Haut-Rhin Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > AlsaceThe Haut-Rhin offers a wealth of attractions
The Haut-Rhin department is a land of lakes and mountains, historic towns and villages, and shares its borders with both Germany and Switzerland, creating a rich cross over culture and fabulous gastronomy. Popular holidays in Haut-Rhin might include wine and gastronomy breaks, following heritage trails around towns such as Colmar and Mulhouse, enjoying outdoor activities in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, or relaxing in the tranquillity of the Munster Valley area.Top 5 things to see and do in Haut-Rhin
1. Visit the Alsace Heritage Museum
A visit to the Alsace Heritage Museum at Ungersheim makes a brilliant day out for anyone, and especially for families. The 25-hectare site provides a "living museum", where old village houses from the Alsace region have literally been transplanted to the museum to create a fantastic depiction of Alsatian heritage. There are workshops demonstrating traditional crafts, and shops where you can purchase the work of the craftsmen as mementos of your holiday.2. Tour the Alsatian vineyards
The department is noted for producing excellent wines, and wine buffs can follow the wine route discovering and tasting wines that include Gewurtztraminer, Muscat, Sylvaner, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The region is most noted for its delicious, crisp white wines, and there is even a sparkling variety, Crémant d'Alsace, which some say rivals champagne. Vineyard tours can be arranged, and courses in learning about wine form the basis of popular holidays.3. Festivals
The department plays host to a multitude of colourful festivals throughout the year, many celebrating the wines, beers and gastronomy which is such a marvellous part of the culture of Haut-Rhin.4. Shop the Christmas markets
Shopping the Christmas markets in the Haut-Rhin is just not shopping - it is the ultimate Christmas shopping experience. No one does it quite like the Alsatians when it comes to Christmas markets, so prepare to enter a wonderland of lights, spicy, enticing aromas, crafts, traditions and atmosphere.5. Stork and Otter Park
Storks are fascinating birds, and also the symbol of the Alsace region. Near the village of Hunawihr there is a great park dedicated to storks and otters, where these lovely creatures can be seen in a safe environment. Covering a full five hectares, the park offers the opportunity to watch otters swimming underwater, by means of a special viewing tunnel.Top 5 towns and cities in Haut-Rhin
1. Colmar
The capital of the department, the old wine town of Colmar, is charm personified. A wealth of heritage is evident in the town, with lovely houses with external timberwork, a beguiling area along the Lauche River known as Little Venice and various quarters which were once the scene of different traditional crafts such as tanning and trade. Colmar's churches and other historic buildings are well worth exploring, and if you are able to be in town for the Wine Festival held in August, then so much the better!2. Kayersberg
Kayersberg is a town that is so Alsatian in character that if you don't have time to visit any others in the region, do take time to see this one. With elegant, colourful houses of traditional design, some remaining fortifications, the ruins of an old chateau, a gorgeous riverside setting and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local wine, Kayersberg is "magnifique"!3. Eguisheim
Eguisheim is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and the reasons for the awarding of this accolade are immediately obvious as you enter the encircling walls and begin to soak up the atmosphere of this lovely place. The original walls enclose the entire village, which is a bewitching jumble of narrow, cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses and floral displays. The village is topped by a chateau set in an attractive square complete with a church, fountain and frequently visited by storks, which are the emblem of Alsace. Eguisheim has a good complement of tourist facilities, and is well equipped with bars and restaurants to make a stay here a thoroughly enjoyable experience.4. Neuf Brisach
Neuf Brisach is likely to fascinate anyone with an interest in town planning and its history in France. Designed by Vauban, this town is perfectly set out in an unusual octagonal shape behind a defensive wall, and represents one of the best examples of town planning in this part of the country.5. Riquewihr
Riquewihr, along with Eguisheim and Hunawihr, is one of the designated "most beautiful villages of France", and as such, promises that you will not regret a visit! Picture postcard perfect, Riquewihr has numerous interesting features to discover, and a good tourist office which will supply details of how to find them. The intricately decorated facades of the houses are fabulous, the cobbled streets charming and authentic, the historic buildings such as the castle and the ramparts are atmospheric and fascinating. However, if you have children in tow, head straight for the Thieves Tower, which has a torture chamber inside - bound to appeal to the bloodthirsty!Food and drink in Haut-Rhin
The gastronomy of Haut-Rhin is celebrated throughout France and is a wonderful fusion of French, Swiss and German cuisines. The town of Munster produces one of the tastiest (if stinkiest) cheeses, also named Munster. The cheese is soft, creamy textured and absolutely delicious, but if you are taking any home you will need a stink proof container! Sauerkraut is the iconic Alsatian dish, much nicer than it may sound, while other dishes include a delicious bacon tart, stews made with marinated meats, the party favourite of pretzels and superb gingerbread.The wines from the Alsace are legendary too, with names like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Noir and Crémant d'Alsace being familiar to us all. There is also a heritage of beer brewing.
