Alsace Day Trip: Colmar, Eguisheim, Riquewihr & Haut Koenigsbourg

Summary

Medieval Alsace villages, wine route lanes and castle stories

You’ll wander Colmar’s storybook streets with a local guide, taste village life in Eguisheim, enjoy lunch among Riquewihr’s medieval lanes, and climb through centuries at Haut Koenigsbourg Castle. Expect cobblestones underfoot, real conversations, and plenty of small surprises along Alsace’s wine route.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so at home in Colmar — maybe it was the way the morning light hit those half-timbered houses or how our guide Sophie greeted us like old friends. She pointed out a bakery where the air smelled sweet and yeasty (I almost caved for a second croissant). Walking those cobbled streets with her felt more like tagging along with a local than being on a “tour,” you know? I kept stopping to look up at painted shutters or snap photos of window boxes overflowing with geraniums. It’s hard not to get distracted here.

Eguisheim was next — smaller, quieter, almost circular. The stones underfoot were uneven and cool even though the sun was out. There was this old man selling cherries from his garden; he handed me one and winked when I tried my rusty French. Sophie explained how these villages have changed hands between France and Germany so many times that even the dialects sound mixed up. We wandered past cats lounging in doorways and I realized I’d lost track of time completely.

Lunch in Riquewihr meant free time, which turned into me getting slightly lost down an alley lined with blue shutters. I found a tiny café by accident (the tarte flambée was salty and perfect). A couple at the next table chatted quietly in Alsatian — honestly, it made me want to stay longer just to listen. By then my feet were tired but we still had Haut Koenigsbourg Castle ahead. The climb up all those stairs made my legs ache (no shame), but standing on the ramparts looking over vineyards and forests — well, that’s a view I still think about.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Alsace villages and castle

• Visit Colmar village
• Walk in Eguisheim village
• Discover Riquewihr and lunch
• Tour Haut Koenigsbourg castle

Top questions

How long is the Alsace day trip from Strasbourg?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 9 hours including travel time between stops.

Is lunch included on this Alsace day trip?

No, lunch is not included; you’ll have free time in Riquewihr to eat at your own expense.

Are entrance fees covered for Haut Koenigsbourg Castle?

Yes, entry fees for Haut Koenigsbourg Castle are included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

No hotel pickup; meeting details are arranged directly with your guide after booking.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English during the tour.

Can children join this Alsace villages tour?

Children under 4 years old are not allowed; infant seats available on request for older children.

Is this day trip suitable for people with limited mobility?

No; there is significant walking on cobblestones and stairs at the castle.

How many people are on each small group tour?

The group size is limited to eight travelers per tour for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day covers guided walks through Colmar, Eguisheim and Riquewihr villages plus entrance fees for Haut Koenigsbourg Castle. You’ll travel by air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide leading every step—just bring comfortable shoes (and maybe some extra room for pastries).