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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

The Chemin des Cimes

The TreeTop Walk Chemin des Cimes offers an exceptional panoramic view of Alsace, in the midst of nature! The Chemin des Cimes has been built with a footbridge and a large 29-metre panoramic tower, an adventure park for children, accommodation in the form of glamping pods, an educational trail, 470 parking spaces and a restaurant.

2

The Schoenenbourg Fortress

30 metres underground, this great work of the Maginot Line reveals 3 km of galleries to be explored. Between the kitchens, the dormitories, the infirmary… the visit of the Schoenenbourg Fort allows you to discover a whole underground world as it existed in 1939, created by France to make its borders impassable during the 2nd World War.

3

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!

4

Fleckenstein Castle

Just a stone’s throw from the German border, this 12th century castle dominates the Northern Vosges on its pink sandstone promontory. Once at the top of the castle, visitors are rewarded with a superb panorama.

The castle has also developed an offer for families (Le château des défis®) as well as for young children (Le P’tit Fleck’)

5

Haguenau

Located less than half an hour by train from Strasbourg, the town of Haguenau surprises with its pleasant town centre, its remarkable 18th century monuments and its exceptional forest® which surrounds it. Haguenau is our beer capital: its hop hall can be visited all year round and in summer the town celebrates the hop festival with folk groups from all over the world! In winter, the town centre is decorated with illuminations and Christmas chalets for unforgettable moments…

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

Hunspach

With its white houses, black half-timbering and red geraniums in the windows, Hunspach has been awarded the title of favourite village of the French in 2020! This small village in Northern Alsace, situated between the surrounding valleys, seduces with its authentic streets and its pendulum wells… a must see!

Hunspach © Pierre Schnitter
8

Wissembourg

Wissembourg is the northernmost town in Alsace. Just a stone’s throw from the Wine Route (yes, yes, the Wine Route extends to the north of Alsace!), at the foot of the Northern Vosges Regional Park and its castles, and even on the border with Germany, this charming town has everything to please! Its emblematic monuments such as the Maison du Sel or its church, a real jewel of the Romanesque Road, make it a must-see! Moreover, since 2009, Wissembourg is part of the 100 Most Beautiful Places in France.

9

The Villa Meteor

Created in 1640, the Meteor brewery has opened the Villa Meteor which reveals its history, the different stages of brewing and of course its bar which offers its beers for tasting… A real journey into the malty universe of this great family brewery. The visit lasts about 1h30 and there are surprises in store in December for the end of year celebrations!

Créée en 1640, la brasserie Meteor a ouvert la Villa Meteor qui dévoile son histoire, les différentes étapes du brassage et bien sûr son bar qui propose ses bières à la dégustation… Un véritable voyage dans l’univers malté de cette grande brasserie familiale. La visite dure environ 1h30 et réserve des surprises en décembre pour les fêtes de fin d’année !

10

The treasures of Lalique

The Lalique Museum invites you to wander through the jewellery, perfumes, decorative objects and art pieces made by the famous luxury glassmaker René Lalique. More than 650 works of art are on display and allow visitors to contemplate the Art Nouveau and Art Deco creations that bear witness to a know-how passed down through generations. Inaugurated in 1921 by René Lalique, the factory continues to impress the world with its exceptional creations, handcrafted in Wingen-sur-Moder.

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

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