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How Many Days In Alsace: The Best 14-Day Wine Route Itinerary

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How many days in Alsace will you need to tour the famous Alsace Wine Route? If you’re starting to plan your trip, this might be one of your first questions, and if it is, we’ve got you covered!

Jack and I have just finished an unexpected 14-day road trip around France’s Alsace region. And first, let me tell you – if you’re considering visiting this place, it was incredibly stunning and a lot of merry fun!

I say unexpected since we had no plans to visit this region. Instead, we were beelining for the Northern Lakes of Italy. However, a month before leaving, we added a stop in Strasbourg to visit a friend. 

It was the best decision and from that, we ended up staying an additional 2 weeks touring the Alsace Wine Route.

Discover How Many Days In Alsace You Will Need To Tour The Famous Alsace Wine Route

How Many Days In Alsace: Hunawhir Viewpoint
How Many Days In Alsace: The view from a hidden gem – Hunawhir

In this post – how many days in Alsace – we’re giving you our 14-day road trip itinerary plus some additional route diversions if you have longer. I’ll also cover topics including:

  • Information about the Alsace Wine Route and visiting wineries
  • Ideas for places to stay if you’re travelling by Campervan
  • Where to eat and our favourite wineries to visit
  • Some of the best hikes to do around the Vosges Mountains and villages
  • Must-visit attractions and hidden gems.

Ribeauville Village, Alsace
Ribeauville Village, Alsace

How Many Days In Alsace Do You Need?

Alsace is a huge region and the Alsace Wine Route really does deserve at least 14 days for the best experience. You’ll be able to put aside days for wineries, hiking, exploring castles, villages and relaxation. 

If you’re planning a short vacation or a weekend break I would recommend heading to Strasbourg. From Strasbourg, you can take a day trip to visit the most famous villages along the Alsace Wine Route.

👉 Tour Shoutout: From Strasbourg – 1.5-Hour Guided Segway Tour

Stained windows inside Strasbourg Cathedral
Stained windows inside Strasbourg Cathedral.

However, we feel to fully appreciate the Alsace region, the fairytale villages and the Vosges Mountains a 14-day itinerary is your best option. 

There are also plenty of places to stop for the night, whether it’s at campsites or free parking zones, along the roadside or hidden within the forest. Alsace is the perfect location for taking your campervan on a holiday!

🚐 Pro Tip: Use the Park4Night App to find camping spots!


Summary 14-Day Alsace Itinerary

  • Strasbourg: Days 1 to 3
  • Obernai: Day 4 (morning)
  • Mont Sainte-Odile: Day 4 (afternoon)
  • Mittelberghiem: Day 5 
  • Andlau / Hiking –  Chateau du Spesbourg & Chateau de Haut-Andlau: Day 6
  • Chateau du Haut-Koenigsburg: Day 7 (morning)
  • Saint-Hippolyte: Day 7 (afternoon)
  • Ribeauville / Hiking Des Trois Chateaux – Chateau du Haut-Ribeaupierre, Chateau du Giersberg & Chateau de Saint-Ulrich: Day 8
  • Hunawhir: Day 9
  • Riquewhir: Day 10 (morning)
  • Kayserberg / Chateau de Kayserberg: Day 10 (afternoon)
  • Eguisheim / The Three Castles of Eguisheim: Day 11 (morning)
  • Colmar: Days 12 to 14

Route Diversion.

  • Munster: Half-day
  • Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein: 1 Day
  • Grand Ballon: Half-day

The Wine Route Of Alsace

Before I dive into the itinerary and for those of you who have only just learnt about Alsace’s Wine Route let me clear some things up for you. I was a bit confused with this at first so thought it might be helpful to provide some information on the Wine Route of Alsace. 

  • The Wine Route is not a specific road but many roads which weave in and out of the picturesque villages along the foothills of the Vosges Mountian range in the Rhine Valley. 
  • It’s a breathtaking route which also meanders through the vineyards between the villages and gently rolling hills of Alsace. 
  • It’s a route which is clearly signposted so it’s impossible to get lost.
  • It starts in Strasbourg and ends in Colmar and is about 170km.
  • You will experience a mix of German and French which can be seen in the architecture, food and culture.
How Many Days In Alsace: Route des vins d'Alsace signage
A typical route des vins d’Alsace signage.

