Spending 4 days in Alsace?
Well, you’re in the right place.
I’ve been living in the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg, for the past four years and I’ve explored every corner of this beautiful region.
From the moment I strolled down Quai de la Poissonnerie in Colmar, Alsace had my heart. But I’ve learned that there’s more to this part of France than quaint villages. The friendly locals, gooey tart flambées, and grandiose castles all add to its charm.
In this post, I’ve put together the ultimate 4-day Alsace itinerary. I included must-visit sites to help you get acquainted with the region as well as a few hidden gems.
4 Days in Alsace Overview
This itinerary will follow the Alsace Wine Route starting in Strasbourg and finishing in Eguisheim.
- Day 1: Strasbourg
- Day 2: Obernai, Barr, Mittelbergheim, and Dambach-la-Ville
- Day 3: Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg
- Day 4: Colmar, Turckheim, and Eguisheim
The easiest way to get to all these places is by car. There are tons of car rental options in Strasbourg. But I always rent a car at the train station. It’s easy and convenient, and the staff speak English.
Helpful Tip: If you don’t want to rent a car, you’ll have to use a combination of trains and taxis to complete this itinerary.
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Alsace Itinerary: Day 1
Strasbourg
Morning – Strasbourg Cathedral, Palais Rohan, La Petite France
Start your Alsace adventure in Strasbourg, the vibrant capital of the region.
Begin your day by exploring the historic quarter, Grande Île. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and is home to the most stunning architecture in the region.
The highlight is the Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the country. You can even climb up its tower for breathtaking views of the city.
Then, there’s the Palais Rohan, a stunning palace that has been converted into three incredible museums.
But my favorite part of Grande Île is the La Petite France neighborhood. Its winding cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses look like they are straight out of a storybook. I usually go for a stroll on Sunday mornings when the streets are calm and quiet.
Afternoon – Lunch at Restaurant Gurtlerhoft and Bataroma Boat Tour
For lunch, head over to Restaurant Gurtlerhoft which is a local favorite for classic Alsatian dishes.
It’s set in a 14th-century wine cellar under the cathedral. So, you won’t find a more authentic setting.
I ordered the choucroute garnie as my main dish and the tart of the day for my dessert. And I don’t think I have ever had something so tasty. It reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking!
After lunch, take a boat tour of the River Ill with Bataroma. The tour lasts about an hour and takes you through the picturesque canals of Strasbourg.
I loved seeing how it has changed over the years and learning about its history. The audio guide was thorough, and it was easy to follow along.
Evening – Neustadt District and Dinner at the Piano Grill
End your day in Strasbourg with a walk around the Neustadt district. This area is known for its beautiful architecture, most of which was built during German rule in the late 19th century.
As the sun sets head to the Pont Royal bridge. From here you’ll have a beautiful view of St. Paul’s Church, one of the most picturesque spots in town.
For dinner, head to the Piano Grill. This charming restaurant serves a variety of dishes with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It easily tops the list of best places to eat in Strasbourg.
Alsace Itinerary: Day 2
Obernai
On the second day, you’ll head out on one of the oldest wine routes in France, the Alsace Wine Route.
You’ll start in Obernai, the gateway to the Alsace Wine Route. Here you’ll find colorful half-timbered houses, intact ramparts surrounding the city, and one of the best viewpoints in the region, Mont National.
I’ve been to Mont National several times and I never get tired of the view. Plus, if you visit in April, there’s an alleyway (Allée des Cerisiers) behind the monument that is lined with giant blossoming cherry trees. (That’s where I took the photo above.)
Barr
Next, head to Barr. This quaint little town is often overlooked and is a true hidden gem. It’s full of artisanal shops and delicious brasseries.
But my favorite thing to do here is hike to Château du Landsberg. The trail starts at Paroisse Protestante de Barr and takes about an hour to reach the castle.
Mittelbergheim
You’ll follow the wine route down to Mittelbergheim.
Helpful Tip: It’s only 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from Barr, so you could even walk there.
Here you’ll find a true wine-growers village. And with less than 1000 people living here, it’s a peaceful and authentic experience.
Take a stroll around town and stop by a winery to taste some delicious local wines. The best place to do a wine tasting is Domaine Armand Gilg Vigneron Indépendant Vins et Crémants d’Alsace. You can even visit their wine cellars from the 16th century.
Since 2019, I’ve been to Mittelbergheim about 20 times. That’s how much I love this little town.
The wineries are incredible, and the houses are very different compared to other places in the region.
Plus, there are tons of hiking trails.
The easiest hike is to Rocher Sainte Richarde, but I love the views from Château du Spesbourg. Both look out over Andlau, another village that is slightly bigger than Mittelbergheim.
Dambach-la-Ville
Next, you’ll head to Dambach-la-Ville.
This is the oldest wine-growing village in the region, making it an absolute must-visit.
The two best wineries are Ruhlmann-Schutz and Alsace Charles Frey both of which offer excellent tours of their facilities.
But my favorite thing to do here is walk through the vineyards behind the town. It’s so peaceful and the views are incredible.
There’s even a castle, Château du Bernstein, where you can have a stunning panorama of Dambach-la-Ville. It’s an hour uphill climb, but it’s worth the effort.
Helpful Tip: You can finish your day in Dambach-la-Ville or go to Saint-Hippolyte, which is where you’ll start your third day.
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Alsace Itinerary: Day 3
Château du Haut–Koenigsbourg
On your third day, you’ll continue along the Alsace Wine Route.
