12 Best Day Trips From Strasbourg: Locations
The 12 Best Day Trips From Strasbourg
You’ll find Strasbourg is a fantastic place to start exploring Alsace and south-west Germany. I found Strasbourg to be a delightful starting point for my journey through the region. Also, there are many different places nearby for day trips from Strasbourg. For instance, huge theme parks, charming winemaking villages, the casino Dostoyevsky loved, and famous castle ruins are all within easy reach for day trips Strasbourg.
Therefore, this area stretching from Alsace across to the Rhine valley in Germany has gone back and forth between French and German rule over time. Consequently, you’ll experience a wonderful blend of German and French influences in the architecture and cuisine.
1. Baden Baden, Germany
Try a Roman Spa Town Day Trip From Strasbourg
Baden Baden is an old Roman spa town just north of the Black Forest, west of Stuttgart near France. Its name literally means “to bathe, to bathe.”People once called Baden Baden the summer town of Europe. Accordingly, it’s so pretty with open spaces, beautiful old houses, gentle rivers, and many resorts for health and relaxation.
I marvelled at the beauty of Baden Baden during my visit. Additionally, even in winter, it’s worth visiting when prices are lower and crowds are smaller. The Old Town is small but lovely. Strolling the streets and alleys is a nice way to spend time.
Particularly, you can stop for chocolate at Lindt, have amazing cake at Cafe Koenig, or eat warm pretzels from bakeries. Likewise, follow the cobblestone roads uphill to Stiftskirche to see photogenic streets along the way. Unquestionably, you really can’t go wrong taking a day trip to Baden Baden from Strasbourg.
2. Colmar, France
Strasbourg Day Trips: Colmar’s Vintage Charm
South of Strasbourg is popular Colmar for day trips from Strasbourg. Undoubtedly, many towns were ruined during the French Revolution, but Colmar emerged nearly untouched. The old city centre therefore has buildings from the 1200s to early 1900s neo-baroque style.
If you like the Studio Ghibli film Howl’s Moving Castle, you’ll quickly see the landscape is based heavily on Colmar. I could easily imagine the whimsical scenes from the movie coming to life as I strolled through Colmar’s picturesque streets on a Strasbourg day trip.
It’s really worth booking tours on the small boats in Little Venice, as well as the little train tours, as you see two completely different parts. Furthermore, remember to look up at the houses painted with intricate details up to the eaves.
Colmar is gorgeous anytime, but truly spectacular from May onward when flower boxes overflow with colourful blooms. You’re right in Riesling wine country here. Specifically, make time for local foods like tarte flambée (thin-crust pizza with creamy cheese, lardons, onions) paired with local wine.
Coq au Riesling (chicken poached in Riesling) is a traditional dish too, often served with potatoes or spaetzle. This small-scale town with courtyards is easy to navigate with kids. Colmar is only a 30 minute ride from Strasbourg train station. If you only take one Strasbourg day trip, be sure this is the one.
3. Freiburg, Germany
Spend a Day Exploring Freiburg From Strasbourg
The pretty university town of Freiburg im Breisgau is right next to the Black Forest. Many canals and tiny streams suddenly show up, flowing down made channels in the roads and walkways. Local legend says if you accidentally step in one, you’ll marry a Freiburger!
The medieval Old Town was destroyed in World War 2 but carefully rebuilt. It’s full of side-walk cafes, playgrounds, and little courtyards. It’s also the sunniest spot in Germany. The city housed many French soldiers after the war, so cafes and restaurants have a French flavour.
However, you can still easily get Baden wine since there are many vineyards nearby. It takes about two hours by train each way to reach Freiburg from Strasbourg, making it an easy day trip from Strasbourg.
4. Riquewihr, France
A Fairytale Day Trip in Riquewihr From Strasbourg
Just north of Colmar is tiny, walled medieval Riquewihr village right in the vineyards. It’s properly picturesque – in fact, named one of the most beautiful French villages on the Alsace Wine Route.
I felt like I had stepped back in time as I wandered through the charming village of Riquewihr on a day trip from Strasbourg. It’s almost entirely preserved from the 1500s, with every corner an Instagram photo waiting to happen.
You can climb hills in the vineyards above town for gorgeous views over the vines and wander the streets. The restaurants here don’t really cater to budget travellers, though lunch set menus are not too bad. I’d suggest heading back before dinner. You can also check out Kayersburg Castle ruins above the town.
