Discover Colmar: The Fairytale Capital of Alsace Wine Country

Built in 1537, the Maison Pfister stands out from the half-timbered houses in Colmar with its painted facade, wrap-around wooden gallery, and octagonal turret. This Renaissance masterpiece was a dramatic display of wealth in the 16th century and remains one of the city's most photographed buildings. Featuring decorative balcony and bright decorations by Christian Vacksterffer, it exemplifies Renaissance art in the Rhine region. The ground floor houses a wine store where visitors can sample excellent Alsatian wines.

Dating to 1609, this remarkable building's façade is decorated with more than 100 sculptures peering down at onlookers. Each carved head represents a different character or expression, creating an extraordinary sight that captivates visitors. Now housing a luxury hotel and restaurant, this architectural gem offers both exterior viewing pleasure and the option to dine within its historic walls. The intricate stonework and attention to detail make it one of Colmar's most unique monuments.

Built in 1480, the Old Customs House was once the center of business and politics, serving as a warehouse, market, and customs office for hundreds of years. This Gothic building with its magnificent stained glass windows and colorfully tiled roof represents Colmar's prosperous trading past. As the head of a trading league, the city was a seat of wealth and power, overseen directly by the Holy Roman Emperor. The building's impressive architecture makes it a must-see landmark in the historic center.

The 39-foot-tall statue honors sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, Colmar's most famous son who designed the original Statue of Liberty in New York. Located at a roundabout on the northern edge of town, this impressive replica stands as a proud testament to the city's connection to one of the world's most iconic monuments. It is probably one of the most unusual attractions in Colmar. Easy to spot when arriving from the airport or Strasbourg, it makes for excellent photos and is a reminder of Colmar's contribution to American history.

This beautiful brick and wooden building dating to 1865 serves as Colmar's covered market hall. Inside, you'll discover a vibrant array of fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, wines, and regional specialties. It's a great place to assemble items for a picnic. The market offers an authentic glimpse into daily Alsatian life and provides an opportunity to taste and purchase local delicacies. The atmosphere is particularly lively on market days (Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday).

The Unterlinden Museum was born from the creation of the Schongauer company in 1847 and the discovery of a Gallo-Roman mosaic in Bergheim in 1848. A visit covers nearly 7,000 years of history, from the prehistoric era to 20th century art. The Medieval cloister presents art of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with works by Martin Schongauer, Hans Holbein, and Lucas Cranach, as well as the museum's great masterpiece, the Isenheim Altarpiece (1512–1516). The architects Herzog & de Meuron connected the 13th century convent to the former municipal baths building with a contemporary extension and underground gallery. This is France's second most visited museum outside Paris.

Dedicated to Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, this museum is housed in his birthplace. Explore original models, sketches, and personal belongings that tell the story of how a Colmar native created one of the world's most recognizable monuments. The museum provides fascinating insight into Bartholdi's other works, including the Lion of Belfort, and his artistic process. A must-visit for anyone interested in art history, sculpture, or American-French cultural connections.

Located inside an old cinema building, this museum features an impressive collection of toys from the 1800s to today. Visitors will find a fantastic display including Barbie dolls, video games, Playmobil, and much more. The museum appeals to all ages, allowing adults to reminisce about their childhood while children discover toys from different eras. It's particularly enjoyable for families visiting Colmar with kids and provides a nostalgic journey through two centuries of playtime.

This is an interactive chocolate museum with several tastings included during your visit. Learn about chocolate's fascinating history from ancient Mesoamerica to modern-day production. The museum offers engaging displays and demonstrations showing how chocolate is made. It's something fun to do in Colmar with kids, but adults will appreciate it too, with options for regular tickets or chocolate-making workshops. The tastings throughout the visit make this a deliciously educational experience.

Located in the same building as the chocolate museum, here you'll learn about the history of wine in Alsace, the production process, and the different grape varieties. There are games and quizzes along the way, making it more engaging, and of course, there is a wine tasting at the end. This is one of the only places in the region offering comprehensive understanding of Alsatian wine culture. Perfect for wine enthusiasts or anyone wanting to deepen their appreciation of the region's viticultural heritage.

The collection covers the mineralogy, zoology, paleontology, and ethnography of the region, with temporary exhibits rotated throughout the year. Discover the fascinating natural history of Alsace, from prehistoric times to modern ecosystems. Learn about unique regional wildlife and geological formations. The museum provides educational insight into the area's natural heritage and cultural anthropology, making it ideal for curious minds and families seeking an educational experience.

