By Vicky · Published Aug. 30th, 2023 · Updated Apr. 3rd, 2024
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If you have three days to explore the Alsace Wine Route, check out this itinerary below, which includes all the top sights in the region.
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Alsace Wine Route Three Day Itinerary Map
Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.
Tips
- The high season in Alsace is summer plus the Christmas period. Additionally, long weekends such as Easter tend to get busy. During these times, book accommodation in advance.
- You can explore Alsace on the train in one day, but some buses are not that frequent, so plan your schedule in advance.
Alsace Wine Route Three Day Itinerary
If you have three days to explore the Alsace Wine Route, a suggested itinerary is below. This route itinerary is between Strasbourg and Colmar, but could easily be reversed if you want to start in Colmar. If you’re pressed for time, why not go on a guided tour of Alsace from Strasbourg*, or a Day Tour of Alsace from Colmar*.
Click on the links to find walking tours of the cities and villages mentioned. Since you have three days, you’ll be able to explore most of the sights on this itinerary at a relaxed pace. This three-day itinerary includes Strasbourg, Obernai, Dambach la Ville, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Bergheim, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kayserberg, Katzental, Eguisheim and Colmar.
Day 1: Strasbourg, Obernai, Dambach la Ville, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Morning:
- Start in Strasbourg: Begin your journey in the city of Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace Region. Explore the historic district of La Petite France, visit Strasbourg Cathedral, and stroll along the beautiful canals. Enjoy a hearty Alsatian breakfast at a local café to fuel up for the day ahead.
Strasbourg to Obernai: Head south from Strasbourg to the charming village of Obernai, a 20-minute drive or a 30-minute train ride.
- Explore Obernai: Spend the rest of the morning exploring Obernai‘s cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and charming shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Obernai Wine and Gastronomy House.
Lunch in Obernai: Enjoy lunch at a local café or restaurant in this picturesque medieval town. Try local specialties such as tarte flambée or a traditional Alsatian quiche.
Afternoon:
Obernai to Dambach la Ville: After lunch, head to Dambach la Ville. It’s a 25-minute drive, or 30 minutes via the direct train.
- Explore Dambach la Ville: Visit Dambach la Ville, a slightly smaller and less touristy town. You can walk through the surrounding vineyards and admire the village’s old defensive walls.
Dambach la Ville to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: Head to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. It’s a 25-minute drive, or 1hr40 via public transport. You have to change in Sélestat, so if the gap between the train and bus is long enough, you can also explore this town.
- Visit Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: Discover Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a stunning medieval castle perched on a hilltop. Explore the castle’s interiors and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg to Bergheim: It’s a 15-minute drive, or 1hr10 by public transport (via Sélestat) to the small village of Bergheim.
Evening:
Dinner in Bergheim: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Bergheim. Consider trying a classic Alsatian dish such as choucroute garnie.
Day 2: Bergheim, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kayserberg
Morning:
- Visit Bergheim: Walk around the small village of Bergheim. This village is less touristy than others but has a lovely little centre and fairly complete medieval walls which you can walk around. It’s a peaceful start to the day compared to the next three villages which can get crowded in peak season.
Bergheim to Ribeauvillé: It’s a 5-minute drive, or 5 minutes on the bus to the cute town of Ribeauvillé.
- Ribeauvillé Exploration: Discover Ribeauvillé, a charming village known for its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Early morning is a great time to walk up to the Three Castles of Ribeauvillé, or at least make it to the first castle of Saint Ulrich. From here there are great views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Lunch in Riquewihr: There are plenty of eating opportunities in town, so take your pick! Most of the restaurants are on the main street, with those furthest into the valley tending to be less crowded and a better deal.
Afternoon:
Ribeauvillé to Riquewihr: Head to the nearby village of Riquewihr, which is around a 10-minute drive from Ribeauvillé. Alternatively, there’s a bus between the two villages that takes about 15 minutes, but isn’t very frequent so check times in advance.
- Visit Riquewihr: The picturesque village of Riquewihr is often considered one of the most beautiful on the route. Wander through the narrow streets, admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture. Visit local shops, boutiques, and art galleries. You can also visit the Dolder Tower for panoramic views of the village and surrounding vineyards. If you have time, walk through the countryside to the nearby villages of Hunawihr and Zellenberg.
Riquewihr to Kayserberg: Continue your journey to Kayserberg, a 15-minute drive away. If you’re taking public transport, you have to take a bus from Riquewihr to Colmar (20 minutes), and then from Colmar back to Kayserberg (about 20 minutes). It can be quicker to walk. It’s only 5km and the hiking route leads through lovely sloping vineyards and farmland.
- Explore Kayserberg: This charming village is tucked into a valley covered by vineyards, with a babbling brook running through the middle of the town. Overlooking the village is the Château de Kaysersberg, a medieval castle that dates back to the 13th century. While the castle is now in ruins, it offers panoramic views of the village and the surrounding vineyards.
Wine Tasting: There are several wineries in Kayserberg. It’s best to taste the wine after having walked to the castle and climbed the tower, else you may become dizzy!
Dinner in Kayserberg: After a wine tasting, head to any of the many restaurants for another typical Alsatian dinner.
Day 3: Katzenthal, Eguisheim, Colmar
Kayserberg to Katzenthal: It’s a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes on public transport to the quiet village of Katzenthal.
- Katzenthal Scenic Walk: While there’s not much to see in the village of Katzenthal itself, you can take a beautiful, easy walk around the countryside here for a peaceful start to the morning.
Katzenthal to Eguisheim: Continue your journey to Eguisheim, which is about a 15-minute drive from Katzenthal. If you’re taking public transport, you have to take a bus from Katzenthal to Colmar (20 minutes), and then from Colmar to Eguisheim (about 30 minutes).
- Eguisheim Exploration: Eguisheim is known for its concentric circle layout and colorful houses. Explore the village’s charming streets, shops, and historic sites.
Lunch in Eguisheim: While exploring the village, grab lunch either from a bakery or a more formal restaurant.
Afternoon:
Eguisheim to Colmar: Drive to the nearby town of Colmar, which is around a 15-minute drive from Eguisheim (or 15-30 minutes on the bus, depending on where you want to go in Colmar).
- Explore Colmar: Colmar is a larger town with a rich history and a variety of dining options. There’s plenty to see on a walking tour of the town, and if you have time, consider a visit to the famous Unterlinden Museum.
Dinner: Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant in Colmar. Choose from a range of Alsatian dishes and savor the flavors of the region.
Stay overnight: There are plenty of accommodation options in Colmar, from the good, cheaper option Ibis Budget Colmar Centre Gare* to the Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes*, a five-star luxury hotel.
To discover all the best towns on the Alsace Wine Route, read our Best Village in Alsace guide. Or to find the best accommodation along the Wine Route, check out our guide to the Best Places to Stay in Alsace.
Guidebooks & Maps for Exploring Alsace
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