ALSACE ROAD TRIP ITINERARY – THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Are you planning your Alsace itinerary and wondering about the best places to visit in Alsace in 3 days (or 4 days)? This post is for you: find out where to go, what to do, how to road trip Alsace and more travel tips.
The Alsace region in the eastern part of France is known for several things – most of all, its wine, food, and cute medieval towns. The 170-kilometer-long Alsatian Wine Route weaves its way through Alsace’s thousand-year-old wine country. From Thann to Marlenheim, it passes through a string of picturesque villages in full bloom and well-known wine-producing towns.
So, what does a person like me, a vegetarian who couldn’t care less about wine, do in Alsace?
The answer is that road-tripping this lovely province is one of the most beautiful trips you can take in France! And you do not have to be into wine to enjoy it. That‘s because vineyards are also for the eyes, and there are some of the most beautiful villages and towns here in France.
So, if you are wondering about a good – and quite short – road trip in Central Europe, then the Alsace Wine Route tour is probably perfect for you.
Here is my Alsace Wine Route road trip itinerary – 3 days in Alsace is the minimum, in my opinion. If you have 4, 5, 6, or 7 days, even better – but three days in Alsace is a good starting point for getting a very impression of this pretty region.
Here are some travel tips before naming some great stops and the best places to see in Alsace on this road trip.
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR AN ALSACE ROAD TRIP
Before talking about the most beautiful places in Alsace (from what I have seen), here are some travel tips.
Pin Me For Later – 3 Days in Alsace
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What is the Alsace Wine Route?
The Alsace Wine Route is a scenic drive through the vineyards and villages of Alsace, France. Stretching 170 kilometers between Marlenheim in the north and Thann in the south, this wine region is one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned.
Along the way, travelers can visit picturesque medieval villages and sample the region’s famous white wines, such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer, or explore its many museums. The route’s numerous wineries offer tours of their cellars, tastings of their best vintages and plenty of opportunity to purchase a bottle (or two) to take home.
So take a leisurely drive through this corner of rural France and discover why it is so beloved by wine-lovers around the world!
In addition to its incredible wine, the Alsace Wine Route also offers visitors a chance to experience some of France’s most beautiful landscapes. Driving along the route is like taking a journey through time; one minute you’re passing vineyards and charming villages, and the next you’re gazing at views of rolling hillsides punctuated by windmills and steeples.
The Alsace Wine Route also passes through some of the region’s most iconic attractions, such as Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg and Mont Sainte-Odile.
Whether you’re an oenophile (which is a connoisseur of wines) or just looking to explore a beautiful part of France, the Alsace Wine Route is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. So hit the road and get ready to savor all that this magical region has to offer!
This Alsace itinerary does not cover the whole route, but if you add one or two more days and stay in Alsace for 4 or 5 days total, you can do the full road trip.
How to Get to Alsace
There are some international airports here, including the ones in Strasbourg and Mulhouse-Basel (about 70km from Colmar).
Colmar and Strasbourg, the end and starting points of this itinerary, also have well-connected train stations (it takes less than two hours to get from Paris to Strasbourg on the fast train).
How to Get Around Alsace
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: If you visit Alsace, you will find out quickly that using public transportation can be tricky. Many travel bloggers complained about bus timetables that were not easy to understand.
ROAD TRIP: So, for this Alsace itinerary, the best way to get around is to drive yourself (no tolls included in this trip). You can either rent a car or get here on your own. For day trips, you can do organized tours or get around via train, which is quite easy from Colmar to Strasbourg, for example.
Driving in Alsace
Driving in Alsace is quite fun – the views are scenic, and the towns and villages you pass are pretty. The streets are well-paved. French drivers are generally a bit reckless and tend to tailgate. Don’t let them stress you out and drive at your own speed (there are speed signs everywhere, and though I did not see many speed cams, I would take speed limits seriously if you do not want to get tickets back home).
The brown signs indicate the “Alsace Wine Road Trip”. I did not always see them and really typed in each of the places I wanted to go to in my GPS. I made sure to add smaller places, so my GPS would navigate me correctly.
During peak season, parking can get difficult, but there is quite a lot of parking in front of each town/village.
One hour costs around 2€ in most places (if you are on a really tight budget, you could park your car about a kilometer outside of each town center). It is 3€ for a day pass in Eguisheim – which is an exception though, and normally you have to put coins into a small machine and pay in advance.
This means you have to think about the length of your stay in advance. Some places offer free parking on Sundays or after 7 pm.
Best Time to Visit For an Alsace Road Trip
Visiting between May and October means you will enjoy the most beautiful scenery! You will either enjoy the spring buds, the summer berries, or the fall harvest during this time.
I actually visited at the end of March and did not regret it though. Yes, I imaged it to be even greener and prettier in my head, but visiting in March or April when the vines had just started to bud also meant fewer visitors, fewer crowds (oh, these small towns and villages can get crowded), and more spontaneity with my hotel booking.
