Obernai is one of those towns along the Alsace Wine Route that has quietly risen to fame.
It doesn’t yet have the same status as Colmar or Riquewihr, but it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a must-visit destination.
I visit Obernai about five times a year. It’s only 30 minutes by train from Strasbourg, where I live, and there’s always something going on.
In spring, Obernai’s Easter market is one of the cutest in Alsace, and, in winter, its Christmas market is a mini-wonderland.
I also love walking the Old Town Circuit, taking in the views from Mont National, and, of course, wine tasting at Domaine Blanck.
Here are my top recommendations for things to do in Obernai.
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#1 Travel Guide
I’ve been living in Strasbourg since 2019, and, after years of exploring this beautiful city, I decided to write my own guidebook.
Forget tourist traps—you’ll get access to my personal, never-before-shared list of the best places to eat, stay, and visit.
1. Walk the Old Town Circuit
My favorite thing to do here is walk the Old Town Circuit.
Why?
Because it passes by all the main sites, and, at each stop, there are information boards that summarize the history and significance.
The first stop is the Belfry (near Place du Marché). It then winds around Obernai, stopping by 11 other sites.
It took me about 90 minutes because I read all the information boards and stopped in every building that was open. If you don’t do that, it takes only an hour.
My favorite sites were:
- The Romanesque House (from 1240)
- Saints Peter and Paul Church
- Puits à Six Seaux
- Cour Fastinger
- Saint Odile’s Fountain
You can pick up a free guide at the tourist office or download it here.
Helpful Tip: Obernai is the birthplace of Saint Odile, who is the patron saint of Alsace.
2. Enjoy the Views from Mont National
Mont National was built in 1956 to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Second World War. It overlooks Obernai and the surrounding Vosges mountains.
On a clear day, you can even see as far as Mont Sainte-Odile, although you do need to squint.
To get to the monument, you’ll need to walk along a gradually inclining hill. I didn’t find it difficult, but if you aren’t used to walking uphill, it can feel like a long slog.
It took me about 20 minutes from Obernai’s Place du Marché, and, for views like those, it was worth every step.
There are also information boards at the top that point to significant places you can see from the viewpoint.
3. Take a Break at Au Fond de la Cour
Au Fond de la Cour is one of my favorite cafés in Obernai. It’s located in the Cour Fastinger, which is a stop on the Old Town Circuit.
Everything here is homemade, and you can tell.
On my last visit, I ordered the Apple Strudel. It tasted like the apples had been picked that very morning. That’s how fresh it was.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with outdoor seating available if the weather is nice.
4. Admire the Cherry Trees along Allée des Cerisiers
Every year in April, cherry blossoms start to appear around Alsace.
And in Obernai, near Mont National, there is a small street called Allée des Cerisiers lined with giant cherry trees.
They are among the most impressive I’ve seen, and since they’re off the main tourist trail, this area is usually very quiet.
I visit every year when I hike the Circuit des Cerisiers.
Helpful Tip: The Circuit des Cerisiers starts in Bischoffsheim, but you can also hike it from Obernai. The first sign is on a tree next to a side street near the corner of Allée du Vignoble and Allée du Mémorial.
5. Visit the Christmas Market
I love the Christmas markets in Alsace.
But, over the years, towns like Strasbourg and Colmar have become so overcrowded that it’s exhausting even to think about visiting during the holiday season.
I usually opt to visit one of the smaller Christmas markets. And one of my favorites is in Obernai.
Its theme is the Marché de Noël de la Gastronomie et de l’Artisanat, or the Christmas Market of Gastronomy and Crafts.
It’s small, with about 50 stalls selling locally made products and homemade traditional dishes. As a bonus, the town is filled with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
There’s even a giant Christmas tree in Place du Marché.
6. Discover Obernai’s Easter Market
If the Christmas market season isn’t for you, I recommend checking out the Easter markets in Alsace.
Obernai has one of the cutest I’ve seen. The town is decorated with blooming flowers, and there are 60 stalls selling handmade crafts and homemade traditional food, like tarte flambée.
