My Favorite 7 Things to Do in Turckheim

Turckheim does not have the name recognition of Colmar or Riquewihr, but that is precisely what makes it worth your time.

My first visit was in 2023. I was hiking down from Château du Holandsbourg and had time to spare. I wandered around the Old Town, walked the historical circuit, and visited the Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar.

Since then, I’ve been back every year. I love the friendly atmosphere, and the Christmas and Easter markets are second to none.

Below, I’ll share my favorite things to do in Turckheim, highlighting my experiences so you too can have an unforgettable visit.

Turckheim's Jardin de la Ville filled with bushes, trees, and bright red flowers. In the background is the City Hall, decorated with hanging flower baskets, and half-timbered houses covered in vines. This is one of the best things to do in Turckheim. — Jardin de la Ville in Summer

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1. Follow the Historical Circuit

Rue des Vignerons lined with colorful timber framed buildings. This is one of the streets along the historical circuit in Turckheim. — Rue des Vignerons

The Historical Circuit is my favorite way to visit the main sites in Turckheim.

It starts at the tourist office and circles around the town, finishing along Grand Rue.

The entire circuit took me about 90 minutes.

It took longer than average because I stopped to take photos and visit sites such as Église Sainte-Anne and the Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar.

The prettiest sections were along Grand Rue, Rue des Vignerons, and the Jardin de la Ville.

Helpful Tip: You can pick up a copy of the circuit at the tourist office or download a free PDF version here.

2. Visit the Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar

Artifacts, including a photo, a superman comic book, glasses, playing cards, and a coca cola bottle, from American Soldiers at the Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar. — Artifacts from American Soldiers at the Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar.

The Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar is one of my favorite museums in Alsace.

It covers the history of the Colmar Pocket, one of the last Nazi strongholds in Alsace during World War II.

The museum was laid out in chronological order with artifacts to help illustrate the events. There were uniforms, maps, artillery, first aid kits, playing cards, etc.

While there were explanations next to each exhibit, they weren’t detailed enough for me, so I took the audioguide. I learned lots of interesting facts that I wouldn’t have known otherwise.

For example, when Germany annexed Alsace, Adolf Hitler issued a copy of his book, Mein Kampf, to all newlywed couples.

There were lots of other anecdotes that helped me picture what life was like during this period of the war.

3. Visit the Christmas Market

Three wooden houses with Christmas decorations at the Christmas market in Turckheim. — Turckheim’s Christmas Market

Turckheim’s Christmas market is just as cute as its Easter Market. It’s Elf-themed, and the decorations look like they were made by Elves.

But what set it apart was the atmosphere. I’ve been a few times over the years, both during the week and on weekends, and it was never crowded, which was surprising.

Keep in mind, it’s only a 10-minute train ride from Colmar, so you’d think it would be packed, but it wasn’t.

Then, as a bonus, the vendors were also from Alsace, so it felt much more authentic than some nearby Christmas markets like Colmar.

4. Take in the Views from Col du Brand

Panorama of Turckheim from the Col du Brand

The landscape around Turckheim is some of the most beautiful in Alsace. And my favorite spot to take in the views was from Col du Brand.

It’s a short hike from the city’s center through the vineyards, but it was worth the effort.

From Col du Brand, I had a panorama of Turckheim with the Vosges in the background.

5. Dine at Caveau du Vigneron

Baeckeoffe, a casserole made with meat and potatoes, from Caveau du Vigneron in Turckheim. There is a spoon and a fork sticking out of the clay pot containing the casserole. — Baeckeoffe from Caveau du Vigneron

I’ve been going to Turckheim a few times a year since I moved to Alsace, and my favorite restaurant is Caveau du Vigneron.

It’s a traditional Alsatian restaurant set in a half-timbered house. Everything on their menu is delicious, but the baeckeoffe is my number one choice.

I paired it with a glass of Pinot Gris from Domaine François Baur – the perfect combination.

The atmosphere is cozy, the food is delicious, and the service is friendly. You really can’t ask for more than that.

6. Wine Tasting at Domaine François Baur

A cobblestone road lined with hanging vines leads to the entrance of the winery Domaine François Baur in Turckheim. — Entrance to Domaine François Baur

Of course, no trip to Turckheim (or Alsace) would be complete without a wine tasting. There are quite a few wineries in town, but my top pick is Domaine François Baur.

It’s attached to the Caveau du Vigneron, so you can do a tasting and have lunch in one place. The winery has been family-owned since the mid-1700s, and they have quite a selection.

Their tasting consisted of eight wines, which, for me, was a lot.

I particularly enjoyed the Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. I don’t like dry wines, so the Riesling was obviously my least favorite.

7. Browse the Easter Market

Postcards featuring scenes from around Alsace by Guy Untereiner at the Easter Market in Turckheim. — Postcards by Guy Untereiner

Turckheim hosts one of the cutest Easter markets in Alsace. The town is decorated in a spring theme with trees and flower arrangements in bloom.

There aren’t as many stalls as at the Christmas market, but all the vendors are local artists and artisans.

The main market is hosted in the Hôtel de Ville, with a few more stalls outside.

My favorite artist was Guy Untereiner. He is based in Drulingen, in northern Alsace, but comes to Turckheim for the Easter market.

He creates stunning hand-drawn and painted designs that illustrate Alsace’s culture. I ended up buying a few postcards because they were so incredible.

Where to Stay

Turckheim might be small, but there are plenty of options for accommodation.

Here are my top recommendations:

Hôtel des Deux Clefs: Set in a stunning half-timbered house, this beautiful hotel is the place to stay. The rooms are cozy, and the staff is welcoming.
Hôtel Berceau Du Vigneron: Located downtown, the hotel is housed in an older building. The rooms are comfortable, and parking is available.
L’Auberge du Brand: A cozy hotel with an amazing breakfast. The staff is welcoming, and you’ll feel like you’re right at home.

Where to Eat

In addition to the restaurants I mentioned above, there are a few other places worth checking out. Here are the places I recommend:

Auberge du Brand: An elegant restaurant with a menu focused on local and seasonal ingredients. If you want to add a little luxury to your trip, this is the place to go.
La Table du 12: A French-style restaurant with delicious food and excellent service. This place fills up fast, so be sure to make a reservation.
L’Autrefois: A traditional Alsatian restaurant with a complete menu. Their choucroute garnie is some of the best in the region.

Final Thoughts

Turckheim is one of those towns along the Alsace Wine Route that has yet to draw a crowd. And that’s why I recommend visiting before it gets too popular.

It’s small, but there’s a lot to do.

The activities I listed above can be done in a day, but the markets do need more timely planning.

If you have questions and need help planning your trip, schedule a consultation call with me.

I can answer any questions you may have and provide personalized recommendations for your stay in Turckheim and Alsace, in general.