11 LESS TOURISTY THINGS TO DO
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ➡️ Mulhouse | ✦✦✦✧✧ | City | - | - |
| 2 | ➡️ Sélestat | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Town | - | - |
| 3 | ➡️ Obernai | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Town | - | - |
| 4 | ➡️ Bergheim | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Village | - | - |
| 5 | ➡️ Turckheim | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Village | - | - |
| 6 | ➡️ Hunawihr | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Village | - | - |
| 7 | Hunspach | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Village | Self | Free |
| 8 | Hohbarr Castle | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Castle + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 9 | Natzweiler-Stuthof Camp | ✦✦✧✧✧ | WWII Concentration Camp | Self | Paid € |
| 10 | Schoenenbourg Fort | ✦✦✧✧✧ | WWII Fortification Line | Self | Paid € |
| 11 | Vosges Massif | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Hiking‚ Biking | Self | Free |
1. Mulhouse City
Overall Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Mulhouse is a city with a strong industrial heritage, known for its technical museums.
Historically, it was a free city-state before joining France in the late 18th century. It became a major center of textile manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution and remains a hub for mechanical and automobile industries.
➡️ 19 Things to Do in Mulhouse
- Train City Museum ✦✦✦✦✦
- Automobile Museum ✦✦✦✦✦
- etc.
2. Sélestat Town
Overall Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Sélestat is a charming town in Alsace, nestled between plains and hills. It boasts the third-largest historic center, after Strasbourg and Colmar.
Lined with typical half-timbered houses, its old town provides a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for strolling through its cobblestone streets. The architecture reflects a rich history, and every corner seems to breathe Alsatian heritage, subtly blended with a touch of modernity.
- Town Center ✦✦✦✧✧
- St. Georges Church ✦✦✦✧✧
- etc.
3. Obernai Town
Overall Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Obernai is an emblematic town in Alsace, and its town center is cherished for its medieval charm, featuring narrow streets and squares lined with half-timbered houses in vibrant colors, reflecting a rich architectural heritage.
- Town Center ✦✦✦✧✧
- War Memorial Viewpoint ✦✦✦✧✧
- etc.
4. Bergheim Village
Overall Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Bergheim is a picturesque Alsatian village located in the heart of the wine region, near the Alsace Wine Route. Known for its charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, the village exudes an authentic and welcoming atmosphere.
- Village Itself ✦✦✦✧✧
- Viewpoint ✦✦✧✧✧
- etc.
5. Turckheim Village
Overall Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Turckheim is a picturesque Alsatian village nestled near Colmar, known for its traditional charm. Its typical architecture, partly medieval, features half-timbered houses with colorful facades, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
➡️ 5 Things to Do in Turckheim
- Village Itself ✦✦✦✧✧
- Viewpoint ✦✦✧✧✧
- etc.
6. Hunawihr Village
Overall Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Hunawihr is a charming and picturesque Alsatian village located on the Alsace Wine Route. It is famous for its colorful half-timbered houses and narrow streets that evoke a timeless charm.
- Village Itself ✦✦✦✧✧
- St. Jacques Church ✦✦✧✧✧
- etc.
7. Hunspach Village
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Village
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
Hunspach is a small village known for its traditional white half-timbered houses with black beams.
Notable elements include the uniformity of its architecture, giving the village a distinct and cohesive appearance, and the peaceful countryside that surrounds it.
8. Hohbarr Castle
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Castle + Panorama
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Château du Haut-Barr
Haut-Barr Castle is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky outcrop. Built in the 12th century, it fell into disrepair in the 17th century after being abandoned.
Located at an altitude of 470 meters, its position offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. It is often referred to as the “Eye of Alsace” due to its strategic location.
9. Natzweiler-Stuthof Camp
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type WWII Concentration Camp
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid
French Names
Camp de Concentration de Natzweiler-Struthof
Mémorial de Natzweiler-Struthof
Natzweiler-Struthof was a concentration camp during WWII, now serving as a memorial and museum to the victims. Its somber atmosphere provides a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the war.
The camp was established in 1941 and held prisoners from across Europe, many of whom perished due to the harsh conditions. It was liberated in 1944 by Allied forces.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
10. Schoenenbourg Fort
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type WWII Fortification Line
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid
French Names
Ouvrage Schoenenbourg
Fort Schoenenbourg
Schoenenbourg Fort is part of the Maginot Line, a series of fortifications built by France to defend against German invasion in the 1930s. It is one of the best-preserved forts of the line and is open to visitors.
After the war, it was abandoned and now serves as a museum, showcasing extensive underground tunnels, artillery bunkers, and displays of wartime equipment.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
11. Vosges Massif
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Hiking, Biking
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Names
Massif des Vosges
Les Vosges
Highest Peak 1424m (4,672ft) 📍 Grand Ballon
The Vosges is a range of medium-sized mountains in the western part of the Alsace region, extending north to south over a length of 120 km (75 miles).
The site offers scenic hiking and biking trails with sweeping views of the countryside, as well as ski slopes in winter.
