Best Day Trips from Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a French city like no other. The capital of the Alsace region, the city has been ruled over by both the Germans and the French for various periods, and this has given it a culture, culinary scene, and architectural heritage unlike any other city in France.
It's easy to spend some time in Strasbourg soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the best museums in the city, and feasting on incredible food. But it would be a shame to go to Alsace and not see more of this fascinating region. Even just a short trip can take you to some incredible places, and the best day trips from Strasbourg will give you a much deeper appreciation of everything that makes Alsace so special.
Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Strasbourg, and you'll be able to enjoy the very best Strasbourg day trips. Try some of the day trips on our list, and you'll see just what makes this part of France so unique.
How to get out of Strasbourg
Although it's not the biggest city in the world, Strasbourg does have a very well-developed public transportation network, and you can learn about how to get around Strasbourg here. This public transportation infrastructure extends out of the city, meaning that it's easy to take a local bus or a train to many of the best day trips and Strasbourg. Often, it's nice to avoid having to drive and worry about parking when a train can get you where you need to go just as easily.
For more rural day trips, the car may be necessary to reach those places the train tracks don't go. But if you just want to take a day trip from Strasbourg to one of the neighboring towns, it may well be possible to make the journey by train or bus and skip renting a car completely.
From Strasbourg to the Alsace Wine Route
The Alsace wine route is one of the most well-known in France, and for good reason. This picturesque drive takes you past some of the most beautiful vineyards in the country, as well as through charming villages and medieval castles. The route covers over 170 kilometers, so it's best to break it up into a few different day trips from Strasbourg.
There are hundreds of wineries along this route, so wine drinkers are sure to enjoy this day trip. You also pass through charming villages with half-timbered buildings left relatively unscathed by the ravages of World War II, and exploring the cobblestone streets will give you insight into medieval life in this historic region. As well as traveling under your own steam, you can book a guided tour of the Wine Route so that you don't have to worry about your wine consumption and can enjoy one of the best day trips from Strasbourg without stress.
How to get to the Alsace Wine Route
This lengthy wine route runs right past Strasbourg. You can visit the villages along the route by car or by bike if you're feeling energetic. You'll also find plenty of private tour operators who can help you explore some of France's oldest wine route.
From Strasbourg to Colmar
The picturesque city of Colmar is often called the capital of Alsace, and it's easy to see why when you visit. This beautifully preserved city has a historic center that dates back to the Middle Ages, and it's a great place to spend a day exploring. Take a walking tour of the old town and marvel at the ancient buildings, then stop for lunch in one of the many wonderful restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Unterlinden Museum to see some incredible works of art, or take a cruise down the canals for a different perspective on this lovely city.
The half-timbered houses and narrow medieval streets make this neighboring village to Strasbourg a beautiful place to explore and take great photographs. Don't miss the gorgeous architecture of St. Martin's collegiate church and the riverfront neighborhood of Little Venice, a perfect place to take a boat trip and see the city from the water.
How to get to Colmar
It's only a 30-minute trip by train from Strasbourg to Colmar, and trains leave regularly throughout the day. Once you get to Colmar, the city is very walkable, so it's easier to take the train than to try and find parking.
From Strasbourg to the Black Forest Open Air Museum
The Black Forest Open Air Museum is one of the best day trips from Strasbourg if you're interested in history and culture. This open-air museum explores life in the black forest through the centuries, and it's about the closest thing you'll get to a time machine.
The museum is located in the town of Kaysersberg, and it's a great way to spend a day learning about the traditional way of life in the Black Forest region. The museum has over 50 buildings that have been relocated from all over the area, and you can explore them at your leisure. There are also demonstrations of traditional crafts, and you can even try your hand at some of them.
If you're interested in learning more about the culture and history of Alsace, this is one of the best day trips from Strasbourg that you can take. You'll get to see how people lived in the past, and you might even pick up a new skill or two.
How to get to the Black Forest Open Air Museum
Take the train from Strasbourg to Hausach, which is the closest station to the museum. With that said, it's around a 30-minute walk from the station. All in all, the journey will take around two hours. Alternatively, you can drive in about an hour from Strasbourg.
From Strasbourg to Haut-Koenigsburg Castle
Haut-Koenigsburg Castle is one of the most imposing castles in Alsace, and it's easy to see why it's such a popular day trip from Strasbourg. This 12th-century castle sits atop a hill in the Vosges Mountains, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The castle has been extensively renovated, and today it houses a museum that explores the history of Alsace. You can also explore the castle grounds, which include a beautiful garden, or take a hike in the nearby nature reserve.
This is one of the best day trips from Strasbourg if you're interested in history and impressive buildings, and it's also a great opportunity to get out into the stunning Alsatian countryside.