December is a very popular time to visit Alsace because of the famous Christmas Markets. However, if you have come here for the vineyards and to enjoy scenic rides while the sun is shining, come in the warmer months.
Check out my packing guide for Europe in winter or Europe in summer.
Where to Stay in Alsace
I stayed in Strasbourg for two nights and another night in Colmar. I explored Strasbourg for one full day and then drove to Colmar on my second day. Along the way, I managed to see all of the places I mention below. I spent my third day in Colmar and ended my trip there.
If this is your first trip to Europe, check out my Europe travel tips.
Map Of Best Places to Visit in Alsace
BEST PLACES TO VISIT ALONG THE ALSACE WINE ROUTE
If you rent a car, I suggest renting one on Day 2 of your trip. For Strasbourg, you will not need a car (flying into Strasbourg means you can get to the city center easily by public transportation or taxi).
Day 1: Strasbourg
I started my trip in Strasbourg. It is not an official part of the Alsace Wine Route road trip, but it is one of the region’s must-see places. It is so rich in sights and attractions that I would plan at least one full day here.
Strasbourg is a beautiful city located in the Alsace region of France. It is known as the “Capital of Europe” due to its home to several European institutions such as the European Parliament and Council of Europe.
The city also has a vibrant cultural life, with many festivals, museums, and galleries to explore. Strasbourg also contains some of the most beautiful architectural landmarks in France, including its impressive Notre Dame Cathedral.
I suggest spending a full day in Strasbourg and staying overnight before starting your next day early. Check out my detailed Strasbourg itinerary with detailed tips and more travel tips.
Where to Stay in Strasbourg
- If you want to indulge in a 5-star hotel in the old town of Strasbourg, right in Petite France, this hotel might be the perfect choice for your stay in Strasbourg – check out rates for Hotel Regent Petite France & Spa here.
- But if you are looking for a more budget-friendly hotel close to the old town, check out this Ibis Style hotel.
Day 2 : Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim
While the more scenic routes come when driving through the little towns and villages along the vineyards, I drove the highway to get to my first stop, which took me about 30 minutes.
I should mention that I normally left my hotel around 7 am, so I am out for quite a while and get to see as much as possible. So, for this second day, I managed to see a lot in Alsace, but if you do not want to start your day so early, you might have to skip one place or another.
Also, if you do a wine tasting, you will have to skip a few places – or add one or two more days to your itinerary so that you can visit all the places I saw in one day in 2 or 3 days.
OBERNAI
I did not spend much time here, but I really liked what I saw. I made Obernai the first real stop on my wine route tour.
Obernai is a charming medieval village located in the Alsace region of France. It’s situated on the Alsace Wine Route and is home to many historic monuments, such as the Clock Tower and St. Odile Basilica.
It is a very well-preserved town in the region. Whether you drive through or park your car and stroll the place, checking out the town hall or Saint Pierre and Paul Church, it is cute and fun, and a good first stop.
If you are doing the same Alsace itinerary as I did, you will not have much time to spend here – unfortunately. Though it is a pretty place in Alsace, there are more spots waiting for us.
If you have a minimum of four days in Alsace, you can also visit the Mont Sainte-Odile (first drive there and then hike up) and enjoy panoramic views of the Alsatian plain.
Are you into hiking? Then take your time and see what there is to see at Mont Sainte-Odile (located west of Obernai), which makes this part either a 10-minute stop or a half-a-day stop.
After that, head to Ribeauville.
RIBEAUVILLE
Located along the Alsace Wine Route, there’s plenty to see here besides the vineyards in Ribeauville.
Ribeauville is a charming village in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.
Sitting at the foot of the Vosges Mountains, Ribeauville boasts stunning views of vineyards and rolling hillside landscapes. The centuries-old town is full of historical riches, from its cobblestone streets to its medieval castle. Explore the area’s many wineries and sample the region’s famous white wines.
Walking through Ribeauville will give you the chance to see it in all its glory. Colorful houses with flowers on display, medieval castles and churches, and historical monuments are scattered throughout the old town.
When you head to the vineyards, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the vines and the Alsace region.
If you don’t have enough time, you can skip it, but if you are going to be in Alsace for four days or are very motivated during a shorter visit, then visit this lovely French town.
RIQUEWIHR
If you can visit only one place on this day, then make it Riquewihr. While all of the places mentioned had their charms and were impressive, this one was my favorite.
Riquewihr is one of the most picturesque towns on the Alsace Wine Route, boasting over 500 years of history and many impressive half-timbered houses. It’s no wonder why it has become a popular tourist destination; explore its narrow cobblestone streets and discover countless shops selling regional specialties, such as…wine.
Riquewihr also features a beautiful castle, the Maison des Têtes, which is a great place to soak up some of the town’s history.
