A Local’s Guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg is a charming village located in the heart of Alsace. Its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses are something out of a fairytale.

But beyond its picturesque beauty, Kaysersberg offers plenty of things to see and do that will make your trip unforgettable.

Since moving to Alsace in 2019, I’ve visited Kaysersberg multiple times. I love the small town setting, the architecture, and the endless number of nature activities.

It’s also right on the Alsace Wine Route and is served by one of my favorite transport options – the Kutzig Bus.

Below I’ve put together a list of the top activities and attractions in Kaysersberg, including a few hidden gems that only locals know about.

This is the view through the fortified bridge. You can see the river surrounded by a stone wall and half-timbered houses. It's easily on of the top things to do in Kaysersberg.
Fortified Bridge

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1. Watch the Sunrise over the Vineyards

Sun rising over the horizon in Kasyersberg. The sky is pink, orange, and blue. In the photo you can see both the vineyards and Kaysersberg. I took this photo while standing in front of the Castle of Kaysersberg.
Beautiful Sunrise

If you’re looking for an enchanting way to start your day in Kaysersberg, watching the sunrise over the vineyards is a must.

Located outside of the Old Town, the vineyards provide a beautiful backdrop as the sun slowly peaks over the horizon.

It’s the best time to experience nature and witness the town come to life.

I’ve watched the sunrise a few times in Kaysersberg and the overlook in front of Château de Kaysersberg was the best. That’s where I took the picture above.

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    2. Walk the Circuit Pittoresque

    This is the start of the Circuit Pittoresque in Kaysersberg. It's a cobbled street lined with colorful half-timbered houses.
    Circuit Pittoresque

    Kaysersberg has a lot of pretty streets and it’s easy to spend hours trying to capture every building in this beautiful town.

    But if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, the Circuit Pittoresque (Picturesque Circuit) is my favorite walk to do in Kaysersberg.

    It starts at the corner Rue des Potiers and Rue du Général de Gaulle and follows the river until you reach the town’s entrance.

    You’ll pass by quaint houses with colorful shutters, towers, and the Ancien Lavoir.

    I’ve walked this little circuit several times, even during the high tourist season, and it has always been empty.

    Most visitors stick to the main streets and forget this little walk exists.

    3. Discover the Centre Schweitzer

    This is an exhibit at the Centre Schweitzer in Kaysersberg. It's a wall with photos and descriptions of his various contributions.
    Centre Schweitzer

    Albert Schweitzer was a famous physician, philosopher, and theologian who devoted his life to humanitarian work. And he was born here in Kaysersberg in 1875.

    The list of his accomplishments is never-ending. But the most outstanding include founding a hospital in Gabon and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.

    To honor his legacy, the Centre Schweitzer was created to educate visitors about his life and work.

    I’ve visited a lot of museums in Alsace and the Centre Schweitzer is one of the most interesting. It thoroughly covered Albert Schweitzer’s life in a way that was engaging and easy to follow.

    I spent about two hours wandering through the exhibits and learning about his incredible contributions.

    Address: 126 Rue du Général de Gaulle

    4. Marvel at the Beautiful Architecture

    This is a typical half-timbered building in Kaysersberg. It's blue and has flowers on the windowsills.
    Typical Half-timbered Building in Kaysersberg

    The streets of Kaysersberg are lined with spectacularly vibrant half-timbered houses.

    In spring, pink and white flowers line wooden windowsills, signaling the change in season.

    Then in winter, these already magnificent buildings are decorated with lights and seasonal ornaments as the Christmas market comes alive.

    I’ve visited in spring, summer, fall, and winter, and I’ve never been disappointed, even when it was crowded.

    My favorite streets to photograph were Rue du Général de Gaulle and Rue des Forgerons.

    5. Take in the Views from Rocher des Corbeaux

    Magnificent View of the valley behind Kaysersberg from Rocher des Corbeaux. You can see the top of houses, most of which are orange, and, in the distance, there are rolling hills.
    Look at that View!

    The mountains surrounding Kaysersberg are nothing short of incredible.

    So, what better way to witness their beauty than to hike up to Rocher des Corbeaux?

    From here you’ll have an unencumbered panorama view of the valley below. Granted, it’s a tough 40-minute (1.7 kilometers, 1.1 miles) uphill slog to the top, but the views are worth it.

    Plus, it’s less crowded that the Château de Kaysersberg.

    I started hiking from the Château de Kaysersberg and followed the trail through the forest before reaching Rocher des Corbeaux.

    There’s only one path but I still used Maps.me to check where I was.

    Helpful Tip: Maps.me is one of the apps I recommend you download for any trip to Alsace.