Riquewihr is not served by train, but it’s a 25-minute drive from Colmar. You can take a guided tour of several surrounding villages from Colmar, solving transport for your Strasbourg day trip.
5. Kaysersberg, France
Kaysersberg’s Medieval Charms: A Day Tour From Strasbourg
One less-visited village in Alsace is Kaysersberg. Start at Fontaine Constantin, a pretty fountain surrounded by half-timbered houses. Then wander the small village, spending time along the Weiss riverfront. At spots like Ancien Lavoir or Pont Fortifie, you’ll see stunning views of old houses lining the river.
Kaysersberg’s hard-to-miss attraction is Château du Hohlandsbourg, a beautifully restored castle. Visiting this 13th century castle on a day trip from Strasbourg, you can see it up close, enjoy town views, and visit the castle museum.
Getting to Kaysersberg using public transportation isn’t easy from Strasbourg for a day trip. From Strasbourg, first take a train to Colmar. Then take a local bus to Kaysersberg, although it only runs every few hours.
6. Europa-Park: Rust, Germany
One of the Best Amusement Park Day Trips From Strasbourg
Europa Park is located in the Black Forest. You’ve probably never heard of it even though it’s one of the largest parks in Europe and since it first opened in 1975 it has been run by the same family. There are 13 roller coasters, and across the 950,000 sqm park, there are regions from all over Greece, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Iceland, plus much more.
I was amazed by the sheer size and diversity of Europa Park on my day trip from Strasbourg, experiencing cultures from around the world in one incredible destination. You will find plenty of water rides also there are hotels and restaurants with themes from different places. You can watch many shows and fun things.
However, the park closes in the winter months. So check the open times before you go. You can buy your park ticket ahead of time too for your Strasbourg day trip.
7. Haut Koenigsbourg Castle, France
One of the Top Castle Day Trips From Strasbourg
This castle south of Strasbourg was built in the 1100s, and the Habsburgs and Wilhelm II once owned it. Haut Koenigsbourg was extensively restored by Wilhelm II from 1900-1908 to the 1700s era, emphasizing its Germanic roots. Accordingly, this was Wilhelm’s attempt to make the newly acquired Alsace region feel included in the German empire.
I gained a deeper appreciation for the region’s complex history as I explored the magnificent Haut Koenigsbourg Castle on a day trip from Strasbourg. While the reconstruction leans heavily toward the Romantic castle ideal fuelling early 1900s rebuilding, historians now admit it somewhat reflects the original buildings and fortifications.
You can tour the castle on your own with an audio guide, and unusually, it’s open year-round. There is a tavern on-site, and in summer months an outdoor snack bar too. On the other hand, to save money, pack a lunch and eat in the picnic area – you can even book a covered picnic table by contacting the castle ahead.
From March to December, a shuttle bus runs from the Sélestat train station, a 20-minute train ride from Strasbourg. This makes it relatively convenient for visitors staying in Strasbourg to access the castle without needing a car.
However, you can’t take strollers into the castle, so be prepared to park it outside and carry or walk with children for this Strasbourg day trip. This might be challenging for families with very young children, but the historical experience and stunning views from the castle make it a worthwhile adventure for most visitors.
8. Heidelberg, Germany
Romantic Heidelberg: One of the Best Day Trips From Strasbourg
The gorgeous old town on the Neckar River, long pedestrian-only main shopping street, and huge romantic castle ruins overlooking everything make Heidelberg a very popular day trip from Strasbourg. First, take in the city museum, then have a leisurely lunch before heading up to the castle – and do the guided tour!
Heidelberg sits between the Pfalz, Black Forest and Swabia regions. Consequently, the food options are extensive. I indulged in the delicious local cuisine, savouring every bite of the flammkuchen, black forest ham, and spaetzle on my day trips from Strasbourg.
You can enjoy flammkuchen (the German term for tarte flambée), tender black forest ham, maultaschen (Swabian ravioli-type pockets in broth) and spaetzle (tender egg noodles).
This is a little further than some suggestions, but Heidelberg Castle is very impressive. Accordingly, we often journey from Strasbourg to Heidelberg with guests for a day trip Strasbourg.
It’s a 2-hour train ride or 90-minutes by road from Strasbourg to Heidelberg.