The main downside is that it’s only open for one weekend, which might require some strategic planning.
But it’s worth it.
I thought the atmosphere was more relaxed than the one at Christmas, and there were fewer tourists.
7. Visit Domaine Blanck
Domaine Blanck is a family-owned winery that has been in business since 1732. And, in 2020, they started producing organic wines.
I liked that the winery was in town, and I didn’t need a reservation to visit. Plus, they offered free tastings (up to three wines).
Most of my visits to Obernai are planned at the last minute, so I like it when I don’t need a reservation to do something, like visit a winery.
The only downside is that the tasting doesn’t include a tour of their cellar.
Helpful Tip: If you want to see their cellars, you’ll need a reservation.
But they will still cover the history and cultivation process.
8. Explore the Alsace Wine Route
Obernai is on the Alsace Wine Route and has a train station, which means it’s easy to visit nearby towns.
You can either rent a bike or take the train.
I’ve done both, and I recommend opting for the train if you’re short on time.
My favorite towns near Obernai are Rosheim, Barr, and Mittelbergheim.
- Rosheim is home to the oldest bakery in France and the oldest building in Alsace.
- Barr is a cute little town that is a nice escape from the main tourist trail.
- Mittelbergheim is a traditional wine-growing village with some of the best wineries. It’s also a great place to walk and picnic in the vineyards.
9. Hop on the Little Tourist Train
Most towns in Alsace have a Little Tourist Train, and Obernai is no exception.
I love these little trains because they do such a nice job of covering the main sites and the history.
The one in Obernai circles around the town and even goes to Mont National. I’ve taken it a few times and always discover new things.
It’s especially helpful if you don’t have tons of time or if you prefer to see the sights from a comfortable seat.
10. Follow the Ramparts Trail
The Ramparts Trail is another circuit in Obernai, and it follows the ramparts around the town. It’s a very short tour that took me about 20 minutes.
There are no special stops along the way, but it is a nice walk.
I’ve only done it once because I think the Old Town Circuit is more interesting, and it also stops at one of the towers along Obernai’s ramparts.
This trail is listed on the map for the Old Town Circuit, which you can get for free at the tourist office or download it here.
Where to Stay
Obernai has a wide variety of accommodations. Here are the places I recommend:
- Hotel Le Colombier: Located in the center of Obernai, this beautiful hotel has large, comfy rooms. The staff is also very welcoming.
- Le Gouverneur Hotel: Housed in a beautiful building downtown Obernai, this hotel is perfect for a quiet stay. The staff is friendly, and there is air conditioning in the summer.
- Hotel La Diligence: A lovely hotel with views over Obernai’s Place du Marché. The rooms are comfy, and their restaurant is incredible.
Where to Eat
Obernai might be small, but there are lots of great restaurants. Here are my top recommendations:
- Winstub Le Freiberg: A traditional Alsatian restaurant with a cozy interior. The food is delicious, and the presentation is elegant.
- La Stub des Gourmets: A French-style restaurant serving dishes with ingredients from the local market. It’s located in the cellar of a historic building, which makes for a very cozy setting.
- Le Comptoir de La Diligence: A stylish yet cozy restaurant with some of the best food in town. The menu is French cuisine, and everything is prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Obernai is a charming town that offers a quiet escape from the busier destinations in Alsace.
There’s a lot to do, but it’s easy to visit the main sites in a day.
If I had to choose one activity, I would pick the Old Town Circuit because it covers so much, and the walk is very easy.
I would also recommend using Obernai as a base to visit Alsace if you want to see the lesser-known towns.
It’s not as big as Strasbourg or as busy as Colmar, and you’re more likely to find affordable accommodation options.
If you’re not sure how to add Obernai to your itinerary, you can check out my four-day guide.
Read More Articles About Alsace
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 25 Amazing Things to Do in Alsace (Local’s Guide)
- A Local’s Guide to Getting to Alsace
- 17 Essential Apps and Websites for Your Trip to Alsace
- 19 Most Charming Towns in Alsace (Local’s Guide)