One thing we loved about Alsace was how easy it is to make a detour into the Vosges mountains. You’ll be surrounded by forest which is a wonderful place to escape the heat and do some hiking overlooking the Wine Route below.

There are hiking routes everywhere. Some are more popular, like the hike to the Des Trois Chateaux near Ribeauville, while some are just for the everyday hiker. It’s easy to get back on the Wine Route once you return to the foothills as I said, there are signs everywhere.


How Many Days In Alsace 14-Day Itinerary

Time to deep dive into this 14-day Alsace itinerary. It’s the route we did (except for Colmar) and although we tried to visit as many villages as possible it’s important to remember that it’s not possible to see it all over 2 weeks. 

Strasbourg: Days 1 to 3

When you start thinking about how many days to spend in Alsace I recommend putting aside a few for Strasbourg. It’s a city which blew our minds and is like a little piece of heaven. It really is a wonderful city and somewhere you absolutely must visit. 

It’s a city and so it will require a few days to experience the best of Strasbourg and there are some popular attractions you have to visit. For us, the climb to The Platform at Strasbourg Cathedral is an absolute must and a visit La Petite France is also a charming experience. 

Be sure to wander through the streets of the old town and admire the half-timbered buildings, stop by a winery, enjoy a tasting and feast on the local speciality of a Tarte Flambee.

We spent 3 full days in Strasbourg although 2 days are enough if you plan well. We were there without a plan and so lost time not really doing much. I would say that a guided bike tour of the city is a good activity to include in your itinerary as well as a visit to the Hospital Wine Cellar.

👉 Related Article: We’ve written a whole post about visiting Strasbourg which you can read here.

Obernai: Day 4 (morning)

How Many Days In Alsace: Obernai is a must-visit at the start of the Wine Route
How Many Days In Alsace: Obernai is a must-visit at the start of the Wine Route.

After you’ve finished at Strasbourg we recommend heading to Obernai. It’s a quaint village with the typical German and French fairytale flair which encompasses the region. As the first port of call on your Alsace grand tour, the village really does well to grab your attention.

It’s pretty small, as is the same with most of the villages on the Wine Route and so a few hours is plenty enough. The great thing about Obernai is that the old town is within the old fortifications which can still be seen today. 

Jack reading about the old fortifications which surround the town.
Jack reads about the old fortifications which surround the town.

We enjoyed walking around and reading the information plaques. Once inside the old town, it won’t take you longer than an hour to wander around the streets and shops. 

Afterwards, there is one street which is lined with cafes and restaurants perfect for lunch. Head to Rue du Marche and make your selection.

Mont Sainte-Odile: Day 4 (afternoon)

After your bellies are full head to Mont Sainte-Odile for the afternoon. It’s free to enter and a place with some incredible views, not to mention the tomb of Saint Odile is accessible. Allow a couple of hours for this attraction and you can get an audio headset from the gift shop for €4.00.

The monastery is nestled in the beautiful Vosges Mountains and offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. It’s perched atop a forested hill and boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhine Valley below.

The story of Sainte-Odile, the patron saint of Alsace, adds a touch of mystique to the visit. Whether you’re drawn to its spiritual aura or simply want to enjoy the scenic hike, Mont Sainte-Odile is a must-visit gem in the heart of Alsace.

Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from the forest trails which led to the ancient monastery from the car park, the walk is refreshing. You can’t spend the night at the car park but there is a nearby spot in the forest – Parkplatz – where we stayed for 2 nights.

Route Detour: There are numerous walking routes around the Parkplatz parking; it seemed to be a spot which locals enjoyed. If you have time, take a short circular hike to Point De Vue Du Moenkalb which provides hilltop views of Andlau village. Continue to Auberge Du Moenkalb (a family-run restaurant) for some refreshments before circling back.

Auberge Du Moenkalb .
Auberge Du Moenkalb .

Mittelberghiem: Day 5 

Day 5 on this how many days in Alsace post is all about immersing yourself in the wineries and enjoying the tasting. To read about everything you need to know about visiting the wineries in Alsace we’ve put together this post – (coming soon). Ultimately, the etiquette is to buy a bottle of wine after each tasting.

Domaine Alfred Wantz in Mittelbergheim
Domaine Alfred Wantz is a winery in Mittelbergheim that is worth a visit.

