Day Trips & Excursions: Alsace

Nearby Destinations

Alsace Wine Route villages like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Obernai are easily reachable.

A rental car provides maximum freedom to explore the vineyards and villages. Regional trains (TER) connect larger towns like Colmar, Sélestat, and Strasbourg, with local buses serving some villages from these stations. Organized small-group tours are also available, providing travel convenience without driving.

Accessibility & Travel

Car rental for flexibility and independent stops.
Regional trains (TER) link major towns quickly.
Local buses reach some villages from train stations.
Organized small-group tours for guidance and ease.

Explore Beyond

From the bustling cities to tranquil natural landscapes and significant cultural landmarks, Alsace is a gateway to diverse experiences.

City Connections

Direct TER trains connect Colmar and Strasbourg in about 30 minutes, ideal for a quick day trip between the two cities. Mulhouse is also easily reachable by TER from Strasbourg (40 min) or Colmar (20 min).

Cross-Border Ventures

Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (1 hr by train from Strasbourg).
Basel, Switzerland (20 min by train from Mulhouse).
Generally no border checks within Schengen Area.

Cultural Insights

Explore historical and cultural sites beyond the major cities for regional appreciation.

Sites

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: Restored medieval fortress.
Struthof-Natzwiller Concentration Camp: Educational historical site.
Fort de Mutzig: Large fortification with guided tours.

Natural Landscapes & Seasonal Beauty

Scenic Drives & Parks

Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges: Hiking trails, mountain lakes.
Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord: Castles, dense forests.
Route des Crêtes: Stunning views (closed in winter).
Mont Sainte-Odile: Historic monastery with panoramic views.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Spring Blossoms: Fruit trees and vineyards bloom (April-May).
Grape Harvest: Activity in vineyards (September-October), with festivals.
Vosges Mountains: Winter sports (skiing, cycling).
Alsace Plain: Rural drives and cycling through agricultural landscapes.

Multi-Day Extension Possibilities

Black Forest, Germany:Easily accessible east of Alsace.
Lorraine:West of Alsace, unique French regional experience.
Champagne Region:West of Alsace, TGV accessible for vineyard tours.
Paris:Quick TGV connection (approx. 1hr 45 min from Strasbourg).

Lyon:France's gastronomy capital, TGV accessible.
Switzerland:Reached via Basel or Mulhouse.
Germany:Accessed via Freiburg or Frankfurt.
High-Speed Trains:Efficient for inter-regional travel.

Helpful Tip

When planning cross-border day trips, check attraction opening hours in the destination country, as public holidays or typical closing days may differ from France. Explore bookable day trips and excursions at GetYourGuide.

Natural Experiences

Discover the diverse natural beauty of Alsace, from majestic mountains to peaceful plains, and a commitment to preserving its unique wildlife.

Vosges Mountains

Superb for hiking, cycling, and winter sports during the appropriate seasons.

Alsace Plain

Rural areas with charming villages and agricultural landscapes, ideal for gentle drives or cycling.

Stork Programs

Known for successful white stork reintroduction initiatives, reflecting wildlife conservation.

Regional Parks

Alsace boasts two significant regional parks, dedicated to preserving natural beauty and biodiversity.

Parc des Ballons des Vosges

Extensive hiking trails.
Forest walks and scenic views.
Picturesque mountain lakes.

Northern Vosges

The Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, rich in history and unique landscapes.

Features

Unique sandstone castles (`châteaux forts`).
Dense, ancient forests.
Designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Seasonal Natural Highlights

Spring Blossoms:April & May, fruit trees and vineyards in bloom.

Grape Harvest:September & October, observe vineyard activity.

Route des Crêtes:Open in warmer months, closed in winter.

Vosges Mountains:Ideal for winter sports.

Alsace Plain:Gentle cycling in rural areas.

Mont Sainte-Odile:Year-round spiritual site with views.

Environmental Note

These natural areas actively promote sustainable tourism.
They contribute to protecting the region's biodiversity.
Efforts are in place to preserve forests and unique flora and fauna.
Observe managed ecological health initiatives.
Enjoy recreational spaces thoughtfully.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your Alsatian adventure with exciting multi-day excursions to nearby European destinations, broadening your travel experience.

German Connections

The Black Forest, Germany, is directly east of Alsace, inviting exploration of charming towns and scenic beauty.

Black Forest Highlights

Triberg: Famous for cuckoo clocks.
Titisee: A beautiful lake for leisure.
Baden-Baden: An elegant spa town.

Lorraine Discoveries

West of Alsace, Lorraine presents a distinct French regional experience with its unique historical and artistic heritage.

Lorraine Landmarks

Nancy: Known for Art Nouveau and Place Stanislas (UNESCO).
Metz: Features an impressive cathedral.
Pompidou Centre-Metz: Modern art museum.

Champagne Region

The Champagne region, west of Alsace, is accessible by TGV from Strasbourg, offering a deep dive into the world of sparkling wine.

Champagne Exploration

Visit famous Champagne houses.
Enjoy tasting sessions.
Explore Reims or Epernay.

Beyond Borders

From Alsace, further European cities are easily within reach, broadening your travel horizons.

Connecting Further

Paris: TGV connection (approx. 1hr 45 min).
Lyon: Gastronomy capital, TGV accessible.
Switzerland: Easily reached via Basel.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Alsace & Black Forest Loop

Start in Strasbourg, explore Alsace, then cross into Germany for Freiburg and the Black Forest.

Alsace & Lorraine

Discover Strasbourg and Colmar, then head west to explore Nancy and Metz.

Alsace & Champagne

Begin in Strasbourg, enjoy Alsace, then take a high-speed train to Reims or Epernay for Champagne.

Transportation Insight

Car rental provides the most freedom for rural exploration, like the Black Forest or remote Vosges areas.

Family-Friendly Adventures

Alsace provides a variety of engaging activities and attractions perfect for family travel, ensuring enjoyment for all ages.

Fun for All Ages

1

Strasbourg Delights

Visit Parc de l'Orangerie (storks, zoo) and experience a Batorama boat tour. Explore Le Vaisseau, an interactive science museum for children.

2

Colmar Charm

Enjoy a boat ride through 'Petite Venise' and visit the Musée Bartholdi, a statue museum.

3

Mulhouse Museums

Spend time at the Cité de l'Automobile and Cité du Train museums, appealing to all ages.

Immersive Experiences

Ecomusée d'Alsace (Ungersheim): An open-air museum with hands-on experiences of traditional life.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: Children find castle exploration engaging and exciting.
Parc des Cigognes et Loutres (Hunawihr): Observe storks and otters in a natural setting.
Engage with local culture through festivals.
Taste traditional Alsatian foods.
Explore charming village streets.

Planning Tips

Consider a rental car for flexibility, especially for rural attractions.
Check specific attraction opening hours in advance.
Factor in travel time between destinations.
Pack comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.
Look for family-friendly restaurants with diverse menus.
Carry snacks and drinks for the day.

Museums for Young & Old

Cité de l'Automobile

Home to an extensive collection of historic cars, fascinating for vehicle enthusiasts.

Cité du Train

France's national railway museum, with impressive locomotives and train history.

Le Vaisseau

An interactive science center designed for children and families to explore scientific principles.

Traveler's Insight

Allocate ample time for extensive museums like the Cité de l'Automobile or Cité du Train, as they are large and captivating.

Day Trips & Excursions