The main church of Colmar, this impressive Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline with its distinctive green and yellow tiled roof. Built between 1235 and 1365, Saint-Martin features soaring vaulted ceilings, beautiful stained glass windows, and impressive architectural details. The church has served as a Catholic place of worship for over 700 years and remains an active parish. The exterior's colorful Alsatian tiles and the interior's serene atmosphere make it a peaceful retreat in the heart of the old town.

The Dominican church houses 'vierge au buisson de roses' by Martin Schongauer, a highly regarded altarpiece. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, this former monastery church exemplifies Gothic architecture with its simple yet elegant design. The church's austere beauty reflects Dominican ideals of simplicity and contemplation. The Schongauer masterpiece, depicting the Virgin Mary in a rose bower, is one of Colmar's most important artworks. The peaceful interior provides a contrast to the bustling streets outside.

One of the most enchanting parts of Colmar is La Petite Venise, a picturesque neighborhood that feels straight out of a fairytale. With its cobbled streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and serene canals, it's easy to see why this charming area is a favorite for visitors. As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll find quaint boutiques, cozy cafés, and plenty of photo-worthy spots. The Lauch River flows gently past brightly painted houses creating picture-perfect scenes at every turn. You can also opt for a boat ride on the river with traditional flat-bottomed boats (barques) giving you a different perspective of the district.

The Tanners' District dates to the 17th and 18th centuries when tanners (people who tan animal hides) lived here. Their tall, half-timbered houses were designed to allow animal pelts to hang and dry in the open air. The distinctive architecture with multiple stories and attic spaces tells the story of Colmar's artisan past. Today, this atmospheric neighborhood features some of the city's most striking buildings, with their original character beautifully preserved. Walking along the Rue des Tanneurs provides insight into medieval craft guilds and urban planning.

The adjacent Rue de la Poissonnerie is not to be missed, with the whole area being really picturesque. This waterside street was historically where fishmongers sold their daily catch. Today it's one of Colmar's most photographed locations, with pastel-colored houses reflecting in the canal waters. The area combines historic charm with modern restaurants and cafes, many featuring terraces overlooking the water. The architecture here represents some of the finest examples of Alsatian Renaissance style, making it essential viewing for architecture enthusiasts.

Part of the museum complex, this peaceful medieval cloister garden offers a serene escape with its manicured lawns, historic arcades, and quiet atmosphere. The garden retains its original 13th-century layout, providing visitors a glimpse into monastic life. Seasonal flowers and carefully maintained landscaping create a contemplative space perfect for reflection. Access is included with museum admission, making it an ideal spot to rest between gallery visits. The museum orchard adjacent to the cloister adds to the authentic historical ambiance.

Colmar's largest park features tree-lined walkways, picnic areas, comfortable benches, and a playground. It's perfect for anyone looking to escape the more touristy spots. The park offers generous green spaces ideal for relaxing between museum visits or enjoying local market purchases. Locals frequently use the park for leisurely afternoon walks or family outings. The playground makes it particularly family-friendly, while the shaded paths provide welcome relief on warm summer days.

The free trail is outlined on the Colmar Old Town Map from the tourist office. Simply follow the golden triangles (embossed with Lady Liberty) to top Colmar sights. Each attraction features a sign (in French and English) with relevant information. This self-paced tour allows you to explore at your own rhythm, stopping whenever something catches your eye. The route connects all major landmarks and picturesque streets, ensuring you don't miss any highlights. It's the perfect way to get acquainted with the city while maintaining flexibility in your schedule.

Traditional flat-bottomed boats (barques) take you for a short ride on the Lauch, giving you a slightly different perspective of the Little Venice district. You don't have to book in advance and can just get a ticket for the next available boat when you arrive, though if it's busy, you might have to wait quite a long time. The gentle cruise passes under low bridges and alongside the most photogenic houses in Colmar. Commentary provides historical context about the buildings and the area's fishing and trading heritage. This is one of the most romantic activities in Colmar, especially at sunset.

As the capital of the Alsace wine region, Colmar offers numerous wine tasting opportunities. Visit traditional wine cellars, modern tasting rooms, or take guided tours through local vineyards. Learn about Alsace's famous white wines including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Many cellars offer food pairings showcasing regional specialties. Some wineries provide educational tours explaining the winemaking process from grape to bottle. Book in advance for specialized tastings or harvest season tours.

These green miniature 'trains' pass most of the main sights in the old town in about 35 minutes. It's a great way to see the best of Colmar without having to walk and you get an overview of the city with accompanying commentary. Trains depart every 30 minutes, and you'll see most of the famed landmarks in Colmar, including Little Venice, St. Martin's Church, and Maison Pfister. Available in more than a dozen languages, this is perfect for families, those with mobility issues, or visitors short on time who want a comprehensive introduction before exploring on foot.

