Villages and vineyards of Alsace

Welcome to Alsace! After picking up your rental car, take in the vineyard-draped hills and charming villages as you drive to Saint Hippolyte, your home base for this Alsace tour. This medieval village, nestled along the famed Alsace wine route (Route des Vins), offers a perfect blend of small-town warmth and easy access to the region’s highlights. Settle into your vacation rental, perhaps take a stroll through town, and enjoy a relaxed first evening. Depending on your arrival time, you might meet your UnGuide today or tomorrow. They’ll be on hand to share tips, help with logistics, and ensure you’re ready to make the most of your Alsace travel itinerary.

Alsace’s landscapes invite slow, scenic travel and are perfect for building into any Alsace travel itinerary. Whether on foot or by bike, you’ll find trails weaving through vineyards, rolling farmland, and dense forests that offer breathtaking views of the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine Valley beyond. A rewarding destination for one of your Alsace day trips is Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a striking medieval fortress perched high above the region. Restored to its former grandeur, this castle tells tales of knights, emperors, and centuries of shifting borders. Along the way, you might pass through quiet hamlets, stop at a roadside stand for a snack, or simply pause to take in the view—trips to Alsace are best when you allow time to linger and connect with the land.

No Alsace travel itinerary is complete without time spent in the vineyards. Whether you prefer walking, driving, or a guided Alsace wine tour, you’ll find a warm welcome at family-run wineries scattered throughout the region. From Saint Hippolyte, it’s easy to visit Alsace wine towns like Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg, each offering tastings, history, and charm. Along the famed Route des Vins, you can stop into a cozy tasting room to sample varietals like Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and the crisp, floral Riesling that defines the region. Your UnGuide will point you to some of the best hidden gems—places where winemakers are happy to chat, and where tradition is savored in every glass. Whether you’re an expert or a casual sipper, a few well-chosen stops on this trip to Alsace will leave you with a deeper appreciation for its terroir and traditions.

One of the greatest joys of an UnTour in Alsace is discovering its storybook villages, each with its own character and charm. Riquewihr captivates with its well-preserved medieval streets, Eguisheim’s circular layout invites exploration, and Kaysersberg, birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, is a delight with its colorful facades and scenic riverside setting. Further south, Bergheim remains a hidden treasure, while Obernai enchants with its lively squares and half-timbered houses. A simple wander through these villages—perhaps with a stop at a boulangerie for fresh kougelhopf or a winstub for a hearty meal—is one of the best ways to soak in Alsace’s unique atmosphere.

Alsace’s rich history and culture are best explored through its beautiful cities and museums. In Strasbourg, wander through the UNESCO-listed Grande Île, with its charming canals and iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame, one of the tallest churches in Europe. Don’t miss a visit to the Palais Rohan and the Alsatian Museum for a deeper understanding of the region’s past. A short drive away, the picturesque Petite Venise neighborhood in Colmar enchants with its colorful houses and tranquil canals, offering the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon. History buffs will enjoy the open-air Écomusée d’Alsace in Ungersheim, where traditional Alsatian life is brought to life through historic homes, workshops, and demonstrations of local crafts. From medieval towns to immersive cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of fascinating destinations to explore just a short drive from your home base in Saint Hippolyte.

As your time in Alsace comes to an end, your UnGuide will be available to assist with last-minute questions or logistics. You’ll drive yourself to the airport, returning your rental car before catching your flight or continuing your travels. Whether you leave with bottles of Alsatian wine, a newfound love for tarte flambée, or simply memories of leisurely days in beautiful villages, Alsace is sure to linger in your heart long after you’ve returned home.