9. Black Forest Open-Air Museum, Germany
Glimpsing the Black Forest With Day Trips From Strasbourg
The Black Forest Open Air Museum or Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof is well worth visiting on day trips from Strasbourg. Way inside the Black Forest, it is one of the few museums we have gone back to four or five times, enjoying each visit.
This is possibly the best place to visit for anyone who wants to get a feel for the real history of this area. You will like this big outdoor museum. It is fun for families. It is also fun for groups of adults.
I was truly transported back in time as I wandered through the Black Forest Open-Air Museum on a Strasbourg day trip, marvelling at the meticulously preserved farmhouses and glimpses into rural life from centuries past.
There are quite a few huge old houses filled with furniture and tools from that time period. You can meet people in costumes. They will show you crafts from long ago. You can also say hello to horses, pigs, and chickens.
Several exhibitions just for kids allow them to clamber through, and there’s a great playground with a little cafe and tables right there. The larger restaurant is great for coffee and a big slice of the eponymous Black Forest cake.
It’s very different from Strasbourg and surrounding areas, so you’ll definitely feel like you’re seeing something new.
It’s about two hours by train from Strasbourg, but there’s a stop right by the museum open in summer. Alternatively, it’s an hour’s drive by car from Strasbourg for a day trip.
What you can see at the Black Forest Open-Air Museum
The museum has a collection of old farmhouses which are believed to be between 400 and 500 years old. Specifically, there was one house originally on the site. The others were disassembled and relocated to preserve this glimpse of the past for future generations. Each house focuses on different farm life aspects or a different era.
The largest truly transports you through time – even the kitchen still smells like smoke. The audio guide explains what each room was used for. Accordingly, it’s been so well set up with period furniture and textiles that you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the past when ducking through the door.
Fascinatingly, you get a glimpse into how farmhouse life changed over time too. The one pictured was originally home to one large family, but as time moved on, they took in boarders and had to share their dining room among three or four families. Each family had a designated corner to sit in.
Visiting this museum is a must for your Strasbourg day trips.
10. Eguisheim, France
Eguisheim Medieval Village Day Trips From Strasbourg
You must visit Eguisheim when in France outside Strasbourg on day trips. Eguisheim has a medieval look that makes it special in the Alsace region. Half-timbered houses encircle the Château Saint-Léon at the village centre.
Although now a church, you can still see remains of this 13th century castle that stood there before. From there, you should wander the narrow streets to enjoy the fairytale-like village atmosphere on your Strasbourg day trip.
Besides the half-timbered houses with flowery windowsills, you’ll find vineyards surrounding Eguisheim. Notably, you can explore the nearby hills to see Château du Hohlandsbourg or ruins of Husseren-les-Châteaux.
Getting to Eguisheim using public transportation is challenging from Strasbourg for day trips. First, you take a train to Colmar. Then, you switch to a bus running to the neighbouring village Wettolsheim. Afterward, you must walk to Eguisheim. Likewise, joining a guided tour of the region makes visiting Eguisheim simpler for your Strasbourg day trip.
11. Nancy, France
Art Nouveau Nancy a Day’s Getaway From Strasbourg
Lorraine’s pretty city Nancy is also worth exploring in this part of France on day trips from Strasbourg. Begin at Place Stanislas with its stately buildings, elegant fountains, and gilded gates – recognized by UNESCO.
Walking through the Old Town, you’ll find repurposed baroque palaces, including the Musée Lorrain building. Inside the former Palais Ducal, you can learn about Lorraine’s culture.
Explore the Old Town’s edges to see grand old city gates like Porte de la Citadelle and Porte Stanislas. Lastly, visit the respected Musée des Beaux-Arts for its fine art collection.
12. Metz, France
Discovering Metz Cathedral With Strasbourg Day Trips
Metz is the perfect compromise if you can’t decide between France or Germany for a day trip from Strasbourg. This French city north-west of Strasbourg has a strong German influence due to past border changes and wars.
Visits focus on Metz’s cultural landmarks, starting with the striking Gothic cathedral. After admiring the cathedral’s gorgeous stained glass windows, head through Place d’Armes to find France’s oldest theatre, the Opera-Theatre.
Then, explore the old town’s curious architecture on your Strasbourg day trip. Afterward, visit either the Musée de la Cour d’Or for local Roman artefacts or the Centre Pompidou-Metz for modern art.
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