There are some places you visit once and check off a list, and then there are places that call you back time and time again. For me, that place is Wissembourg.
Tucked away in northern Alsace, this charming town is often skipped over for its more famous neighbors, despite being a short trip from Strasbourg.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wandered its cobblestone streets since moving to the capital of the region in 2019.
It’s a town that feels like a well-kept secret, and I’m always surprised more people don’t know about it.
In this guide, I’ll share all my favorite things to do in Wissembourg, showing you exactly why this hidden gem deserves a top spot on your travel itinerary.
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1. Admire the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Abbey
One of the main reasons to visit Wissembourg is the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Abbey. Founded in 660, it was once one of the wealthiest churches in the Holy Roman Empire.
And today, it’s the second-largest cathedral in Alsace, next to the Strasbourg Cathedral, and a stop along the Route Romane d’Alsace.
The most impressive feature is the bell tower, which is the only remaining piece from the original 11th-century church.
Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained-glass windows, some of which date to the 11th century, a large mural of Saint Christopher, and two organs.
I would say that this church alone is a reason to visit the region.
2. Take a Ride on the Little Tourist Train
The best activity I did in Wissembourg was taking the Little Tourist Train. (I liked it so much that I did it twice.)
In general, you’ll find these trains all over Alsace, but this one was my favorite.
It circles the town, highlighting historical sites with excellent commentary, and then heads to the southern end of the German Wine Route.
Helpful Tip: Headphones are included, and there are several languages available, including English.
You can even get off the train and enjoy a glass of wine in the German town of Schweigen.
Tours run daily and last approximately 50 minutes.
Helpful Tip: The starting point is at Place du Saumon in front of the Tourist Office.
3. Go to a Museum
Wissembourg has two museums. I visited both and will highlight each one below.
Maison d’Illusion EURL: This is a must-visit if you like optical illusions. It’s an interactive museum that will have you questioning your senses and perception of reality. Make sure to allocate enough time. I was offered a free 90-minute tour with explanations (in English).
Musée Westercamp: Wissembourg was once one of the major centers of imagery in France. This museum explores the history of lithography and Wissembourg (with respect to imagery). It’s one of the lesser-known but interesting aspects of Alsatian culture.
4. Explore the Old Town
Wissembourg is full of historical sites and stunning architecture. You can explore the Old Town on your own (most sites are within a 5-minute walking distance of each other).
There is also a self-guided walking tour offered by the tourist office. It consists of 15 sites, each one containing a small informational board, and takes about 90 minutes (3.1 kilometers or 1.9 miles).
Helpful Tip: Click here to access a PDF of the trail.
Some of my favorite sites were:
- The Town Hall
- Saint Peter and Saint Paul Abbey
- Lavoir du Bruch
- Le Schlup
- Maison du Sel (This site was not listed on the tour, but it’s one of the coolest buildings in town.)
Helpful Tip: The tour starts at Grange aux Dimes (Place du Saumon).
5. Visit Quartier du Bruch
Like most of the villages in the region, Wissembourg has a collection of colorful half-timbered houses.
And the majority of these are in the Bruch neighborhood.
Here, the Lauter canal splits Faubourg de Bitche in two, each side containing some of the prettiest buildings in town.
6. Indulge at Patisserie au Petit Kougelhopf
Wissembourg is a town that knows how to prepare pastries. There are tons of bakeries and pastry shops.
I’ve tried quite a few, and it is hard to pick my favorite one. But if I had to, I would choose Patisserie au Petit Kougelhopf.
They have an incredible selection of cakes, pastries, and other treats. My favorite was the cherry tart.
7. Discover the Ramparts Trail
With the installation of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Abbey, Wissembourg became very prosperous and needed fortifications.
Walls, towers, and four castles were built to secure the city. Today, many of the walls and towers remain, and you can visit these via the Ramparts Trail.
Helpful Tip: Click here to access a PDF of the trail.
It’s a 4-kilometer (2.4-mile) route with 14 sites to visit and takes about an hour to complete. There are also informational boards along the way (like in the photo I took above).
Helpful Tip: The trail starts and ends at Parking rue du Tribunal.
8. Try a Glass of Alsatian Wine
Alsace is known for its wines, so trying a glass is almost mandatory.
Wissembourg doesn’t have any wineries like most other towns in the region, but you can sample a glass at any restaurant.
Most have a wide selection to choose from. I stopped by Restaurant La Couronne for lunch and ordered a glass of Sylvaner from Cave de Cleebourg (which is a small winery not far from Wissembourg).
Helpful Tip: Restaurant La Couronne also serves a variety of traditional Alsatian dishes that are worth trying.
9. Walk a Section of the HexaTrek
If you’re a fan of hiking and nature like me, Wissembourg has several options.
It’s (somewhat) surrounded by the Northern Vosges mountains and vineyards, so you have your pick of trails.
One of my favorite hikes is the HexaTrek. This is the longest hike in France, which means you won’t be able to hike the entire route on your visit, but you can walk a section of it.
The starting point is on a paved road in the middle of the vineyards near the border between France and Germany (GPS Coordinates: 49°02’48.1″N, 7°57’05.0″E).
Helpful Tip: If you take the Little Tourist Train tour, you will pass one of the signs.
10. Visit the Christmas Market
The Wissembourg Christmas market is a hidden gem in northern Alsace.
Unlike larger, more crowded markets, here there is a genuine focus on local traditions and a warm, community-driven atmosphere.
It’s a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit, surrounded by twinkling lights and the aroma of seasonal treats.
But my favorite part was the Hans Trapp theatrical performances. On Sunday evenings, locals dress up and showcase tales of this terrifying villain in Alsatian folklore.
Then, on the last day of the Christmas market, there is a parade where Hans Trapp, St. Nicholas, and Christkindel hand out gifts and treats. It’s fun even for kids and adults (at least it was for me).
Where to Stay
Despite being a small town, Wissembourg has quite a few accommodation options. Here are the places that I recommend:
- Historisches Gästehaus Au Faucon von 1535: This guest house is located right downtown. The hosts are friendly, and the attention to detail is unmatched.
- Maison Kobold XVIè siècle: This apartment has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s also centrally located and within walking distance of restaurants and other sites.
- Au repos des remparts: This beautiful apartment is perfect for a quiet stay. It’s fully equipped with free parking.
Where to Eat
In addition to the restaurants I listed above, Wissembourg has a few other places that are worth trying. Below is the list of restaurants that I recommend:
- Restaurant La Rose: A French restaurant serving a variety of dishes, including traditional Alsatian food. The service is friendly, and the food is delicious.
- Restaurant le 31: A relatively new restaurant with a cozy yet chic interior. The food is contemporary French, and the service is friendly.
- Le Carrousel Bleu: A modern French restaurant with a standard brasserie-style menu. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming.
Conclusion
If there is one sure thing, Wissembourg offers an authentic Alsatian experience, away from the well-trodden tourist paths.
It’s a town that invites you to slow down, to look closer, and to appreciate the beauty in the details.
My goal was to pull back the curtain on this hidden gem, sharing the spots and experiences that have made my own visits memorable.
Now that you know about Wissembourg, why not check out some of the other things to visit in this part of France?
Read More Articles
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that you might find interesting.
- Where to Stay in Alsace: Best Towns and Hotels
- Alsace without a Car: Top 19 Things to Do (from a Local)
- A Local’s Guide to Getting Around Alsace