Mittelberghiem is a superb location to start your wine adventure as it’s off the main tourist route so you won’t be swamped by crowds. There are plenty of wonderful wineries to visit, three of our favourites are Alfred Wantz Field, Domaine Haegi and Domaine Armand Giglg.

It’s also quite a cute, quintessential Alsatian village that exudes charm and tranquillity. It’s surrounded by rolling vineyards and hugged by the Vosges Mountains; it’s a place where time seems to stand still. 

Mittelberghiem is a hidden gem worth exploring for a taste of authentic Alsace!

👉 Tour Shoutout: If you fancy a guided wine-tasting tour just north of Mittelbergheim in the village of Gertwiller, you can join an Alsatian Wine Tasting Tour and Lunch.

Pro Tip: There is a lovely restaurant called Lindeplatzel if you want to stop for lunch between tastings. Also, on a Monday there is a burger van just outside the village on the south end of Rue Principale – great if you’re looking for a budget option!

In Mittelberghiem, there are two locations to park; one has lovely views but is very likely to be full, and the other is not so scenic but close to the village and likely to have space – this is where we parked. 

14-day Alsace Road Trip Itinerary: Aire de repos du Weingarten.
14-day Alsace Road Trip Itinerary: Aire de repos du Weingarten.

The first is Parking du Zotzenberg at the north end of the village, while the other is Aire de repos du Weingarten at the south end. Neither have facilities, but for the night, they do just fine!

Andlau / Hiking –  Chateau du Spesbourg & Chateau de Haut-Andlau: Day 6

We aren’t travelling too far for Day 6; you’ll find the hiking routes to Chateau du Spesbourg and Chateau de Haut-Andlau about 15 minutes into the mountains. 

Chateau du Spesbourg in Andlau
Chateau du Spesbourg in Andlau.

In all fairness, there is probably a hiking route from Mittelberghiem to the castles, but we were lazy and drove to the Parking du Hungerplatz to begin the hike.

From the car park, you want the hiking route which will take you to Chateau de Spesbourg and Chateau de Haut-Andlau. I hurt my foot after Chateau de Spesbourg so we were unable to complete the hike although it should take only a few hours to complete.

The view from Chateau du Spesbourg, Andlau village can be seen in the distance.
The view from Chateau du Spesbourg, Andlau village can be seen in the distance.

You can also hike from Andlau village but I would save your energy and visit Andlau in the afternoon for dinner, check out Restaurant Partage. The small village is wonderful and again filled with colourful buildings; it’s a charming location which won’t feel overcrowded. 

There is a small museum which showcases the half-timbered architecture in detail and is worth a quick visit. You’ll want to visit Domaine Durrmann and Domaine Wach wineries.

P.S. We went back to Aire de repos du Weingarten in Mittelbergheim for the night after this.

Chateau du Haut-Koenigsburg: Day 7 (morning)

One of the biggest attractions along the Alsace Wine Route is Chateau du Haut-Koenigsburg. It’s a fully restored medieval castle and is pretty magnificent. There is a fee to enter, you’ll have to pay €9.00 p/p plus €4.50 p/p for the audio guide – I recommend the audio guide.

Pass Alsace: The Best of Alsace in your Pocket. Enjoy free entry to over 60 tourist sites, including Chateau du Haut-Koenigsburg, wildlife parks, fortified castles and museums.

How Many Days In Alsace: Be sure to visit Chateau du Haut-Koenigsburg!

The castle is perched proudly atop a hill and offers spellbinding views of the lush Alsatian countryside. Stepping inside, you’ll be immersed in a medieval world, with well-preserved rooms and courtyards that whisper tales of knights and kings.

During the tumultuous period of the 17th century, the castle suffered destruction amid the conflicts of the Thirty Years’ War. Subsequently, for a span of two centuries, the castle remained in a state of disrepair and abandonment. 

It was only between 1900 and 1908 that a comprehensive restoration effort, overseen by the German emperor Wilhelm II, breathed new life into the castle. It’s a historic treasure, which has witnessed centuries of history. 

We loved exploring its nooks and crannies, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale which makes Chateau du Haut-Koenigsburg a must-visit destination in the Alsace region.

