A Local’s Guide to the Best Day Trips from Colmar

Colmar is undeniably one of the most charming towns in Alsace, but its fairytale streets aren’t the only reason to visit.

It also serves as a base for day trips to nearby villages, castles, and wineries.

I moved to Alsace in 2019, and I have been exploring the surrounding area ever since.

I head out on adventures about once a week, so I’ve learned exactly which excursions live up to the hype and which ones you can skip.

In this guide, I will share some of my favorite day trips from Colmar and how to get there.

This is Rue du Cerf in Riquewihr. It's a cobblestone street and it's lined with colorful buildings. Each building has flowers and vines hanging down. It's one of the best day trips from Colmar. — Rue du Cerf in Riquewihr

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By Train

1. Sélestat

This is a collection of works at the Humanist Library in Selestat. They are all lined in a row and protected in a glass case. — Humanist Library in Sélestat

Sélestat is one of the most underrated towns in the region, and it’s an easy 10-minute train ride from Colmar.

And it is full of things to see and do.

I will admit that it doesn’t have all the colorful half-timbered houses that Riquewihr and Eguisheim have, but it does have a few (particularly along Quai des Tanneurs).

Then, there is the Humanist Library, which houses books dating back centuries, including the first ever documentation of the Christmas tree. (And the Christmas market in Sélestat is centered on this theme.)

Finally, Église-Saint-Foy is a masterpiece that’s also a key site along the Romanesque Road of Alsace.

2. Gertwiller

This is a kitchen from the Gingerbread Museum in Gertwiller. It's full of molds and other equipment. — Gingerbread Museum in Gertwiller

Gertwiller is a 60-minute train ride from Colmar.

It’s known as the capital of gingerbread because it’s home to the Gingerbread Museum and Gingerbread Palace. Both of which offer insight into the history and culture of gingerbread in Alsace.

And, at the Gingerbread Palace, you can even decorate your own gingerbread.

Gertwiller is also where you’ll find one of my favorite wineries, Au Péché Vigneron – Vins Zeyssolff.

3. Strasbourg

This is a set of colorful buildings along Quai de la Petite France in Strasbourg. In front of them there is the canal and a walkway. — La Petite France in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a 30-minute train ride from Colmar and is the easiest day trip on this list.

There’s a lot to do here, even on Sundays.

As someone who lives here, I will say that you can’t see everything in one day, but you can cover the highlights.

The activities and sites I recommend are visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral, wandering around La Petite France, and going on a Batorama Boat tour.

With those activities, you’ll get an overview of the city, and even learn about its history.

By Bus or Car

4. Bergheim

This is Grand Rue in Bergheim. It's a cobblestone street that is lined with colorful buildings, trees, and a few cars. — Grand Rue in Bergheim

Bergheim is a 20-minute drive or a 45-minute bus ride from Colmar.

And it’s one of the lesser-known day trips on this list, but worth it.

This beautiful, fortified town lies along the Alsace Wine Route and is lined with colourful half-timbered houses.

I recommend walking along its ramparts, stopping by a winery, and enjoying the architecture without the crowds.

I visited on a bike tour with Detour Alsace, and it was one of my favorite stops.

5. Eguisheim

This is a half-timbered building along Rue du Rempart in Eguisheim. It's surrounding by other colorful buildings and covered in hanging vines. — Eguisheim

Eguisheim is a 10-minute drive from Colmar.

It’s also accessible by public bus, the Kutzig bus, the Navettes de Noël, and taxis (which are in front of Colmar’s train station).

Helpful Tip: I have a detailed guide on getting around Alsace, and it covers all the options I mentioned above.

This charming medieval village was classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France in 2003.

Here you’ll find narrow streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses and hanging flower displays.

You’ll find a lot to do here, and it’s also home to some of the best wineries in the region.

6. Riquewihr

This is Rue du Général de Gaulle in Riquewihr. It's a cobblestone street lined with colorful building, each decorated with hanging vines. At the end of the street there is the watchtower with a clock. — Rue du Général de Gaulle in Riquewihr

Like Eguisheim, Riquewihr is easily accessible. By car, it’s a 20-minute drive, or you can use the public bus (28 minutes), the Kutzig bus, or the Navettes de Noël.

Helpful Tip: During the Christmas market, taxis and Uber services operate frequently between Colmar and Riquewihr.

Riquewihr’s biggest draw is its colourful half-timbered houses, particularly along Rue du Général de Gaulle.

But that’s not all there is to do in this Alsatian town.

It’s also where you’ll find the Dopff au Moulin winery, the founders of the crémant d’Alsace, and the only restaurants that are allowed to serve choucroute verte.

Conclusion

Colmar is one of the best towns to base your stay.

It’s the central hub for the Kutzig bus, Navettes de Noël, and other public bus routes.

I recommend mixing up your itinerary and choosing destinations from both lists I provided.

If I had to choose, I would pick Bergheim, Sélestat, Riquewihr, and Strasbourg. Between them, there is enough variety to give you an overview of the history and culture in Alsace.

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.