How to get to Haut-Koenigsburg Castle
There's not much in the way of public transport in this rural region, so the best way to reach the castle is by either renting a car or taking a tour bus from Strasbourg.
From Strasbourg to Eguisheim
Eguisheim is a charming medieval village that's just a short drive from Strasbourg. This village is renowned for its wine, and it's the perfect place to spend a day exploring the vineyards and tasting some of the local wines.
Eguisheim is also a great place to simply wander around and soak up the atmosphere. The streets are lined with half-timbered houses, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a bite to eat.
If you're looking for a day trip from Strasbourg that combines culture and relaxation, Eguisheim is the perfect destination. You can learn about the local wine industry, enjoy some of the delicious wines, and simply wander around this lovely village at your leisure.
How to get to Eguisheim
This village can be a little tricky to visit by public transport, requiring you to take the train to Colmar, then a local bus to the neighboring village of Wettolsheim, then walk from there. It's easier to drive or to take a guided tour.
From Strasbourg to Riquewihr
Riquewihr is another lovely medieval village that's just a short drive from Strasbourg. This village is located in the heart of Alsace's wine country, and it's the perfect place to spend a day exploring the vineyards and tasting some of the local wines.
Riquewihr is also a great place to simply wander around. The streets here are also lined with half-timbered houses, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a bite to eat.
How to get to Riquewihr
Like Eguisheim, to reach this village, you'll need to take the train to Colmar and get a bus from there. Expect the journey to take around an hour. Or you could drive in about 50 minutes.
From Strasbourg to Heidelberg
Heidelberg is one of the most popular day trips from Strasbourg, and you'll soon understand why. This picturesque city is located on the banks of the River Neckar, and it's renowned for its castle, university, and beautiful architecture.
There's plenty to see and do in Heidelberg, and you could easily spend a day or two exploring all that this city has to offer. If you're interested in history and culture, be sure to visit Heidelberg Castle and the University of Heidelberg. For something a little different, take a ride on the Heidelberg Funicular railway or enjoy a cruise on the river.
Widely regarded as one of Germany's most picturesque cities, the Old Town of Heidelberg has to be seen to be believed. Plus, thanks to the presence of one of Europe's oldest universities, the town remains lively and full of cultural events throughout the year, so it's a fascinating place to explore for both history and modern culture. This is a great day trip from Strasbourg to see something completely different but just as enchanting as the French city itself.
How to get to Heidelberg
You can easily take the train from Strasbourg, France, to this German city. The journey takes around an hour and 40 minutes.
From Strasbourg to Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden is a beautiful spa town that's located just a short drive from Strasbourg. This town is renowned for its thermal baths, and it's the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after exploring all that Strasbourg has to offer.
There are several different thermal baths in Baden-Baden, and you can also enjoy treatments such as massages and facials. If you're feeling active, you can also take advantage of the town's hiking trails or go for a swim in one of the nearby lakes. It's also the home of Germany's oldest casino.
This is one of the best day trips from Strasbourg if you're looking for a chance to relax and unwind, and it's also a great opportunity to experience some of Germany's famous spa culture.
How to get to Baden-Baden
Regular train service connects Strasbourg to Baden-Baden, and the journey only takes around an hour. It's no quicker to visit by car, even without traffic, so a train is probably a better option if you don't want to worry about parking.
From Strasbourg to Freiburg
Freiburg is a beautiful city that's located just a short drive from Strasbourg. This city is renowned for its picturesque setting, and it's the perfect place to spend a day exploring the sights and sounds.
There's plenty to do in Freiburg, and you can easily spend a day or two exploring it all. If you're interested in history and culture, be sure to visit the Old Town and Cathedral. For something a little different, take a ride on the Freiburg Cable Car or enjoy a cruise on the river.
How to get to Freiburg
There is a regular train service from Strasbourg to Freiburg. The journey takes around an hour, making this one of the best Strasbourg day trips to take if you're short on time.
From Strasbourg to Nancy
Nancy is another beautiful city that's located just a short drive from Strasbourg. This city is popular for its art and architecture.
If you're interested in art and architecture, be sure to visit Place Stanislas and the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine. You can also take a ride on the Nancy Funicular railway or enjoy a cruise on the river.
Nancy is a great day trip from Strasbourg if you're looking for a chance to see some of France's famous art and architecture. This is a beautiful city that's full of historical landmarks and interesting museums, so it's the perfect place to spend a day or two if you're interested in learning more about French culture.
How to get to Nancy
You can reach Nancy from Strasbourg in around an hour and a half. You can also drive, but the country roads mean the journey will take about two hours.
Conclusion
Even a quick glance at this list will show you that there are some amazing day trips you can take from Strasbourg. No matter how you want to spend your vacation, chances are good you'll find something interesting in the Alsace region. Leave your bags behind with Bounce, and get ready to enjoy what these Strasbourg day trips have to offer.