Biking is one of the popular Colmar activities, with rentals available at Colmar Velo - Velodocteurs located at the train station. It took less than an hour to navigate the route from Colmar to Eguisheim, with stops for photos along the way. The flat terrain and dedicated bike paths make cycling ideal for exploring both the town and surrounding wine villages. A free Colmar Cycling Map shows recommended routes through vineyards and countryside. Bikes range from children's models to electric bikes, accommodating all ages and fitness levels.

Eguisheim is celebrated for its picturesque streets and vibrant local culture, especially during market days and festivals. At the center of this Medieval village, which was awarded the 'Favorite French Town', is the Chateau Saint-Leon, with three ring roads encircling the town from the central square. Biking from Colmar takes less than an hour, or take the bus. The concentric circular layout creates unique perspectives at every turn. Colorful flower displays adorn nearly every house, earning it recognition among France's most beautiful villages. The town is also the birthplace of Pope Leo IX and sits at the start of the Alsace Wine Route, surrounded by prestigious vineyards.

Often called the 'Pearl of the Alsace Vineyards', Riquewihr is a perfectly preserved medieval village that looks like it stepped out of a storybook. Surrounded by vineyards and 13th-century fortifications, this car-free village features cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, artisan shops, and wine cellars. The Dolder Tower and ramparts offer panoramic views of surrounding vineyards. Despite being heavily touristed, Riquewihr retains its authentic charm and is particularly magical during the Christmas season. The village is about 15km from Colmar and easily accessible by car or bus.

The capital of the Alsace region and seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg combines German and French influences in its architecture, cuisine, and culture. The UNESCO-listed Grande Île features the magnificent Gothic cathedral with its astronomical clock, while the Petite France quarter enchants with its canals and half-timbered houses. Visit the European institutions, explore world-class museums, or simply wander the atmospheric streets. Strasbourg is just 30 minutes from Colmar by train, making it an easy day trip. The city also hosts one of Europe's largest and most famous Christmas markets.

Stretching 170km from Marlenheim to Thann, the Route des Vins d'Alsace passes through rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and countless wine cellars. Colmar sits at the heart of this famous route, making it perfect for exploring by car, bike, or organized tour. Visit family-run wineries, taste the region's seven grape varieties, and stop in charming villages like Turckheim, Ammerschwihr, and Bergheim. The route is particularly stunning during harvest season (September-October) and autumn when vine leaves turn golden. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, with some requiring advance booking.

Voted France's favorite village in 2017, Kaysersberg captivates visitors with its fortified bridge, Renaissance fountains, and imposing castle ruins overlooking the town. The village was the birthplace of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, and his museum provides insight into his humanitarian work. Kaysersberg's wine-growing heritage is evident in the vineyards climbing the hillsides and numerous wine cellars offering tastings. The Christmas market here is considered one of Alsace's most authentic. Located just 10km from Colmar, it's easily reachable by bus or car and makes for a delightful half-day excursion.

This imposing medieval castle perched 755 meters above the Alsace plain offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Rhine Valley to Germany's Black Forest. Originally built in the 12th century and extensively restored in the early 1900s, the castle provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval fortress life. Explore furnished rooms, weapons collections, and defensive systems while learning about the castle's strategic importance. The site includes guided tours, interactive exhibits, and a restaurant with spectacular terrace views. Located about 30km from Colmar, it's accessible by car or seasonal shuttle bus from Sélestat train station.

An industrial city transformed into a cultural destination, Mulhouse boasts exceptional museums including the Cité de l'Automobile (world's largest car museum with the Schlumpf Collection), Cité du Train (Europe's largest railway museum), and the Museum of Printed Textiles. The old town features colorful buildings and the unique painted murals (trompe-l'oeil) that give facades three-dimensional effects. Mulhouse offers a different perspective on Alsace, showcasing industrial heritage alongside cultural attractions. It's about 45 minutes from Colmar by train, making it suitable for a day trip, especially for automobile or railway enthusiasts.

The nearby Vosges mountain range offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities just a short distance from Colmar. Visit the Route des Crêtes for spectacular mountain views, explore traditional Marcairies (mountain farms), or hike to crystal-clear mountain lakes like Lac Blanc. In winter, the Vosges transforms into a skiing destination with family-friendly slopes. The mountains provide a refreshing natural contrast to Colmar's urban attractions. Popular starting points include Le Bonhomme and Col de la Schlucht, both accessible by car in under an hour.