If Colmar feels too crowded but you still want that fairytale Alsace experience, Obernai might just become your favorite stop.
I visit this little town about five times a year. It’s only 30 minutes by train from Strasbourg, where I live, and every single time I leave wondering why more travelers haven’t put it on their list.
Half-timbered houses painted in candy colors, a market square that still belongs to locals rather than tour buses, and the Vosges foothills rising right behind it.
Obernai has the magic of the famous Alsatian villages without the elbow-to-elbow crowds.
So, if you want a town that’s beautiful and breathable, this is it.
Here are my top recommendations for things to do in Obernai.
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Is Obernai Worth It?
Short answer: absolutely yes.
Obernai isn’t trying to dazzle you. It doesn’t have a single blockbuster attraction the way Strasbourg has its cathedral, or Colmar has Little Venice.
What it has instead is atmosphere, and a lot of it. The town has stayed remarkably authentic, partly because it sits slightly off the main tourist conveyor belt that runs through Colmar, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg.
I keep coming back because Obernai rewards slow wandering. The cobbled lanes branch off in unexpected directions, and the further you drift from the central square, the quieter and more local it gets.
Skip Obernai if your goal is bucket-list landmarks or famous historical sites. Choose it if you want to feel like you’ve discovered a place rather than queued for one.
How Long Do You Need?
Here’s my repeat-visitor take: you can see the highlights of Obernai in half a day, but I’d give it a full day if you can.
A half-day works if Obernai is a quick stop on a wider Alsace road trip. You’ll walk the old town, take in the views from Mont National, grab a pastry, and snap your photos. That’s a solid Obernai day trip from Strasbourg, which is just 30 minutes away by train or car.
A full day lets you slow down, linger over lunch, taste a few wines, and walk the complete historical circuit. That late-afternoon emptiness is my favorite version of Obernai, and most visitors never see it.
If you’re using Obernai as a base for the wine route (which I often recommend over busier hubs), plan two to three nights.
My Favorite Things to See, Do, and Eat
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 stop by Allée des Cerisiers every year when I hike the Circuit des Cerisiers.
But you can also visit on your way to Mont National.
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
The Obernai Christmas market is, in my opinion, the version of an Alsatian Christmas you actually want. Strasbourg’s market is bigger, and Colmar’s is more famous, but both can feel overwhelming once the crowds descend.
Obernai keeps it intimate. Wooden chalets fill the squares, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifts down the lanes, and the whole town glows with lights.
I’ve spent December evenings here where I could actually enjoy the decorations without having to push past a thousand strangers.
A local tip: visit on a weekday evening rather than a weekend. The market stays magical, but the day-trip crowds from Strasbourg thin out dramatically, and you’ll get the fairy-light atmosphere closer to how locals experience it.
6. Discover Obernai’s Easter Market
Spring is my favorite season in Obernai, and the Easter market is part of why.
It’s small, much smaller than the Christmas market, and that’s exactly its charm. Stalls sell hand-painted eggs, seasonal sweets, and local crafts, and the whole thing has a gentle, neighborhood feel rather than a tourist-event buzz.
You can browse the entire market in an hour, which makes it a delightful add-on rather than a destination in itself.
Here’s the insider reason to visit in spring, though: the cherry blossoms (as I mentioned earlier).
After several April visits, I’ve learned the trees near Mont National put on a brief, gorgeous show. Time it right and you’ll get a scene almost no guidebook mentions at the same time as the Easter market.
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, making it easy to visit nearby towns (or add it to your itinerary).
You can rent a bike, take the train, or drive.
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
I’ve ridden this train more than once and think it’s a great option, but it’s not for everyone.
The little tourist train loops through the old town and out toward the vineyards, with commentary along the way.
It’s genuinely lovely if you have limited mobility, you’re traveling with young kids, or it’s your very first visit, and you want a quick orientation before exploring on foot.
The vineyard stretch is the highlight. That’s where you get views you won’t easily reach by walking.
Best seat? Grab the right-hand side as you board for the better vineyard views.
Who should skip it? If you’ve already spent a couple of hours walking Obernai’s compact center, the in-town portion will feel repetitive, or if you don’t have time to walk up to Mont National.
10. Follow the Ramparts Trail
Obernai still has a good stretch of its medieval walls, and the path that hugs them is one of the most underrated walks in town.
Unlike the polished, crowded ramparts you might walk elsewhere, Obernai’s circuit feels almost private. In the quieter sections, you’ll trade tourists for locals walking their dogs, with gardens spilling over the old stone walls.
It’s the side of Obernai where you can appreciate the medieval defenses without anyone photobombing your shot.
Best timing? Late afternoon, when the low sun catches the sandstone. The full loop takes about 30 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Who should skip it? If you’re tight on time and have already wandered the old town circuit, you can shorten it to just the prettiest stretch (near the Rue de Selestat 19 Tower) and not feel like you’ve missed much.
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.
Where Obernai Fits Into Your Alsace Trip
Here’s the question most travelers ask once they’ve fallen for Obernai: where does it fit into the bigger picture?
My answer: make it your calm base or your first stop. It pairs naturally with a Strasbourg day trip in one direction and the wine route villages in the other, so you get city, vineyards, and storybook charm without long drives.
If you’re mapping out the whole region, this slots neatly into a multi-day Alsace itinerary, and it’s an ideal warm-up before the busier hotspots.
For more help planning your trip, take a look at my travel planning services. I offer personalized, local advice to take the stress out of organizing your vacation.
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)
