Colmar, Riquewihr & Haut Koenigsbourg CastleDiscover the Cultural Heritage of Historic Alsace
Experience the splendor of Alsace through its medieval towns, historic castle, and picturesque wine country, where French and German influences create a unique cultural landscape.
Morning: Colmar's Historic Center
Your discovery begins in the center of Strasbourg, where your English-speaking guide will welcome you. The journey to Colmar reveals the first glimpses of the Alsatian countryside, leading to a town celebrated for its exceptional preservation of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
In Colmar, time seems to pause among the 14th to 17th-century buildings. The guided walk through 'Little Venice' reveals streets lined with half-timbered houses adorned with flowering balconies, their reflections dancing in the peaceful canals. The Maison des Têtes, decorated with over a hundred sculpted faces, stands as a testament to the wealth of 16th-century merchants. The Koifhus, Colmar's former customs house, recalls the town's medieval commercial importance.
The Saint Martin Church dominates the skyline, its spire reaching toward heaven. This Gothic masterpiece, built between 1234 and 1365, demonstrates the religious fervor of medieval craftsmen. The church's stained glass windows tell biblical stories through radiant colors, illuminating the interior with centuries-old artistry.
Late Morning: The Village of Eguisheim
The route continues to Eguisheim, the birthplace of Pope Leo IX. This remarkable town, built in concentric circles around its ancient castle, presents a unique example of medieval urban planning. The narrow streets, following the original 8th-century walls, guide visitors past centuries of architectural heritage.
Lunch at Riquewihr
Riquewihr awaits discovery before lunch. This 16th-century gem, miraculously spared from war damage, maintains its medieval character within ancient ramparts. The town's wealth, built on Riesling and other noble wines, manifests in the ornate architecture of wine-growers' houses. Here, time for lunch allows sampling of local specialties in historic surroundings.
Afternoon: Haut Koenigsbourg Castle
The day's culmination arrives at Haut Koenigsbourg Castle, crowning a hillside since the 12th century. This fortress, restored under Kaiser Wilhelm II in the early 20th century, presents a remarkable example of medieval military architecture. Its strategic position controlled vital trade routes, including the wine and silver routes linking northern and southern Europe.
The castle's history reflects the turbulent past of Alsace itself. Originally built by the Hohenstaufens, it passed through numerous hands before its destruction in the Thirty Years' War. The restoration, completed in 1908, faithfully recreates medieval castle life, from the grand knights' hall to the sophisticated defensive systems.
The visit reveals the castle's military and domestic aspects. The great hall, with its massive chimney and decorated ceiling, speaks of medieval power and hospitality. The weapons room displays arms and armor, while the kitchen maintains its original fittings, offering insight into medieval daily life.
From the castle's highest points, panoramic views stretch across the Rhine Valley to the Black Forest, demonstrating why this location held such strategic importance through centuries of European history.
As your tour ends, you will go back to Strasbourg.
Photo Gallery
Tour Information
- Tour Code : STSG08.25
- Type : Small Group Tour
- Category : Car/Van Tours
- Duration : 9 Hours
- Departure City : Strasbourg, France
- Departure : Guaranteed Departure
- Grade/Difficulity : Moderate
- Transport Mode : Car/Minivan
- Children Allowed : Yes
- Min Group Size : 2
- Max Group Size : 8
- Arrangement : Driver-Guide
- Entrance Fee : Included
- Hotel Pickup : No
- Language Offered : English
- Hotel Dropoff : No
- Meeting Time: 09:00 AM
- Starting/Meeting Point : 17 Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg in front of the tourism office.
Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes in advance
English - Every Weekday
- Guided tour of Colmar's medieval center
- Visit to the village of Eguisheim
- Exploration of 16th-century Riquewihr
- Tour of Haut Koenigsbourg Castle
- Journey through the Alsace Wine Route
- Transportation
- English-speaking driver & guide
- Guided walking tour of Colmar
- Visit of Eguisheim village
- Visit of Riquewihr
- Haut Koenigsbourg castle ticket & visit
- Everything that is not mentioned in “Inclusions”
- Food and drinks
- Tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or with impaired mobility
- May require to walk on cobblestone streets
Pricing
From | To | Per Pax | |
---|---|---|---|
Jan 2, 2025 | Dec 31, 2025 | Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday | € 132 |