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Strasbourg
Located a few kilometers from the German border, Strasbourg seems to belong to both cultures. Encircled by two arms of the Ill river, the "Big Island", listed as UNESCO World Heritage, is the historic center of the alsatian capital, centered around its gothic cathedral carved out of pink sandstone. In a small area, it has numerous monuments, museums and the scenic "Petite France"', neighborhood of half-timbered alsatian houses and canals. Strasbourg is best explored on foot, bicycle, by river boat or on the tram.
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Alsace Wine Road
Alsace's scenic 170- km Wine Road stretches from Marlenheim to Thann, along the sunny vine-covered slopes of the Vosges mountains and connects charming burgs and wine-growing villages. Some pedestrian trails run through the vineyards.
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Marlenheim
It is here that the main vineyards of Alsace begin. From Marlenheim, the gate to the wine road, the Route des Vins is clearly marked, as it meanders its way south. The vinous reputation of Marlenheim is based on its red, or more properly rose wine
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Molsheim
Less than 30 km south-west of Strasbourg, Marlenheim is one of the largest town on the Wine Road. The old town is well-preserved. The most notable buildings are the medieval "Portes des Forgerons" (Door of the Blacksmiths), and the baroque Eglise des Jesuites, church built in pink sandstone . The town hall square enjoys a Renaissance fountain and one of the most beautiful buildings in town, Alte Metzig, (Town Hall) dating back to 1575 and now a museum.
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Obernai
Obernai, birthplace of Sainte Odile (Patron Saint of Alsace) and former residence of the Dukes of Alsace, is one of the most interesting stopovers on the Wine Road, notable for its old timbered houses and colorful marketplace. An elaborate Renaissance well (Well of six buckets) is one of the most spectacular in Alsace. A vineyard trail offers a view over the Vosges mountains and the Alsace plain.
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Kintzheim
At the foothills of the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, Kintzheim is home of two animal parks.
The" Eagle Park", where free flights of the biggest birds of prey (eagles, condors, falcons...) offer a fantastic show in the Middle Age atmosphere of the castle.
The "Monkey Mountain" is a park where more than 200 Barbary Macaques live in total freedom. It is an exciting walk in the large forest to enjoy direct contact with the monkeys and be able to observe them.
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Selestat
Standing at the exact center of Alsace, midway between Strasbourg and Colmar, Selestat is an ideal base to explore the region . It is a lively, historic town with a Romanesque church and a library of medieval manuscripts.
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Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Overlooking the Alsace plain, this large fortified castle was restored by Germanys Kaiser Wilhelm II in the early years of this century, when Alsace was under Berlin rule. It gives the opportunity to relive the atmosphere at the late Middle Ages, with interesting collections of furniture and weapons from the 15th and 17th century.
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Ribeauville
Touristic town, surrounded by rolling hills and 3 imposing castles which can be sighted from afar. It produces some of the best Riesling in Alsace. Its narrow main street is crowded with pottery shops, wine sellers and winstubs, typical alsatian restaurants serving local specialties.
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Hunawihr
The "Center for the Re-introduction of Storks and Otters" is a park, permanent home to more than 150 storks, where they fly freely in a natural environment.
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Riquewihr
This medieval village, surrounded by some of the finest vineyards in Alsace, has kept much of its 16th century appearance. Alleys, vaulted passages, watch towers, garden courtyards and beautiful shop signs all contribute to make Riquewihr one of the most beautiful villages along the Wine Road. This entire tiny wine village has been declared an historic landmark. Maison Liebrich (1535) and Maison Preiss-Zimmer (1686) are noteworthy.
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Kaysersberg
Beautiful medieval town in the Weiss Valley, lying between 2 vineyard-covered slopes. The town has an ancient stone-and-wood covered bridge over the Weiss river, medieval fortifications and a 12th-century castle. It is also the birthplace of the missionary doctor Dr Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965). Next to his parents' house, a museum is honoring his life and work.
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Colmar
Capital of alsatian wines, Colmar lies at the heart of the region's vineyards, 75 km south of Strasbourg. It may be the most typical Alsatian city on a smaller scale than Strasbourg. High-gabled, timber-framed houses line the cobbled pedestrian streets and squares of the perfectly preserved historical town center.
Every year, Colmar organized a famous Wine Fair and is home to the "Maison des vins d'Alsace".
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Eguisheim
Old fortified burg built in circles around the remains of an 8th century castle, just a few kilometers from Colmar. It's one of the prettiest in Alsace, reputed for its beautiful winegrowers houses dating back to the 16th and 17th century and remarkably preserved, as well as for the quality of its wine which can be tasted in the countless small wineries or in the spacious modern Wine Cooperative.
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Rouffach
This charming town with its lovely Republique Square, is located on gentle hills at the foot of the Vosges mountain and is sheltered by the Grand Ballon, one of the highest summit of the Vosges range. It enjoys a dry climate and produces a special grape. Once a year, the village celebrate the witches with a popular festival.
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