It’s a tiny village with narrow streets and bright, colorful houses – Riquewihr definitely likes to show off. It felt unreal and reminded me a bit of Germany´s most beautiful medieval town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (though it is smaller).
Wander through its cobblestone streets, visit the 13th-century Dolder Tower houses (one of which has a medieval weapons display), or stop by the 16th-century Maison de Vigneron that has winemaking tools and a restored kitchen for you to see.
Shortly after Riquewihr, you will be entering the heart of the vineyard region. Don’t hesitate to stop and explore, go winery-hopping (with moderation, of course, unless you want to walk all the way back!), and taste the many wines the region is famous for, like Riesling.
KAYSERSBERG
Kaysersberg is a charming fortified village located on the Alsace Wine Route. It has historical buildings dating back to the 14th century, including an old castle and a Renaissance-style town hall. Take part in Kaysersberg’s annual Christmas market (in December at least) or explore its picturesque vineyards which produce some of the region’s most renowned wines.
Kaysersberg is a great place to stop on your tour of the Alsace Wine Route and sample some of the area’s finest wines. While you’re there, don’t forget to take in the town’s stunning views of the Vosges Mountains!
Kaysersberg was my second to last stop for this day – another idyllic village on this Alsace road trip. What sets it apart from the other medieval villages is its fast-moving river, which gives it a different feel.
Like the other towns in this area, the flowers and half-timbered houses are focal points when you visit. As small as Kaysersberg is, you should have no trouble getting around on foot and taking in the sights.
One of those sights is the Château de Kaysersberg. Built over 800 years ago, the castle played a key role in developing the town and its history.
I did not have a chance to go up to the castle. But if you have more time than I did, you can enjoy lovely views and see colorful Kaysersberg from above.
EGUISHEIM
If you have time – and more importantly, if you have some energy left – you can make Eguisheim your last stop of the day.
Eguisheim is a charming village located along the Alsace Wine Route. It is considered one of the region’s most beautiful villages and home to a historic castle and fortified church.
Explore its cobblestone streets, sample regional wines at its wineries, or purchase locally produced souvenirs from its many boutiques.
Surrounded by lush green hills, Eguisheim is a quaint little town along the Alsace Wine Route. Full of narrow streets, lovely architecture, and colorful flowers, this is the perfect place to get lost for a few hours.
See some historical fountains and visit the 13th-century church that displays the well-known “Opening Virgin” statue while you’re here.
Day 3: Colmar
Last but not least, plan for a full day for Colmar. It is either a good starting or ending point on the itinerary and one of France’s prettiest towns.
Colmar is a picturesque city in the Alsace region of France and is a popular stop along the Alsace Wine Route. The city center is filled with colorful half-timbered buildings, canals, and bridges while its many museums offer insight into regional history and culture.
From its renowned wine tasting to its charming Christmas markets, Colmar is a must-visit destination when exploring the Alsace region.
The town is bigger than the other places mentioned on this Alsace itinerary (except for Strasbourg), but still small enough to be walkable. I think that one day in this fairy-tale town is surely enough to see its best attractions, like Little Venice and the old town.
Here is my detailed 1-day itinerary for Colmar with more travel tips.
Where to Stay in Colmar
- I stayed at the 3-star Colmar Hotel, and I loved it. It is just next to the train station, so whether you get here in your own car or by train, the hotel is perfect. Also, the breakfast was great (including muffins, crepes, pancakes, and much more) and the rooms were clean, bright, and modern. It is for sure my first pick for Colmar. To find out more about the hotel and check out rates, click here.
EXTRA TIPS FOR 4 OR 5 DAYS IN ALSACE
If you have more time for your Alsace trip, then this might be interesting for you.
Chateau du Haute Koenigsbourg
Over 850 years old, this medieval castle sits on a rocky hill overlooking the Upper Rhine Plain. Centuries ago, it was used as a strategic lookout before being abandoned and later rebuilt by German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
This castle gets over 500,000 visitors a year, and it’s easy to see why. From its vantage point, you can see out across the Alsace region, and the views are breathtaking.
I did not have a chance to visit the castle while I was in Alsace, but if you like to hike or plan to spend 4+ days out here, I would definitely suggest going.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON MY ALSACE ROAD TRIP
An Alsace road trip promises an unforgettable journey. Its picturesque villages, sprawling vineyards, and architectural wonders offer something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to its delicious regional wines, its vibrant cultural life or its incredible historical landmarks, a three-day tour of Alsace is sure to be an amazing experience.
Take in the stunning views of the Vosges Mountains, explore its many wineries, and sample some of its delicious culinary delights. Don’t forget to also take home a few souvenirs from its many boutiques so you can remember your Alsace road trip forever!
The Alsace Wine Tour road trip (what a name!) is a fun and easy road trip. So, if you stay 3 days in Alsace, you will have enough time to see the most beautiful places in a nutshell.
Stay safe and have fun!
