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10 hidden gems in Northern Alsace



For some, Alsace stops at Strasbourg… they don’t know what they are missing in Northern Alsace! Here is a top 10 of places to discover in this little-known territory
1

Castles

Just a stone’s throw from the German border, the Château du Fleckenstein overlooks the Northern Vosges from its pink sandstone promontory. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with a superb panoramic view.

Nestled on a rocky spur, the Château de Lichtenberg has watched over the green valleys of Northern Alsace since the 12th century. Today, the castle opens its doors to curious visitors and history enthusiasts, offering a captivating insight into the region’s medieval past.

2

Natural areas

Northern Alsace is a true paradise for nature lovers, where each site tells a story of preservation and biodiversity. From the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park to the Sauer Delta, and including the Haguenau “Forêt d’Exception®”, landscapes reveal their full diversity.

For a unique experience, the Chemin des Cimes Alsace invites visitors to gain height and discover the forest in a different way, through an immersive walk in the heart of the canopy.

3

Towns and villages

Haguenau, Saverne, Wissembourg, La Petite Pierre, Hunspach

These towns and villages of Northern Alsace and Alsace Bossue, with their enchanting landscapes, historic architecture and living heritage, offer a captivating immersion into Alsatian culture. Whether strolling through cobbled streets, discovering monuments or enjoying culinary experiences, each place has its own character and invites visitors on a journey into the heart of Alsatian traditions and charm.

4

Gastronomy

Northern Alsace is a region where gastronomy reveals itself in all its splendour, thanks to a rich culinary tradition and emblematic specialities that delight visitors’ taste buds. This region is the birthplace of must-try dishes such as tarte flambée, Meteor beer and pretzels, each bearing the unique imprint of Northern Alsace.

5

The treasures of Lalique

Northern Alsace is a true showcase for glassmaking, where historical heritage and contemporary creativity meet.

The Musée Lalique, glassmaking sites and the “Étoiles Terrestres” offer a comprehensive overview of this fascinating tradition. Whether you are passionate about the history of glass or a lover of contemporary art, these places will allow you to discover and appreciate the richness and diversity of Alsatian glass art.

6

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace brings glitter to your stay in Alsace! This Music Hall has nothing to be ashamed of compared to the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris. It is one of the 3 largest cabarets in France and makes visitors dream in a sumptuous setting. The 1000 seat theatre welcomes artists from all over the world for shows that are renewed every year. With 2 gastronomic restaurants, a lounge club and mini-suites, the Royal Palace offers a magical and cosy interlude without a hitch!

7

The pottery villages

In Northern Alsace, two pottery villages are particularly renowned for their history and expertise. The villages of Betschdorf and Soufflenheim even obtained a protected geographical indication in 2022. This PGI guarantees consumers the authenticity of “Soufflenheim-Betschdorf Alsace pottery”! Each artisan potter has developed his own style and this diversity makes a visit to the workshops fascinating… Between the kougelhopf moulds, the baeckeoffe moulds, the snail dishes of all shapes and colours… There is no doubt that pottery is an undeniable part of the Alsatian culture!

8

Fort Schoenenbourg

30 metres underground, the Fort de Schoenenbourg reveals 3 km of galleries to explore. Between kitchens, dormitories and the infirmary, the visit offers a glimpse into an entire underground world as it existed in 1939, created by France to make its borders impenetrable during the Second World War.

9

Marne-Rhine Canal

The Canal de la Marne au Rhin is much more than a navigation route; it is a path of discovery through varied landscapes and a window onto the region’s history and culture. Its locks, picturesque scenery and charming villages make every journey along its waters a real pleasure.

10

Rural House

In Kutzenhausen, the Maison Rurale de l’Outre-Forêt offers an authentic immersion into rural life at the beginning of the 20th century.

Set in a traditional farm, it brings back to life the gestures, skills and daily life of the past through reconstructions and activities. A lively and charming interlude in the heart of Northern Alsace.

Saverne - Bateau électrique 0036-filtre © B. Salmanski - ADT

crédits photos : BEST JOBERS, O.KANSTINGER, INFRA, POTIERS D’ALSACE, INFRA, B. SALMANSKI, ROYAL PALACE, P. SCHNITTER, F. VOILEAU.

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