Your visit will start with one of the most impressive castles in the region, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
It’s located on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The castle was built in the Middle Ages but was later destroyed and rebuilt in the 20th century.
Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history or wander through its rooms, courtyards, and gardens on your own.
I opted for the self-guided tour. There are information boards in English throughout the castle and I didn’t feel like I missed out by not taking a guided tour. Either way, it’s a fascinating visit.
Riquewihr
After your visit, head to Riquewihr, a picturesque medieval town that looks like it’s from a fairytale. With its colorful half-timbered houses and narrow streets, it’s a must-see in Alsace.
Take a stroll around the town and visit the local shops for some souvenirs or snacks. My favorite street was Rue du Général de Gaulle. And the photo I took above is of Restaurant le Médiéval.
There are also two fantastic museums, Monter au Dolder and Tour des Voleurs & Maison de Vigneron.
I visited both and found their exhibits fascinating. You can walk through the town’s ramparts and go up in the Tour Haute (the big tower at the entrance of Riquewihr).
Kaysersberg
The final stop on your third day is Kaysersberg, another beautiful town that’s famous for its wine production.
It’s small, no doubt, but there are tons of things to see and do here. I loved visiting the Centre Schweitzer. It’s dedicated to Albert Schweitzer, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was born in Kaysersberg.
Then, there’s the Château du Kaysersberg, a medieval castle that offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding vineyards. It’s a climb to the top, but worth the effort.
Alsace Itinerary: Day 4
Colmar
On your final day in Alsace, you’ll stop by the most colorful villages on the Alsace Wine Route, starting with Colmar.
It’s a charming town known for its brightly colored half-timbered houses, canals, and cobblestone streets. Take a stroll around the historic Old Town and stop by Maison des Têtes, Maison Pfister, and Saint Martin’s Church.
Then, head to the La Petite Venise neighborhood. Here you’ll pass my favorite street, Quai de la Poissinnerie. The red, pink, blue, and yellow half-timbered houses are the most spectacular I’ve seen, and I’ve been to a lot of villages in Alsace.
But no trip to Colmar is complete without exploring the Unterlinden Museum. It’s home to an impressive collection of artworks, including an original Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald.
Turckheim
The next stop on your Alsace itinerary is Turckheim. It’s a small village that has retained its medieval charm with its fortified walls and gates. Here the half-timbered houses are beautifully decorated with hanging baskets of flowers and draped in vines.
The most gorgeous streets are Grand Rue and Rue des Vignerons. And the photo I took above is the view from Jardin de la Ville.
If you have time, I recommend visiting the Église Sainte-Anne and the Musée Mémorial des combats de la Poche de Colmar.
Eguisheim
Your final stop for the day is Eguisheim.
It was voted “France’s Favorite Village” in 2013, and, after a few minutes here, it’s easy to see why.
Pastel-colored houses line cobbled streets and every windowsill is overflowing with flowers. The shared roofs are covered in vines and locals fill their doorsteps with potted plants. It feels warm, cozy, and inviting.
Not only that but you’ll find tons of activities to do here.
Some of my favorites were visiting Les Trois Châteaux d’Eguisheim, hanging out in Saint Léon Square, visiting wine cellars, and walking around the ramparts.
Helpful Tip: The photo I took above is of Le Pigeonnier House (4 Rue du Rempart S). It’s the most photogenic building in Eguisheim.
Map of Alsace
Below is a map of this 4-day Alsace itinerary. It has all the attractions and sites listed in this post and is organized by day. Click on the map to open Google Maps.
Best Time to Visit Alsace
Alsace is a beautiful region to visit year-round.
Spring (March to May) – If you are a fan of flowers and greenery, spring is the perfect time to visit Alsace. The region comes alive with blooming flowers and trees, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
Summer (June to August) – This is peak tourist season in Alsace, with warm weather and plenty of events and festivals taking place. It’s also the best time to try out local produce at farmers’ markets and outdoor restaurants. Prices are at their highest and accommodation fills up fast.
Fall (September to November) – In fall, wine growers start harvesting, and by mid-season, wine festivals are in full swing. It’s my favorite time to visit. I love the colors of the trees and vineyards. The bright yellows, oranges, and reds are incredible. It’s also the low season and there are very few tourists.
Winter (December to February) – Winter in Alsace means Christmas markets! Towns are filled with decorations, lights, and wooden chalets, making it a popular destination during the holiday season. I recommend visiting within the first two weeks of December if you want to avoid the crowds.
Free 4-Day Alsace Itinerary
Sign up for a free copy of my 4-Day Alsace Itinerary. It has everything you need to guarantee an amazing trip!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a wine lover, a history buff, or just want a picturesque escape, Alsace has something for everyone.
With this 4-day itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best of what this region has to offer. From charming towns to stunning landscapes and delicious food, this guide has it all.
Plus, if you’re having a hard time choosing between Strasbourg and Colmar, this itinerary includes both towns!
So, now that your itinerary is ready, it’s time to book your plane tickets, hotels, and rental car. There are so many platforms to choose from, but, since I live in France, I know which ones are the best. Be sure to check out which apps and websites I recommend for traveling to France!
Read More Articles About France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might enjoy.
- 9 Best Strasbourg Walking Tours (Local’s Guide)
- 11 Incredible Alsace Tours (A Local’s Guide)
- Is France Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons Why You Should!
