11 Less Touristy Things to Do
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | ➡️ Mulhouse | ★★★☆☆ | City | - | - |
| 02 | ➡️ Selestat | ★★★☆☆ | Town | - | - |
| 03 | ➡️ Obernai | ★★☆☆☆ | Town | - | - |
| 04 | ➡️ Bergheim | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 05 | ➡️ Turckheim | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 06 | ➡️ Hunawihr | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 07 | Hunspach | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | Self | Free |
| 08 | Haut-Barr Castle | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 09 | Natzweiler-Stuthof Camp | ★★☆☆☆ | WWII Concentration Camp | Self | Paid |
| 10 | Schoenenbourg Fort | ★★☆☆☆ | WWII Fortification Line | Self | Paid |
| 11 | Vosges Massif | ★★☆☆☆ | Hiking ; Biking | Self | Free |
01. 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.
02. Selestat 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.
03. 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.
04. 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.
05. 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.
06. 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.
07. Hunspach Village
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Village
Visit Self
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.
08. Haut-Barr Castle
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Castle + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
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.
09. Natzweiler-Stuthof Camp
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type WWII Concentration Camp
Visit Self
Cost Paid
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.
⚙️ Visitor Info
10. Schoenenbourg Fort
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type WWII Fortification Line
Visit Self
Cost Paid
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.
⚙️ Visitor Info
11. Vosges Massif
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Hiking ; Biking
Visit Self
Cost Free
Highest Peak 1424 m (4,672 ft) 📍 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.
