Things to do in Alsace

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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