Attractions & Sightseeing: Alsace

Iconic Landmarks

Alsace's iconic landmarks are architectural marvels and cultural touchstones. The Strasbourg Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, and Petite France offers historic charm. Colmar's Old Town and Little Venice enchant with their preserved beauty, while Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle dominates the landscape with its medieval presence.

Each site tells a story of the region's rich heritage and unique blend of influences.

Landmark Experiences

Strasbourg Cathedral: Marvel at its intricate facade, stained glass, and astronomical clock. Ascend for panoramic city views.
Petite France: Wander through cobblestone streets and admire half-timbered houses along the Ill River canals. Consider a boat tour.
Colmar Old Town & Little Venice: Explore the well-preserved medieval town. Take a gondola-style boat ride on the Lauch River.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: A restored medieval fortress with panoramic views over the Alsatian plain, Vosges mountains, and Black Forest.

Visitor Information and Tips

Strasbourg Cathedral Notre-Dame

Entry to main nave is free. A fee applies for platform ascent and clock show.
Astronomical clock show daily at 12:30 PM. Be inside before then.
Arrive early for platform ascent to avoid long queues.
Less Crowded Times: Early morning or late afternoon for the main nave.
Secret Viewpoints: City bridges or Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace for unique perspectives.
Consider purchasing a Strasbourg Pass for combined access.

Petite France, Colmar Old Town, Haut-Koenigsbourg

Petite France & Colmar Old Town: Free to explore on foot. Boat tours for different perspectives.
Visit early for fewer crowds and good photographs in Petite France & Colmar.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: Entry fee applies. Check hours; they vary by season. Guided tours are available.
Wear comfortable shoes for the castle visit (much walking/stairs).

Ensure to check official websites for the most current operating hours and ticket prices before your visit.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Musée des Beaux-Arts (Strasbourg): European paintings from Middle Ages to 1870.
Musée Alsacien (Strasbourg): Look at traditional Alsatian life, folk art, costumes.
Cité de l'Automobile (Mulhouse): One of the largest car museums globally, Schlumpf collection.
Cité du Train (Mulhouse): Europe's largest railway museum, historic locomotives.

Museum Highlights and Resources

Unterlinden Museum (Colmar):
Famous for the Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece by Matthias Grünewald.
Musée Bartholdi (Colmar):
In the birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (Statue of Liberty sculptor), displaying his works.
Ecomusée d'Alsace (Ungersheim):
Open-air museum recreating a traditional Alsatian village with historic buildings and craft demonstrations.
Chocolate Museum (Strasbourg):
Interactive museum exploring chocolate history, production, and cultural significance, often with tastings.
Attraction Tickets:
Purchase tickets for attractions and tours via GetYourGuide.

Historical Sites

Alsace's history is clear in its many sites, from ancient ruins to significant monuments.

Highlights of History and Heritage

Strasbourg's Grande Île and Neustadt:
Both UNESCO World Heritage sites, presenting a fascinating architectural journey through medieval half-timbered structures and grand Imperial German buildings.
Colmar's Old Town:
Exceptionally well-preserved, with a collection of medieval and Renaissance half-timbered buildings.
Alsace Wine Route Villages:
Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Obernai, and Ribeauvillé are historical gems with centuries-old architecture, fortified gates, and charming town squares.

Religious and Spiritual Sites:
Strasbourg Cathedral (see 8.1), Mont Sainte-Odile monastery (pilgrimage site with views), St. Martin's Church (Colmar), Synagogue de la Paix (Strasbourg).
Memorial Sites and Monuments:
European Institutions (Strasbourg - European Parliament, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights). Mémorial Alsace-Moselle (Schirmeck - WWII history). Struthof-Natzweiler Concentration Camp (Natzwiller - a sobering memorial).
Archaeological Sites:
Mont Sainte-Odile (remnants of ancient Celtic wall). Mittelbergheim (Romanesque church, historic winegrower houses).

Natural Attractions

Alsace presents varied natural beauty. Explore the Vosges Mountains and their scenic routes, discover peaceful parks and gardens, and visit serene lakes and waterways.

