The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most scenic drives in France, winding through vineyard-covered hills and a string of colorful towns and villages that look like they belong in a storybook.
Half-timbered houses, flower-filled streets, medieval churches, castles, and wine cellars are all part of the experience. And because many of these towns are close together, it is easy to visit several in one day while also stopping for wine tastings along the way.
In this guide, we cover our favorite towns along the Alsace Wine Route, what makes each one worth visiting, how much time to spend, and which towns to prioritize if you have limited time.
Our Experiences on the Alsace Wine Route: We visited all of the towns in this guide on a summer trip through Alsace as a family of four, during a stretch of very hot weather. What we loved most was the combination of fairytale villages, vineyard-covered hills, and the chance to stop for wine tasting as we traveled from town to town.
Years later, Kara and I returned to Colmar and Strasbourg in December to experience the Christmas markets. Seeing the region in a completely different season made us appreciate it even more.
Alsace remains one of our favorite parts of France, and it is a place we would love to return to again. All photos are our own.
Alsace Wine Route Towns: Our Top Picks
BEST OVERALL | Colmar
MOST FAIRYTALE-LIKE | Eguisheim
BEST FOR WINE | Riquewihr
BEST FOR CASTLE + VINEYARD VIEWS | Kaysersberg
BEST TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS | Bergheim
BEST PAIRING | Riquewihr + Ribeauvillé
BEST BASE | Colmar
TIME NEEDED | 2 to 3 days to explore several towns without rushing
What is the Alsace Wine Route?
The Alsace Wine Route is a 170 km (106 mile) route that runs from Marlenheim, near Strasbourg, to Thann, following the eastern foothills of the Vosges Mountains. It passes through more than 100 wine-growing towns and villages, with vineyards, medieval castles, half-timbered houses, and wine cellars lining the route.
The route was established in 1953 and is one of the oldest wine routes in France. Along the way, you can visit wineries and tasting rooms, walk through vineyards, explore historic towns, and sample some of the region’s best-known wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Crémant d’Alsace.
You do not need to drive the entire Wine Route to have a great experience. Many of the prettiest towns are clustered around Colmar, making it easy to visit several in one day. For a first trip, we recommend choosing a handful of towns rather than trying to see too many, because you’ll want time to wander the streets, stop for lunch, and fit in a wine tasting or two.
| Town | Best For | Time Needed |
| Colmar | Best overall; canals, Old Town, restaurants | Half to full day |
| Eguisheim | Fairytale streets & compact historic center | 1–2 hours |
| Kaysersberg | Vineyards, river views & castle ruins | 1–2 hours |
| Riquewihr | Wine tasting & colorful medieval streets | 1–2 hours |
| Ribeauvillé | Larger town, wine & castle views | 1–2 hours |
| Bergheim | Quieter streets & medieval walls | About 1 hour |
| Obernai | Lively center & northern Wine Route stop | 1–2 hours |
| Dambach-la-Ville | Vineyards & a quieter local feel | About 1 hour |
| Rosheim | Romanesque architecture | About 1 hour |
| Kintzheim | Quick stop near Haut-Koenigsbourg | Under 1 hour |
Planning your trip? → Our 3-Day Alsace Itinerary shows you how to combine Colmar, the Wine Route towns, Strasbourg, and other highlights into one trip.
Map of the Alsace Wine Route Towns
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Fairytale Towns on the Alsace Wine Route
1. Colmar
BEST FOR | Old Town, Little Venice, Alsatian food & wine
TIME NEEDED | Half to full day
Colmar is the largest and most popular town on this list, and for many travelers, it is the best place to start an Alsace Wine Route trip. Its historic center is filled with colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestoned streets, canals, cafés, and wine bars, with plenty to see without needing to follow a strict sightseeing route.
The most famous area is Little Venice (La Petite Venise), where brightly painted houses line the canals. From here, walk along Quai de la Poissonnerie and into the Old Town, where you can see landmarks such as the Pfister House, the Koïfhus, St. Martin’s Church, and the House of Heads. We also love the Covered Market Hall and have shopped here on both of our visits.
Colmar is also one of the best towns for slowing down and savoring the food and wine of Alsace. Stop for tarte flambée, browse the market, or visit a wine bar or tasting room before continuing along the Wine Route.
If you have limited time, Colmar is the town wewould spend the most time in. A half day is enough to see the highlights, but a full day gives you time to explore at a relaxed pace, have a long lunch, and fit in a museum or wine tasting. We used Colmar as our home base for exploring the Alsace Wine Route.