1. Strasbourg City
Overall Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Strasbourg is a vibrant city, the capital of Alsace, known for its rich blend of French and German influences. Its historic core, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting half-timbered houses, canals, and cobbled streets.
➡️ 17 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg
- Strasbourg Cathedral ✦✦✦✦✦
- City Center ✦✦✦✦✦
- Petite France Neighborhood ✦✦✦✦✦
- etc.
➡️ 28 Unusual Things to Do in Strasbourg
- St. Thomas Church ✦✦✦✧✧
- St. Pierre Protestant Church ✦✦✦✧✧
- St. Pierre Catholic Church ✦✦✦✧✧
- etc.
2. Colmar City
Overall Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Colmar is a picturesque city known for its colorful, half-timbered houses and quaint canals, often referred to as “Little Venice.” Its well-preserved old town and charming atmosphere make it a top destination for visitors seeking an authentic Alsatian experience.
- City Center ✦✦✦✦✦
- Little Venice Neighborhood ✦✦✦✦✦
- etc.
3. Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Castle + Panorama
Visit Self-guided or Guided
Cost Paid
French Name
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
This castle is the most important in Alsace and one of the most significant in France.
It’s perched at an altitude of 757 m and has a long history, dating back to the 12th century. After being destroyed during the European wars of the 17th century, it was meticulously restored by the German Emperor in the early 20th century, remaining largely faithful to its original style.
The panoramic views from the street stretch over vineyards and forests.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
4. Alsace Vineyards
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Cellars & Tastings
Visit Guided Tour
Cost Paid
Alsace’s famous wine route is a paradise for wine lovers, with scenic vineyards, charming villages, and excellent tasting cellars. Visitors can explore renowned wines such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
5. Biking in the Vineyards
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Biking + Cellars & Tastings
Visit Guided Tour
Cost Paid
Explore Alsace’s scenic wine country by bike, pedaling through vineyards and charming villages. Enjoy stops for wine tastings, making it a perfect blend of activity and indulgence.
6. Hot-Air Balloon over the Vineyards
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Hot-Air Balloon
Visit Guided Tour
Cost Paid
A hot air balloon ride offers an unforgettable view over Alsace’s vineyards, picturesque villages, and rolling hills. Soar above the scenic landscape and experience the region from a unique vantage point.
7. Christmas Markets
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Christmas Markets
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
Alsace’s Christmas markets are world-renowned, especially those in Strasbourg and Colmar. The festive atmosphere, beautifully lit stalls, and regional crafts create an enchanting holiday experience.
8. Riquewihr Village
Overall Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Riquewihr is a charming medieval village in Alsace, renowned for its typical Alsatian beauty and rich heritage. It is surrounded by vineyards and stands out for its colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and the remains of its ramparts. Riquewihr has changed very little over the centuries, and its picturesque atmosphere attracts many visitors.
➡️ 9 Things to Do in Riquewihr
- Village Itself ✦✦✦✦✦
- Viewpoints ✦✦✦✧✧
- etc.
9. Kaysersberg Village
Overall Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Kaysersberg is a charming village in Alsace, known for its medieval character and its half-timbered houses, typical of the region. It is surrounded by vineyards and crossed by the Weiss River, giving it a picturesque setting.
➡️ 9 Things to Do in Kaysersberg
- Village Itself ✦✦✦✦✦
- Castle Ruin Viewpoint ✦✦✦✧✧
- etc.
10. Eguisheim Village
Overall Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Eguisheim is a charming village in Alsace, known for its picturesque character and colorful half-timbered houses. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you will discover flower-adorned houses, historic fountains, and small artisanal shops, all while enjoying its warm and authentic atmosphere.
➡️ 5 Things to Do in Eguisheim
- Village Itself ✦✦✦✦✧
- St. Léon IX Chapel ✦✦✧✧✧
- etc.
11. Ribeauvillé Village
Overall Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Ribeauvillé is a charming medieval village located in the heart of Alsace, nestled between vineyards and the Vosges mountains to the west. It is known for its historical heritage, picturesque streets, colorful half-timbered houses, ancient fountains, and welcoming squares.
➡️ 5 Things to Do in Ribeauvillé
- Village Itself ✦✦✦✦✧
- Viewpoint ✦✦✦✧✧
- etc.
12. St. Odile Abbey
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Type Abbey + Panorama
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Sanctuaire du Mont Sainte-Odile
Perched atop Mont Sainte-Odile at an altitude of 764m, this abbey, originally dating back to the 7th century, is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Odile, the patron saint of Alsace.
Now restored, notable features include the Holy Chapel and the panoramic terrace offering sweeping views of the region.
The site also has a hotel and restaurants.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
13. Ecomusée d'Alsace
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Type Open-Air Museum Village
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid
French Name
Écomusée d’Alsace
This open-air museum, the largest in France, recreates a historic Alsatian village, complete with traditional houses, workshops, and farm animals. It provides an immersive experience of rural life in the region during past centuries.
⚙️ Hours & Prices (Official Website)