Eguisheim is a picturesque village famous for its small-town atmosphere, wine, and colorful houses.
In summer, wooden window frames are decorated with hanging baskets of flowers. And, in December, Eguisheim turns into a magnificent winter wonderland with the cutest Christmas market.
When I moved to Alsace in 2019, Eguisheim was one of the places I had to see. It looked like the very description of an Alsatian fairy-tale town.
And since my first visit, I have been back several times.
It’s a small town, but there are several things to see and do. If you’re in a rush you can see the highlights in half a day. But you can easily spend one or two days here if you have more time.
In this post, I’ll share the top activities and attractions in Eguisheim so you can plan your visit.
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1. Walk around Rue du Rempart
Eguisheim is a small town, and its center is a circle.
And the outer street of this circle, Rue du Rempart, is where you’ll find some of the most jaw-dropping half-timbered houses.
On my first visit, this was the first street I explored. I spent over an hour admiring the colorful buildings, taking photos, and popping into the cute shops.
Helpful Tip: This is the most popular street so if you want photos without people, I recommend visiting early in the morning.
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2. Go Wine Tasting
Alsace is famous for its world-class wine and Eguisheim produces some of the highest-quality wines in the region.
There are tons of wine cellars and wineries where you can sample a glass.
Below I’ve put together some of my favorite wineries that offer tastings:
3. Relax in Saint-Léon Square
Saint Léon Square is one of the most popular spots in town.
It was built to commemorate Saint-Léon IX, who served as the pope from 1049 to 1054.
At the center is the infamous fountain with a statue of Saint Léon, the Saint Léon chapel, and the Saint-Léon-Pfalz castle.
Then, surrounding the square are local shops and colorful medieval-style buildings.
After I walked around Rue du Remparts, I stopped by Restaurant A. Edel for a coffee and a tarte flambée. It’s a nice place to take a break before continuing your visit.
Address: 4 Place du Château Saint-Léon
4. Visit the Three Castles of Eguisheim
The Three Castles of Eguisheim were built in the 11th and 12th centuries and served as watchtowers over the region. They were later demolished in the 14th century during the War of the Six Oboles.
Ongoing restoration efforts have been made to preserve these historical landmarks, and today you can visit them for free.
I hiked from Eguisheim, and it took me about an hour. I used Maps.me and Google Maps, two apps I recommend for your trip to Alsace, to get to the start of the trail. From there, the route was well-marked and easy to follow.
If you decide to drive, there’s a parking lot next to the site called Parking des Trois Châteaux (GPS Coordinates: 48.039974, 7.2270435).
Helpful Tip: Effective September 2022, all three castles are undergoing restorations. You can’t go inside the castles but can walk around the exteriors.
5. Admire Chapelle Saint-Léon IX
Of the churches in Eguisheim, I thought Chapelle Saint-Léon IX was the most impressive.
The exact dates of its initial construction are unknown, but it is thought to date back to the 13th century.
Remodeling began at the end of the 19th century, and a chapel dedicated to Saint-Léon IX was added along with a staircase to the upper floors.
The most impressive feature, in my opinion, was the ceiling (photo above). It shows the stages of Saint Léon’s life in exquisite detail.
Helpful Tip: The chapel is very dark, but if you are willing to donate a few euros, there is a light switch at the back.
6. Explore the Vineyards
Eguisheim is one of those towns in Alsace that is, actually, surrounded by vineyards. There are lush rolling hills of grape vines in every direction.
And since most of the paths through the vineyards are paved, you can explore them by car, bike, or foot.
I walked through the vineyards while hiking to the Three Castles of Eguisheim and stopped under one of the shaded areas to enjoy my packed lunch.
Even during the busy tourist seasons (July and August), you’ll be able to find a quiet place. That’s how big the vineyards around Eguisheim are.
Helpful Tip: If you’re visiting in September or October (early), you’ll have the opportunity to witness the grapes being harvested.
7. Try Traditional Alsatian Food
No trip to Alsace is complete without sampling some of the regional food.
While several dishes are worth trying, in Eguisheim, tarte flambée is the most popular.
Tarte flambée is made with a thin crust of dough topped with crème fraîche, caramelized onions, and lardons (fatty strips of bacon).
It’s then baked in a wood-fired oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling with deliciousness.
And my favorite spot in town is Restaurant Dagsbourg.
Address of Restaurant Dagsbourg: 41 Rue du Rempart N
8. Explore the Route des 5 Châteaux
The Route des 5 Châteaux is a winding road that leads past five castles, the Three Castles of Eguisheim, Hohlandsbourg Castle, and Pflixbourg Castle.
Each has played a role in Alsace’s history and offers something unique.
The route is 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles) and can be done by bike, car, or hike.
I opted to hike from Eguisheim to the Three Castles of Eguisheim. I then followed the trail to Pflixbourg Castle.
It took me about four hours, but if you don’t have that much time driving or cycling the route are two other options.
9. Take a Picture of Le Pigeonnier
Eguisheim has a lot of beautiful buildings, but the most famous among them is Le Pigeonnier.