Parks and Gardens

Parc de l'Orangerie (Strasbourg): Oldest and largest park, featuring gardens, a small zoo, and a stork park. Parc du Champ de Mars (Colmar): A public garden. Botanical Gardens (Strasbourg): Wide array of plant species.

Scenic Views & Wildlife

Route des Crêtes (Vosges): Scenic drive with panoramic views. Mont Sainte-Odile: Exceptional views at sunrise/sunset. Parc des Cigognes et Loutres (Hunawihr): Stork and otter protection. Vosges Mountain Lakes (Lac Blanc, Lac Noir): Picturesque for hiking.

More Natural Attractions

The geological formations and waterways of Alsace offer further exploration and enjoyment.

Geological Features: Vosges Mountains are an ancient range with granite and sandstone. The Rhine River forms the eastern border, important for trade and cruises.
Lakes and Waterways: Vosges Mountain Lakes (Lac Blanc, Lac Noir, Lac des Truites) are picturesque and popular for hiking. The Rhine and Ill Rivers are good for boat tours; note no swimming beaches along these rivers.
Ballon des Vosges: The highest point in the southern Vosges, featuring expansive views from its summit.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the main tourist path, Alsace has many lesser-known treasures that present authentic experiences and unique charm.

These hidden gems range from impressive historical fortresses to peaceful villages and specialized museums, offering different views of the region's diverse character.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Discover unique historical sites and charming villages less frequented by visitors.

Explore Further

Citadel of Bitche: Massive fortress near the German border.
Château de Fleckenstein: Semi-ruined rock castle for adventurous exploration.
Smaller Wine Route Villages: Bergheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Andlau feature authentic charm without the usual crowds.

Local Favorites & Emerging Destinations

Experience places cherished by locals and explore regions gaining attention for their distinct character.

Insider Perspectives

Bibliothèque Humaniste de Sélestat: Remarkable Renaissance library with ancient manuscripts.
Le Vaisseau (Strasbourg): Interactive science center popular with local families.
Sundgau Region (Southern Alsace): Known for rolling hills, traditional farming, and carpe frite (fried carp).

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture the essence of Alsace with stunning and memorable photographs.

Picture Perfect Spots

Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts) in Petite France, Strasbourg: Iconic views of the historic quarter.
View from the Barrage Vauban (Strasbourg): Panoramic view over Petite France, especially at sunset.
Reflections in Little Venice, Colmar: Colorful houses reflect beautifully in the Lauch River.
Vineyard Landscapes: Undulating vineyards along Route des Vins d'Alsace, great during autumn or spring blossoms.

Planning Your Hidden Gems Visit

Smart Travel

Tourist Offices: Ask for information on smaller festivals or events.
Transportation: Many hidden gems are more accessible by car.
Flexibility: Being open to spontaneous detours can lead to great discoveries.

Museums and Cultural Insights

Strasbourg's Cultural Hubs

Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame: Dedicated to the Cathedral's history and construction.
Palais Rohan: Houses Archaeological, Decorative Arts, and Fine Arts Museums.
Opéra National du Rhin & National Theatre of Strasbourg (TNS): Major venues for performances.

Art and Exhibitions

Art Galleries: Numerous smaller galleries in Strasbourg and Colmar showcase local artists.
Cultural Centers: Various centers, like TAPS in Strasbourg, host art exhibitions.
Palais de la Musique et des Congrès (PMC): Large venue for concerts and events.

Important Information

To make the most of your sightseeing, keep these practical points in mind.

Seasonal Considerations

Opening hours for attractions change by season, with longer hours in summer. Some outdoor sites (e.g., Route des Crêtes) close in winter. Check before your visit.

Accessibility

Many historic sites may have limited accessibility (cobblestones, stairs). Modern museums and major institutions are generally more accessible. Check specific site details.

Walking and Comfort

Wear comfortable shoes. Be prepared for varied weather conditions throughout the year.

Tickets and Passes

City Passes

Strasbourg and Colmar both have city passes that include free entry or discounts to museums and attractions, plus public transport. Calculate if a pass benefits your itinerary.