For more details, see our One Day in Colmar Itinerary, which covers the best things to do, where to eat, and how to plan your time.
How to Spend One Day in Colmar
Best way to spend one day in Colmar: best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
Little Venice, Colmar
Colmar, France
2. Eguisheim
BEST FOR | Fairytale streets and a compact historic center
TIME NEEDED | 1 to 2 hours
Eguisheim is one of our favorite towns in the Alsace. With its colorful half-timbered houses arranged along narrow, curving streets, it really looks like something out of a fairytale. The historic center is small and easy to explore, making this one of the best towns to add to a day on the Alsace Wine Route.
We walked the circular streets around the center, stopped at the main square, and photographed the tiny courtyards and flower-filled façades tucked between the houses. What we loved about Eguisheim was photographing its picturesque streets, rather than checking off a long list of sights.
Eguisheim is also surrounded by vineyards, and there are several places in and around town where you can sample Alsatian wines. Because it is so compact, it pairs especially well with Colmar or another nearby village if you are visiting several towns in one day. We combined Eguisheim with Kaysersberg and Riquewihr.
Eguisheim
3. Kaysersberg
BEST FOR | Vineyard views, a pretty riverside setting & castle ruins
TIME NEEDED | 1 to 2 hours
Kaysersberg was one of our favorite towns along the Alsace Wine Route. It has everything you hope to find in an Alsatian village: colorful half-timbered houses, narrow streets, flower boxes, wine shops, and vineyards rising just beyond the edge of town.
The Weiss River runs through the center, crossed by a historic stone bridge that gives you one of the prettiest views in Kaysersberg. From here, wander through the Old Town, browse the small shops, and stop at one of the local wine cellars for a tasting.
For one of the best views, walk up to the ruins of Kaysersberg Castle above town. The climb is short but uphill, and from the castle you get a wonderful view over the rooftops, vineyards, and surrounding hills.
Kaysersberg
4. Riquewihr
BEST FOR | Photography, colorful medieval streets & wine tasting
TIME NEEDED | 1 to 2 hours
Riquewihr was one of my favorite towns to photograph along the Alsace Wine Route. Its historic center is packed with brightly painted half-timbered houses, flower boxes, stone archways, fountains, and narrow streets that feel almost untouched by time.
The main street, Rue du Général de Gaulle, runs through the heart of town and leads toward the Dolder, the 13th-century defensive gate and tower that has become one of Riquewihr’s most recognizable landmarks. From there, wander the smaller side streets, where some of the best photo opportunities are tucked away from the busiest part of town.
Riquewihr is also one of the best places on this list for wine tasting. Vineyards surround the village, and there are numerous wineries and tasting rooms where you can sample Alsatian wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
Riquewihr
5. Ribeauvillé
BEST FOR | A lively historic center, wine tasting & castle views
TIME NEEDED | 1 to 2 hours
Ribeauvillé feels a little larger and livelier than some of the smaller villages along the Alsace Wine Route. Its main street is lined with colorful half-timbered houses, fountains, shops, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms, making it a fun place to explore on foot.
As you walk through town, look up toward the hills above Ribeauvillé, where the ruins of three medieval castles overlook the vineyards and rooftops. If you have extra time and want a more active stop, hiking toward the castles gives you a completely different perspective of the town and surrounding countryside.
Ribeauvillé is also a good choice for wine tasting, with several producers in and around town. Because it is close to Riquewihr, the two towns are easy to pair on the same day.
Ribeauvillé
6. Obernai
BEST FOR | A lively town center, local market & northern Alsace atmosphere
TIME NEEDED | 1 to 2 hours
The town of Obernai is another popular stop on the Alsace wine route. Obernai is larger than many of the other towns on this list. It also doesn’t pack in the colorful, charming streets like Eguisheim and Riquewihr.
What it does have is a large main square (Place du marché) that is the site of an open market on Thursday mornings. If you like shopping at markets, then you’ll love a visit here during this time. But if shopping is not your thing, Obernai can be a nightmare on Thursday mornings.
We visited Obernai on a Thursday morning and finding a parking space was nearly impossible. The main square was packed with people and small stands selling food, clothing, and jewelry. However, the side streets were quiet.
If you want to explore the town when it is less crowded, skip Thursday mornings when the market is running.
