmar

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Day trip: Colmar, Haut-Koenigsbourg, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg
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Day trip: Colmar, Haut-Koenigsbourg, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg

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Alsace Half Day Wine Tour from Colmar
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Alsace Half Day Wine Tour from Colmar

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Alsace Full Day Wine Tour from Colmar

Alsace Full Day Wine Tour from Colmar

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Alsace Tour : Wine Tasting, Villages & Castle Visits with friendly Tesla driver

Alsace Tour : Wine Tasting, Villages & Castle Visits with friendly Tesla driver

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France, Germany and Switzerland Full Day Tour from Colmar

France, Germany and Switzerland Full Day Tour from Colmar

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Alsace 4 Wonders Private Full Day Trip

Alsace 4 Wonders Private Full Day Trip

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Alsace Discovery Private Tour with Local Villages & Castles

Alsace Discovery Private Tour with Local Villages & Castles

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$545.98
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ICONICS Tour: 1/2 day on the Wine Route, visit of 2 Villages + Tasting.
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ICONICS Tour: 1/2 day on the Wine Route, visit of 2 Villages + Tasting.

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$103.74
Alsace villages half day tour from Colmar

Alsace villages half day tour from Colmar

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Alsace Private Tailored Tour in a Tesla with a Local

Alsace Private Tailored Tour in a Tesla with a Local

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Germany Freiburg & Black Forest Private Day Trip from Strasbourg

Germany Freiburg & Black Forest Private Day Trip from Strasbourg

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Alsace's Gems Small Group Day Tour from Colmar

Alsace's Gems Small Group Day Tour from Colmar

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Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg
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Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg

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Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour

Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour

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Strasbourg Like a Local Customized Private Guided Walking Tour

Strasbourg Like a Local Customized Private Guided Walking Tour

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Through Alsace Vineyards and Wine Villages Private Bike Tour

Through Alsace Vineyards and Wine Villages Private Bike Tour

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All about Alsace

When to visit

Alsace has four distinct seasons, but most visitors come in summer (July-August) or over the festive season (late November-December) when prices can shoot up. The holiday season is arguably the most atmospheric, as it's when you can visit the many Christmas markets and hit the ski slopes in the Vosges Mountains. Alternatively, sunny summertime is ideal for hiking, cycling, and wine tasting, and you can always escape into the mountains if it gets too hot.

Getting around

The rolling hills of Alsace were made for scenic road trips and leisurely bike rides, perhaps following the Alsace Wine Route or one of the region’s three EuroVelo routes. TER trains and buses connect Alsace’s main towns and villages, and the Alsa Plus pass affords access to the region’s entire public transport network. Festive visitors can also hop on the Christmas Shuttle, which whisks you between the region’s Christmas markets.

Traveler tips

Strasbourg is France’s undisputed Christmas capital and hosts the country’s largest Christmas market. Don’t limit yourself to the city, though, as some of the most atmospheric Christmas markets are held in nearby towns including Colmar, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Mulhouse.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+33
Language(s)
French
Attractions
23
Tours
204
Reviews
3,564
EN
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People Also Ask

What is Alsace France famous for?

Alsace is famous for its unique mix of French and German heritage, its seasonal Christmas markets (the most popular in France), and its picturesque medieval towns and castles. The mountainous region is also renowned for its delicious Alsatian cuisine—most notably, regional dish flammekueche or tarte flambée— and white wines.

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How many days do you need in Alsace?

You need a minimum of three days to take in the highlights of Alsace but a week will feel less rushed. Plan at least one day in Strasbourg, a day to visit Colmar and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, and a day for the villages and vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route.

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What is the typical food of Alsace?

The Alsace region is renowned for its German- and French-inspired cuisine, along with its acclaimed white wines. Traditional Alsatian dishes include flammekueche (tarte flambée), baeckeoffe (casserole marinated in white wine ), and coq au riesling (variation of coq au vin). Choucroute (sauerkraut), spaetzle (noodles), and bretzels (pretzels) are also popular.

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Do you need a car in Alsace?

No, you don't need a car. It’s possible to explore Alsace by bike, public transport, or tourist shuttle (peak seasons only). Alsace has a well-developed network of trains and buses connecting the main towns and cities. Having a car can be handy for exploring the region’s castles, vineyards, and mountains.

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What is there to see between Colmar and Strasbourg?

The road trip between Colmar and Strasbourg takes about an hour, but there’s plenty to see along the way. Visit the mountaintop Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg and the picturesque medieval town of Riquewihr, go wine tasting along the Alsace Wine Route, or stop at Freiburg im Breisgau in the Black Forest.

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Is Strasbourg or Colmar better?

Both Strasbourg and Colmar are worth visiting. Strasbourg is much larger and packed with hotels, restaurants, and museums, making it the ideal spot for a weekend break. Colmar, on the other hand, is easily explored in a day and is perfectly situated for wine tasting along the Alsace Wine Route.

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