Eguisheim, Riquewihr & Haut Koenigsbourg

An Alsace Journey from Colmar

Experience the cultural richness of Alsace through its historic villages, renowned vineyards, and majestic castles, where centuries of French and German influences create a unique architectural landscape.

Morning: Eguisheim's Medieval Circles

Your exploration begins in Colmar at Place Scheurer Kestner, where your English-speaking guide welcomes you. The journey leads first to Eguisheim, the birthplace of Pope Leo IX and one of France's most beautiful villages. This remarkable town reveals its history through its unique circular layout, dating from the 8th century when a castle was built on Roman ruins.

Eguisheim's streets follow three concentric rings around the central castle square, a medieval urban planning masterpiece. The outer circle traces the path of the original ramparts, while the narrow lanes showcase magnificent half-timbered houses adorned with geranium-filled window boxes. Each building tells a story of the town's prosperous wine-making heritage, with distinctive oriel windows and carved door frames dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Lunch: Riquewihr Discovery

The route continues to Riquewihr, known as the "Pearl of the Alsace Wine Route." This 16th-century town, miraculously preserved from the ravages of war, stands as a living museum of Alsatian architecture. Discover the Dolder Tower, the town's 13th-century defensive gate, and admire the colorful wine-growers' houses, their facades telling stories of the town's viticultural prosperity. Here, time allows for lunch amid authentic surroundings, where local restaurants serve traditional Alsatian specialties.

Early Afternoon: Wine Tasting Experience

Following lunch, visit a traditional winery where centuries of wine-making expertise come alive. Alsace's unique position between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River creates an ideal microclimate for viticulture. The region's distinctive soil types - granite, limestone, and volcanic - contribute to the wines' remarkable character.

During the tasting, discover the noble grape varieties of Alsace: the mineral Riesling, the aromatic Gewürztraminer, the full-bodied Pinot Gris, and the delicate Muscat. Each wine expresses the terroir's distinctive qualities, refined through generations of wine-making tradition.

Late Afternoon: Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

The day culminates at Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, an imposing medieval fortress perched at 757 meters above the Rhine Plain. Built in the 12th century, this strategic stronghold controlled major trade and pilgrimage routes between northern and southern Europe.

The castle's architecture reflects its military purpose, with massive walls, arrow slits, and machicolations designed for defense. Inside, the restored great hall, kitchen, and living quarters provide insight into medieval life. From the castle's highest points, panoramic views extend across the Alsatian plain to the Black Forest.

After your tour, you will return to Colmar.

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