Eguisheim, Riquewihr & Haut Koenigsbourg

Discover the Most Beautiful Villages of the Wine Route

This comprehensive tour reveals Alsace's three greatest treasures: fairy-tale villages, distinguished wines, and majestic castles. Experience the region's unique blend of French and German heritage while traveling through spectacular vineyard landscapes.

Morning: Medieval Eguisheim and Turckheim

Your day begins with pickup from your Colmar accommodation. The first stop is Eguisheim, where concentric circular streets unfold around an ancient castle site. This 8th-century urban design, unique in Alsace, creates a protective spiral around the village center, where Saint Leo's Chapel marks the birthplace of Pope Leo IX.

As you stroll through the narrow streets, admire the distinctive half-timbered houses, their wooden frames exposed and painted in traditional colors. Each building tells a story through its architecture - wine-growers' homes feature wide doors and elaborate cellars, while merchants' houses display ornate carvings indicating their trade.

The route passes by Turckheim, where three medieval gates still guard the town entries. Here, the traditional night watchman maintains a centuries-old tradition, making his rounds at 10 PM during summer months, carrying his horn, halberd, and lantern while singing traditional songs in the Alsatian dialect.

Late Morning: Riquewihr's Preserved Beauty

Arrive in Riquewihr, where fortified walls have protected its Renaissance splendor since the 16th century. The town's wealth, built on renowned wine production, is reflected in its architecture - elaborate stone carvings, oriel windows, and inner courtyards speak of prosperous wine merchants. The Dolder, a 13th-century defensive tower, still guards the main entrance, its 25-meter height offering spectacular views over the surrounding vineyards.

Along the main street, notice how houses feature wide cellar doors designed for wine barrels, while their upper floors display intricate wooden carvings depicting biblical scenes and vintage celebrations. The Thieves' Tower, with its medieval prison cells, reminds visitors of the town's authority over local justice.

Enjoy free time to discover local specialties and sample regional cuisine for lunch.

Afternoon: The Wine Route Experience

Travel the Route des Vins d'Alsace, an ancient Roman path transformed into today's wine road. This renowned route weaves through perfectly tended vineyards, where specific grape varieties grow according to carefully mapped soil types. At a selected winery, learn how the unique terroir - a combination of mineral-rich soil, optimal sun exposure, and protection from the Vosges Mountains - creates distinctive wines.

Your tasting includes prestigious Alsace varietals: mineral-driven Riesling from granite soils, spicy Gewurztraminer from limestone, and complex Pinot Gris from volcanic terrain. Each wine reflects centuries of viticultural knowledge passed through generations of wine-making families.

Late Afternoon: Haut Koenigsbourg Castle

The journey culminates at Haut Koenigsbourg Castle, strategically positioned 757 meters above the Rhine Valley. This medieval fortress, originally built in the 12th century, underwent extensive restoration under Kaiser Wilhelm II, who aimed to demonstrate German architectural prowess in the newly annexed Alsace.

After your tour at Haut Koenigsbourg, it will be time to head back towards Colmar.

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