    6. Try a Glass of Alsatian Wine

    This is a bottle of wine from Alsace. It's unopened and surrounded by vineyards.
    Wine from Alsace

    No trip to Kaysersberg is complete without sampling some of Alsace’s infamous wine.

    Here you’ll find wine cellars and vineyards that have been around since the 13th century.

    Many of which are family-owned and have been passed down for generations. In fact, it’s home to some of my favorite wineries in the region.

    For the best places to try a glass, check out the list below:

    7. Visit the Fortified Bridge

    View from the Fortified Bridge in Kaysersberg. The river is lined with a tall stone wall and in the distance there are half-timbered houses.
    The Weiss River

    The Weiss River runs through Kaysersberg, cutting the city in two. And the only way to connect the town was to build a bridge.

    The first was made of wood, but, in 1514, enemy advancements proved relentless, and the wooden bridge was replaced with a fortified one.

    It was equipped with a protective wall and jail. This wall hid gunmen, while the jail housed locals who committed petty crimes.

    Today, the original bridge still stands, and the jail has since been turned into a small chapel.

    When you walk by it, you won’t think it’s that spectacular. You need to peek through one of the openings in the stone wall for the view in the photo above.

    Then, if you want to see the bridge in its entirety, head to the corner of Rue du Général de Gaulle and Rue des Forgerons.

    Address: 16 Rue des Forgerons

    8. Discover Verrerie d’Art de Kaysersberg

    This is the workshop at the Verrerie d’Art de Kaysersberg. There is a furnace, tools, and other items to shape artwork made of glass.
    Verrerie d’Art de Kaysersberg’s Workshop

    One of the coolest things I did was tour the Verrerie d’Art de Kaysersberg. Here you’ll get the chance to watch artists design unique masterpieces from hand-blown glass.

    There’s a workshop where you can watch the glassblowers and a showroom where you can purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

    Address: 30 Rue du Général de Gaulle

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      9. Tour the Château de Kaysersberg

      This is the view from the Château de Kaysersberg. There are roof tops of the town center and you can see Kaysersberg is surrounded by vineyards.
      View from Château de Kaysersberg

      Kaysersberg is a German word meaning Emperor’s Mountain. It comes from the fortress, Château de Kaysersberg, that overlooks the city.

      The origins of the castle date back to the 12th century when it was used as a lookout for the region. And, today, you can tour the castle for free.

      But that’s not the best part.

      The views from the top are spectacular.

      I’ve climbed this castle a ton of times and I’m always in awe of the view. It’s 100 stairs to reach the top and my vertigo always kicks in about half-way up, but I think it’s worth it.

      Helpful Tip: The Château de Kaysersberg is sometimes called Château de Schlossberg.

      10. Bike a Section of the Alsace Wine Route

      This is a cobblestone street in Riquewihr. It's lined with colorful houses that are decorated with hanging baskets of flowers.
      Riquewihr

      If you’re visiting Kaysersberg, biking a section of the Alsace Wine Route is an absolute must.

      Not only will you get to explore one of the most scenic routes in France, but it’s also a great way to see the surrounding countryside.

      There are hundreds of designated paths that run in every direction.

      But my favorite was the Route de Kientzheim.

      It leads to one of the most stunning villages in the region, Riquewihr. It took me about 40 minutes with the end being the most difficult part (it goes slightly uphill).

      Helpful Tip: Alsa Cyclo Tours is the best place to rent a bike in Kaysersberg.

      11. Spend the Day at the Lac Blanc

      View of Le Lac Blanc from the Observatoire Belmont. The lake is a deep blue and it's surrounded by trees.
      View from the Observatoire Belmont

      Not far from Kaysersberg is one of the most beautiful lakes in Alsace, Lac Blanc, or White Lake. It’s named after the color of its clear pristine waters.

      This impressive body of water sits at an altitude of 1055 meters (3461 feet) surrounded by the Vosges Mountains.

      In winter, skiers dominate its snow-covered slopes, while hikers and cyclists populate the trails in summer.

      You can tour the shores of the Lac Blanc, but, since I love a good view, I hiked to the highest viewpoint – Observatoire Belmont (1215 meters, 3986 feet).

      From here you’ll take in sweeping panoramas of the Vosges mountains and picturesque villages dotting the countryside below.

      Helpful Tip: I rode my bike from Kaysersberg to the Lac Blanc. While it was fun, it was extremely difficult. I recommend driving if you want to visit.

      12. Admire the Église Sainte-Croix

      This is the wooden altar piece in the Église Sainte-Croix. It shows various Christian people and there is stained glass behind it.
      Wooden Altar Piece in the Église Sainte-Croix

      Construction of the Église Sainte-Croix (Holy Cross Church) began in the mid-12th century and continued through the 16th century.

