One of the best things about Strasbourg is the location. It is on the border between France and Germany which allows you to experience the best of both cultures. It is also along the Alsace Wine Route making day trips from Strasbourg to other towns possible.
If you have never been to the Alsace region of France, you can expect to find a mix of both Medieval and Renaissance with both French and German influence.
It reminds me a lot of traveling the Romantic Road in Germany where you go from one quaint town to another.
Along the Alsace Wine Route, however, you not only get to see beautiful small towns, you also get to try each one’s distinctive wine (or beer).
Day Trips from Strasbourg along the Alsace Wine Route
Wondering which stops to make along the Alsace Wine Route? These are the places we think you should check out:
Obernai
Obernai is located about 25 kilometers south of Strasbourg which makes it an easy day trip.
Like many of the towns along the Alsace Wine Route, you will find colorful Medieval homes, cobblestone squares, and a mix of French and German cuisine.
Be sure to spend some time in the historic Market Square. The Corn Market has been here since the 15th century.
The buildings that line the square are some of the best examples of Medieval half-timber architecture in the region.
While Obernai is situated along the Alsace Wine Route, it is also the home to the Kronenbourg brewery.
You won’t want to miss the chance to grab a beer, sip a glass of Riesling, or eat at one of our favorite Alsatian restaurants.
Orschwiller
The main attraction in Orschwiller is Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, a medieval castle built in the 12th century.
Perched on the side of a cliff, the castle occupied a strategic position in order to protect the wine and wheat routes to the North and the silver and salt routes from West to East.
After the Thirty Years’ War, the castle was abandoned and wasn’t rebuilt until 1899. Kaiser Wilhelm II decided to rebuild the castle to use it as a museum.
You can tour the castle and see medieval relics along with pieces from the Renaissance.
Saint Hippolyte
This small town sits at the foot of the Haut Koenigsbourg.
Saint Hippolyte features colorful half-timbered homes with flower boxes at the windows. To say it is charming is an understatement!
If interested in trying wine, Saint Hippolyte is known for its Pinot Noir.
Ribeauvillé
A favorite Medieval town along the Alsace wine route, Ribeauville is best seen by foot.
There are free guided tours of the old town and Town Hall that you should take advantage of.
One thing to take notice of while you are visiting towns on the Alsace Wine Route is the storks.
The stork is a dominant feature of decor in many Alsatian villages and towns.
You will find them adorning everything from plates to cookies.
Why is this?
For centuries Storks have visited the region during their mating season before heading back to the Middle East & Africa for the winter.
Tradition has it that these majestic birds bring good luck and babies.
The love for these creatures runs deep. There are even stork sanctuaries that keep the population growing.
You will want to make sure that while you are in town, you look at the tops of the buildings.
Stork nests are perched high on top of towers and if you are lucky, you will be able to catch a glimpse of one sitting in it!
Riquewihr
This walled city contains some of the best-preserved medieval structures around.
The pinnacle is the Dolder (highest point). It has stood since 1291 when it was used as a watch tower.
All along the Rue du Général de Gaulle are the winemaker’s homes that date to the 16th century.
They are lovely. Painted in bright colors, they have timbered walls and arched doorways.
Spend time walking the cobblestone streets, sample wines from the region and do some shopping.
You will find this a great place to pick up a souvenir (and a bottle of wine).
Colmar
One of the best day trips from Strasbourg is to Colmar.
This lovely French town is my favorite of all the cities along the Alsace Wine Route.
You feel like you have stepped into the storybook village in Beauty & the Beast with its colorful homes on cobblestone streets and picturesque canals.
If you visit Colmar on a day trip, you will be surprised at how much you will be able to see.
Eguisheim
Just a few minutes outside Colmar, Eguisheim is probably my favorite stop along the Alsatian Wine Route!
Filled with colorful half-timbered homes and cobblestone streets that seem to go on forever, it is the perfect place to explore on foot.
Grab a glass of wine or a crepe at a cafe and spend the rest of your time here walking the winding streets and enjoying the views.
The Alsace Wine Route is filled with beautiful towns and if you are nearby, you really should take the time to visit at least a few. Strasbourg is a great place to stay because it is so close to many of these destinations.
We would love to hear if you have made day trips from Strasbourg to any other places along the Alsace wine route.