Beyond the market, spend some time exploring the historic center, including the main square, the belfry, and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. There are also plenty of restaurants and wine shops if you want to stop for lunch or a tasting.
Obernai market
7. Rosheim
BEST FOR | Romanesque architecture, medieval gates & a quieter stop
TIME NEEDED | About 1 hour
Rosheim is one of the quieter towns on the Alsace Wine Route, and it feels noticeably less touristy than places like Colmar, Riquewihr, or Eguisheim. We felt like we were the only tourists in town while we were here.
Its historic center is compact, making it a quick stop if you want to see a different side of Alsace without spending much time.
The highlight is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the Alsace. Rosheim also has preserved medieval gates and the Roman House, a rare 12th-century stone residence that gives the town a very different look from the half-timbered villages farther south.
We would not prioritize Rosheim over the major stops if this is your first trip to Alsace, but if you have extra time, it is a pleasant place to wander for an hour and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Rosheim
8. Dambach-la-Ville
BEST FOR | Vineyards, a quieter village atmosphere & fewer crowds
TIME NEEDED | About 1 hour
Dambach-la-Ville is a smaller, quieter stop on the Alsace Wine Route, surrounded by medieval walls and backed by the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. It does not have the same concentration of postcard-perfect streets as Riquewihr or Eguisheim, but that is also part of its appeal.
Walk through the historic center, look for the old town gates and colorful houses, and take some time to enjoy the slower pace. This is also a good place to stop for wine tasting, especially if you want a more relaxed experience away from the busiest villages.
If you have extra time, there are walking routes through the surrounding vineyards and toward the ruins of Bernstein Castle, which overlooks the area.
We think Dambach-la-Ville is best as an optional stop, rather than a must-see, on a first visit.
Dambach-la-Ville
9. Kintzheim
BEST FOR | A quick village stop near Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
TIME NEEDED | 30 minutes to 1 hour
Kintzheim is a small village on the Alsace Wine Route that works best as a quick stop, especially if you are also visiting Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. The village itself is quieter and less polished than places like Riquewihr or Eguisheim, but it still has the colorful houses, vineyards, and relaxed atmosphere that define this part of Alsace.
We visited Kintzheim at the recommendation of Marie, the lady who runs the apartment we rented in Colmar. Kintzheim doesn’t typically get the large number of tourists you find at Colmar or Riquewihr. This is a town where the locals visit, according to Marie.
Take a short walk through the center, then continue into the surrounding countryside or use Kintzheim as a base for nearby attractions. La Volerie des Aigles (Eagle Park) and Montagne des Singes (Monkey Mountain) are both close by and can make this area especially appealing for families.
If your time is limited, we would not choose Kintzheim over the major Wine Route towns. But if it fits naturally into your route, particularly with Haut-Koenigsbourg, it makes for an easy stop.
Kintzheim
10. Bergheim
BEST FOR | Medieval walls, vineyard views & a quieter atmosphere
TIME NEEDED | About 1 hour
Bergheim was one of the biggest surprises of our trip. It does not get the same attention as Colmar, Riquewihr, or Eguisheim, but we really enjoyed its quieter streets, preserved medieval character, and setting among the vineyards.
Also recommended by Marie, I had never heard of Bergheim before arriving in Colmar. This little town just blew me away.
We visited Bergheim in the early afternoon. For lunch, we ate at Auberge des Lavandieres, a lovely outdoor restaurant located right on the main street. This was our best meal and one of our favorite moments in the Alsace.
In the town, you’ll find colorful houses, small squares, fountains, and far fewer crowds than in the better-known villages.
Bergheim is also surrounded by excellent wine country, including the Altenberg de Bergheim and Kanzlerberg Grand Cru vineyards. If wine tasting is part of your day, this is a good place to slow down and enjoy a less touristy stop.
If you have room in your itinerary for one town beyond the obvious choices, Bergheim is the one we would add. It felt more local and relaxed than many of the headline villages, which is exactly why it stood out to us.
Bergheim
Two More Places to Visit near the Alsace Wine Route
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is small city that is located near the northern region of the Alsace wine route.
Many people who visit Strasbourg love it here. I can’t say the same thing for us. After visiting the fairytale towns in the Alsace, Strasbourg felt a little bit like a letdown. Strasbourg, with its “city vibe,” lacks the charm that you get in the smaller towns.
In Strasbourg, there is a very pretty historic city center. While you are here, explore the streets lined with half-timbered buildings, wander the canals, and climb the tower of the church.