This tiny half-timbered house is the most photographed building in the both Alsace and the village.
In terms of history, there isn’t much information available about it.
But its charm and picturesque appearance make it a must-visit spot.
I had seen Le Pigeonnier in photos, and my initial impression was that it was pretty but not overly impressive.
But when I saw it in person, my opinion changed. It had that Beauty and the Beast vibe and for a moment I thought I was in a fairytale.
Address: 2A Rue du Rempart S
10. Take in the Views from Hohlandsbourg Castle
Of the castles I’ve mentioned in this post, Hohlandsbourg Castle was my favorite.
It was built in the 11th century as a defensive stronghold against invaders. It changed hands many times over the centuries and was even destroyed during a revolt.
In the late 1800s, it was restored to its former glory and labeled as a historic monument.
Today, it’s the largest fortified castle in Alsace, offering 360-degree panoramic views over the region.
On a clear day, I heard you could even see Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral. I, personally, couldn’t but I still thought the views were incredible (photo above).
Helpful Tip: Holandsbourg Castle is closed in winter, so make sure to check the website for opening dates and times.
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11. Catch a Glimpse of a Stork
The stork is one of the many things Alsace is known for.
Each year this magnificent bird migrates to the region at the start of spring. Not only does it signify the change of seasons, but also new life, fertility, and happiness.
And, as luck would have it, Eguisheim is a great place to spot storks.
On my first visit, I saw nests on the rooftops all around town.
But the best place to spot these beautiful creatures is at the wildlife refuge, Parc à Cigognes. It’s free to visit and there are information boards detailing everything you’d want to know about storks.
Address of Parc à Cigognes: 17 Rue du Réservoir
12. Rent a Bike
While Eguisheim is small enough to explore on foot, the surrounding vineyards are best visited by bike.
My favorite nearby routes are the Alsace Wine Route and the Route des Cinq Châteaux.
Unfortunately, there are not a ton of places to rent a bike in Eguisheim (despite this being one of the most popular activites to do in the region).
The best and most practical option is with Alsa Cyclo Tours. Their office is in the center, and they have a big selection of bikes.
Helpful Tips:
- I recommend reserving a bike in advance, especially in summer.
- If Alsa Cyclo Tours is sold out, Colmar is the nearest town with several bike rental shops.
Address of Alsa Cyclo Tours: 3 Rue de Pairis
13. Visit a Nearby Alsatian Town
I wouldn’t say that Eguisheim is the best base to explore Alsace (if you need bigger city amenities). But if you love that small-town feel and quiet evenings, then it’s perfect.
Colmar is about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) away and has a charming old town, colorful buildings, canals, and fantastic museums. In fact, there is a ton of sightseeing in Colmar.
Other towns worth visiting, that aren’t far from Eguisheim, are Turckheim and Kaysersberg. Both are served by the Kutzig Bus (my favorite transport option) and the Navettes de Noel.
14. Visit Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
The Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is a gothic-style church with origins dating back to the 11th century. It was remodeled in 1220 and again in the early 1800s.
Today, the bell tower is the only original piece that remains.
The exterior is made of pink sandstone dotted with beautiful stained-glass windows.
Then there is the entrance, which I thought was the most impressive feature. The doorway houses intricate carvings that show Saints Peter and Paul alongside Christ.
Address: 15 Place de l’Église
15. Go to a Festival
Despite its size, Eguisheim hosts several festivals throughout the year.
One of the most popular is the Fête des Vignerons (Winegrowers’ Festival), which takes place every year near the end of August.
It celebrates the local wine culture and includes concerts, performances, and wine tastings.
Other festivals worth checking out are the Christmas Market in December and the New Wine Celebration.
Where to Stay
There are several accommodation options in Eguisheim, but they aren’t budget-friendly. Most of the hotels here fall in the mid-range or luxury category.
- Hotel Auberge Alsacienne – A 3-star hotel with cozy rooms, a restaurant, and free parking.
- Le Hameau d’Eguisheim – A charming hotel with beautiful rooms. Be aware that parking isn’t free.
- Auberge du Rempart – A traditional hotel with friendly staff. The breakfast is delicious and the location is perfect.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of restaurants in Eguisheim. So, I’ve included a few must-try restaurants below:
- Caveau d’Eguisheim – Traditional Alsatian food with delicious tarte flambées. The menu here can be pricey, but it’s worth it.
- Au Vieux Porche – Fantastic food that is reasonably priced. What more is there?
- L’Atelier de Béné – Touted as the best restaurant in Eguisheim. They only have a few tables so be sure to snatch one if you can.
Map of Eguisheim
Below is a map of Eguisheim that contains all the places listed in this post. Click on the map to open Google Maps.
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Conclusion
From picturesque streets to enchanting castles, Eguisheim has a lot to offer.
I, personally, love its small-town feel, colorful half-timbered houses, and proximity to hiking trails.
It’s also an easy day trip from Colmar and accessible by public transport (if you don’t want to rent a car).
Now that you know all the top things to see and do, it’s time to start planning your trip. Why not start with planning a trip to Eguisheim from Colmar?
Read More Articles
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