      During this time, the church underwent several modifications. And most of what remains of today comes from the changes made during the 15th century.

      At first glance, this Romanesque-style church doesn’t compare to some of the more grandiose churches in Alsace, like the Strasbourg Cathedral.

      But it’s actually home to several notable artworks, including a wooden altarpiece from the early 15th century.

      Helpful Tip: Make sure to stop by the Fountain Constantine in front of the church as well as the memorial garden dedicated to the First Army in the back.

      Address: 41 Rue du Général de Gaulle

      13. Try Traditional Alsatian Food

      This is a bretzel stand in Kaysersberg. It's small opening in a stone building and there are bretzels to purchase.
      Bretzel Stand in Kaysersberg

      One of the best ways to experience Alsace is through its food, and there are lots of delicious dishes to try.

      Some of my favorites are:

      • Choucroute garnie – sauerkraut with various meats
      • Tarte Flambée – thin pizza-like tart with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon
      • Baeckeoffe – meat and potato casserole

      Then, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, bretzels make a great snack.

      14. Explore Musée Historique de Kaysersberg

      The Musée Historique de Kaysersberg (Historical Museum of Kaysersberg) is for history buffs and cultural fiends alike.

      Located in a 16th-century house, this museum might look small on the outside, but there are some spectacular archeological finds to see.

      Here you’ll find collections dating back to the 16th century, including a rare Vierge Ouvrante from the late 14th century.

      My visit took me about an hour. I loved learning about the history of Kaysersberg and the region.

      Helpful Tip: The Musée Historique de Kaysersberg is only open in July and August, so plan accordingly.

      Address: 62 Rue du Général de Gaulle

      15. Explore Kaysersberg’s Christmas Market

      This is a house decorated for Christmas in Kaysersberg. There are two trees with ornaments, a small wooden fence, and a door with a wreath.
      Kaysersberg’s Christmas Market

      Every year Kaysersberg puts on one of the best Christmas markets in the region.

      Here you’ll find local vendors selling traditional handmade gifts and delicious Alsatian treats. It’s actually been dubbed the ‘authentic Christmas market.’

      I’ve been a few times and loved the wooden chalets and festive decorations. It’s worth adding to your Christmas market itinerary, but I recommend going on a weekday when it’s less crowded.

      Map of Kaysersberg

      The map below contains all the activities listed above. Click on the map to open Google Maps.

      This is a screenshot of Google Maps. It has all the activities listed in this article. Click on the map to open Google Maps
      Map of Kaysersberg

      Where to Stay

      There are a ton of great hotels in Kaysersberg. Granted, they are not budget-friendly, but the quality is worth the price.

      • Hotel KLE, Kaysersberg – Modern rooms that are spacious and well-designed. The staff is friendly and helpful.
      • Relais et Châteaux Le Chambard – Refined rooms that are super comfortable. They even have an indoor pool!
      • Hôtel les Remparts – A lovely hotel with comfortable rooms. They offer free parking and are located on one of the most beautiful streets in Kaysersberg.

      Where to Eat

      There is no shortage of fantastic restaurants in Kaysersberg. Below are a few places that I recommend you try.

      • La Table d’Olivier Nasti – Touted as the best restaurant in Alsace. This 2-star Michelin restaurant is something out of this world. If you are looking for a true gastronomic experience, be sure to book a table here.
      • Côté Vigne Restaurant – Fine dining with excellent service that is reasonably priced. If you love modern French cuisine, this is the place for you.
      • Bratschall Manala – This traditional Alsatian restaurant makes the best tarte flambée in town.

      Free Printable Guide

      Sign up for a free printable version of this guide. It has everything you need to guarantee an amazing trip!

      Things to Do in Kaysersberg Printable Guide

        Conclusion

        If you’re looking for a charming town steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, Kaysersberg is the perfect destination.

        I’ve visited so many times since moving to Alsace, and I’ve never been disappointed.

        It’s a great addition to any itinerary or can even be a nice day trip from Colmar. The Kutzig Bus even runs past Kaysersberg.

        Now that you know the top things to do, why not decide when you want to visit the region?


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        Jen Ciesielski
        Jen Ciesielski

        Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. Originally from the United States, she moved abroad in 2012 and has since made France her permanent home. After spending three years in Paris, immersing herself in the culture, language, and history, she relocated to Strasbourg in 2019. Jen has traveled extensively across France, uncovering its hidden gems and unique locales. Her journey culminated in 2024 when she was granted French citizenship, solidifying her expertise and commitment to sharing the beauty and intricacies of living and traveling in France.

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