If you make Strasbourg one of your first stops on the Alsace wine route, then your trip will just keep getting better, as you head south to the gems of Bergheim, Riquewihr, and Colmar.
Strasbourg
Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Perched high above the Alsace plain, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is one of the most impressive sights along the Alsace Wine Route. The castle sits on a rocky ridge of the Vosges Mountains, with sweeping views over the vineyards, villages, and countryside below.
The site dates back to the Middle Ages, although much of what you see today comes from an extensive restoration completed in the early 1900s. We toured the castle, where you can walk through furnished rooms, courtyards, towers, defensive walls, and passageways while learning about the castle’s long history.
One of the highlights is simply the setting. On a clear day, the views from the castle stretch across the Alsace plain and toward the Black Forest in Germany. It is a striking contrast to the colorful villages below and gives you a better sense of the geography of the region.
Plan on spending about 1 to 2 hours here, not including the drive. Because the castle sits above the Wine Route, it pairs especially well with Kintzheim, Bergheim, Ribeauvillé, or Riquewihr.
If you are spending several days in Alsace, we think Haut-Koenigsbourg is well worth adding. It breaks up the village-hopping and gives you one of the best panoramic views of the region.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: The castle gets very crowded midday. Get here at opening time to get a close parking spot and to tour the castle without the crowds.
Chateau Haut-Koenigsbourg
How Many Towns Can You Visit in One Day?
For most travelers, 2 to 3 towns in one day is a comfortable pace. That gives you enough time to wander the historic centers, stop for lunch, take photos, and fit in a wine tasting without feeling like you are simply checking towns off a list.
You can visit 4 towns in one day if you keep some stops short, but we would not recommend trying to see much more than that. Many of these villages are small, but part of the appeal of the Alsace Wine Route is slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere.
We had days where we visited 4 towns in one day, but it felt too rushed, and made the days very long. Since we were traveling with teenagers, Tim and I didn’t spend much time wine tasting, unfortunately. On a future visit, I’d keep our schedule limited to 3 towns max, adding in wine tastings in the 2nd and 3rd towns.
Colmar deserves more time than the smaller towns. We recommend at least half a day here, while places such as Bergheim, Rosheim, Dambach-la-Ville, and Kintzheim can be visited in about an hour.
If you have several days in Alsace, our 3-Day Alsace Itinerary shows you how to combine Colmar, Strasbourg, the Wine Route towns, and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle without rushing.
3-Day Alsace Itinerary: Colmar, Fairytale Villages & Strasbourg
How to spend 3 days in the Alsace.Best Base for the Alsace Wine Route
For most first-time visitors, Colmar is the best place to stay for exploring the Alsace Wine Route. Many of the prettiest towns, including Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, and Bergheim, are within a relatively short drive, and Colmar has the widest selection of restaurants, hotels, shops, and things to do in the evening.
Staying in Colmar also gives you time to enjoy the town early in the morning and after the day-trippers leave, when the streets are quieter. If you plan to visit several of the villages on this list, it makes a very convenient central base.
Where We Stayed in Colmar
We stayed in Colmar at Reflets Sur La Lauch Appartements. This place is amazing. With an unbeatable location in Colmar and nearly perfect reviews on Booking.com, it’s going to be hard to find a better place than this.
We stayed in a two-bedroom apartment that had a kitchen, a living room, one and half bathrooms, and a washing machine. The best part was the awesome view out of our windows over Little Venice. We loved it here and we would stay here again on a future visit to Colmar.
If you are looking on Booking.com, we stayed in the “Loft.”
We took this photo from our room in Colmar
Plan Your Trip to Alsace & France
- Planning a longer stay in Alsace? → Our 3-Day Alsace Itinerary shows you how to combine Colmar, the Wine Route towns, Strasbourg, and other highlights.
- Spending more time in Colmar? → Our One Day in Colmar Itinerary covers the best things to do, where to eat, and how to plan your time.
- Planning a trip to France? → Our France Travel Guide brings together our destination guides, itineraries, and practical travel tips.
- Love storybook destinations? → See our guide to the Best Fairytale Destinations in the World for more colorful towns and villages.
- Planning a wine-focused trip? → Our Best Wine Regions guide highlights wine destinations we have visited around the world.
- Heading elsewhere in France? → Explore our guides to Paris, Chamonix, and the French Riviera for more trip ideas.
Have you been to Alsace, France? What are your favorite towns to visit on the Alsace Wine Route? Share your experience in the comment section below!
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