Explore city passes on GetYourGuide

Advance Tickets

For popular attractions, buying tickets online in advance saves time, especially during peak season. This avoids queues at the entrance.

Pre-book attractions on GetYourGuide

Guided Tours

Consider guided tours for insights into historical sites or cultural institutions. Local guides offer unique perspectives.

Find guided tours on GetYourGuide

Combined Tickets

Some attractions offer combined tickets for multiple sites (e.g., Palais Rohan museums). These may be cost-effective if you plan to visit several places.

Check for combined tickets

Free Admission Days

Some national museums have free admission on the first Sunday of the month. Check specific museum websites for details.

Museum Exploration

Alsace's museums cover a wide range of interests, from fine art to traditional life and industrial heritage.

Dive

Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame: Displays medieval sculptures and architectural plans of Strasbourg Cathedral.
Cité de l'Automobile: Features the Schlumpf collection, an impressive array of classic cars.
Ecomusée d'Alsace: An open-air museum that recreates a traditional Alsatian village from past centuries.

Historical Context

Layers of History

Alsatian Architecture: Reflects a blend of French and German influences due to the region's changing hands over centuries.
European Institutions: Symbolize post-WWII European unity and reconciliation in Strasbourg.
Mémorial Alsace-Moselle: Documents the complex history and experiences during WWII.
Synagogue de la Paix: Represents an important part of Strasbourg's Jewish community and history.

Helpful Tip: Getting Around

Public transport in Strasbourg and Colmar is efficient for city exploration.

For exploring the Wine Route and castles like Haut-Koenigsbourg, a car often presents the best option for flexibility and reach.

Other Considerations

Beyond the main attractions, here are further considerations for your sightseeing agenda.

Archaeological Depth

Explore ancient history at Alsace's archaeological sites.

Uncovering the Past

Archaeological Museum (within Palais Rohan, Strasbourg): Houses artifacts from prehistoric to medieval times.
Mont Sainte-Odile: Features remnants of an ancient Celtic wall, the Mur Païen.
Mittelbergheim: Contains a Romanesque church and historic winegrower houses.

Accessibility Information

Planning for All

Varied Access: Some older sites may have limited access due to historical architecture (cobblestones, stairs).
Check Ahead: It is good practice to check specific attraction websites or call in advance for detailed accessibility information.
Modern Venues: Newer museums and cultural institutions often offer better accessibility features.

Historical Districts

Immerse yourself in the charming and historically rich districts.

Explore the Old Towns

Strasbourg's Grande Île: Pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses.
Neustadt: Wide boulevards, impressive squares, green spaces.
Colmar's Old Town: Preserved medieval town with colorful half-timbered houses and canals.

These districts offer a genuine atmosphere of historical Alsace.

Religious & Spiritual

Sites offering spiritual solace and architectural beauty.

Places of Worship

St. Martin's Church (Colmar): A grand Gothic collegiate church.
Synagogue de la Paix (Strasbourg): A modern synagogue symbolizing Strasbourg's Jewish community.

These sites add a contemplative dimension to your visit.

Memorials and Culture

Sites honoring memory and promoting European ideals.

Reflection and Learning

European Institutions: Symbolize post-WWII European unity and reconciliation. Tours often possible.
Mémorial Alsace-Moselle (Schirmeck): Museum dedicated to the region's WWII experiences.
Struthof-Natzweiler Concentration Camp: A powerful and educational memorial.

These locations offer profound insights into recent history.

Additional Notes for Sightseeing

Tourist Information

Local tourist offices are a great resource for maps, brochures, and event calendars.

Photography Tips

Early mornings are ideal for capturing iconic sites without crowds. Golden hour for lighting.

Local Guides

Hiring a local guide can significantly enhance your appreciation of historical details and cultural niceties.

Helpful Tip for Hidden Gems

Look for local flyers or ask at tourist offices for information on smaller festivals or events that might be happening in lesser-known villages during your visit. These can be truly unique experiences.

Attractions & Sightseeing