Pro Tip: Day parking close to this attraction, there is a small trail through the forest which is a nicer walk than along the road to the entrance. There is a small cafe and souvenir shop at the entrance as well and be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Saint-Hippolyte: Day 7 (afternoon)

After Chateau du Haut-Koenigsburg we actually went straight to an Aire in Ribeauville but you have the option to visit Saint-Hippolyte. I’ve read that the charming village is an idyllic location to stop for lunch.

It’s surrounded by vineyards and embraced by the Vosges Mountains and a haven if you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon.

👉 Tour Shoutout: Visit the underground tanks, learn how wine production has evolved, and taste wines at the Winery Tour – Wine Tasting and Food Pairings in Saint-Hippolyte

Ribeauville / Hiking Des Trois Chateaux – Chateau du Haut-Ribeaupierre, Chateau du Giersberg & Chateau de Saint-Ulrich: Day 8

Next up we visit Ribeauville. This was actually one of the highlights of our trip as we hiked up to the three castles of Ribeauville from the village. Ribeauville is a popular village and frequented by the day trippers from Strasbourg or Colmer. 

Ribeauville, Alsace
Ribeauville, Alsace

It’s a quaint village, typical of the region with cobbled streets and colourful medieval buildings. You’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, delis, gingerbread stores, fashion and souvenir shops here as well. 

We did stumble across a nougat gingerbread store which smelled so incredible we had to stop.

After a lovely conversation with the owner, we left with a rather festive-tasting gingerbread nougat. The village is beautiful but again, you won’t need more than a couple of hours there. 

The best part for us was the hike. Aim to leave early morning to beat the crowds and the heat, although most of the hike is through the trees once you reach the castles it opens up and the sun feels hot.

We started at 9:30, although I would say this was a little later than planned. If you can start earlier it would be better. In total, the hike took us 4 hours with plenty of stops. We’re writing a full guide to visiting the three castles so you know exactly what to expect – be here soon.

Viewpoint on our way back down from the hike at Kahlfelsen
Stunning viewpoint on our way back down from the hike – Kahlfelsen Viewpoint.

Afterwards, freshen up and head back into Ribeauville for an early dinner. This is also a great time to browse the shops and explore the high street. 

Hunawhir: Day 9

Hunawhir was one of our favourite stops in Alsace and if you’re wondering how many days to spend there I suggest the whole day! It might be small but it’s a hidden gem which is great for wine tastings, relaxation and roaming around the village’s vineyards. 

How Many Days In Alsace: Make sure you add Hunawhir to your itinerary
How Many Days In Alsace: Make sure you add Hunawhir to your itinerary.

It also has one of the most beautiful sweeping views over vineyards from the fortified church of Hunawihr (Eglise mixte Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur de Hunawihr), which is a must-visit. 

Proudly perched atop a hill overlooking Hunawhir this church stands as a testament to Alsace’s historical and architectural richness. Inside, you can admire the exquisite blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles that adorn the church’s interior. 

We visited a handful of very small wineries here, one of the most authentic experiences was at Vins Andre Vielweber. There was a language barrier but we managed to communicate what we were having for dinner and were provided with – rather large – tastings.

Vins Andre Vielweber, Hunawhir
Vins Andre Vielweber, Hunawhir

A few other wineries which are worth a visit are Domaine Francois & Fils Schwach, Cave Vinicole Hunawhir and Mader Jean-Luc. 

Pro Tip: Halfway along Rue Sainte-Hune there is a parking spot for campervans. It’s opposite Foyer Rural-Hunamatt in a great location at the bottom of the Church. It’s very central and if you can get a spot there it’s superb for easy access into the village and lunch with a view!

14-Day Alsace Road Trip, where to stay along the Wine Route?  Hunawhir
14-Day Alsace Road Trip, where to stay along the Wine Route? Hunawhir

Riquewhir: Day 10 (morning)

Riquewhir is another place frequented by day trippers so I recommend getting there in the morning if you want to avoid crowds. We actually arrived at midday and it was heaving. Jack wasn’t too keen due to the crowds but the village was something special.

Riquewhir, Alsace
Riquewhir, Alsace

It’s a well-preserved medieval village enclosed by protective walls, so you have to enter through gates at either the north or south end. These historic walls date back centuries and add to the village’s allure providing a sense of stepping into a bygone era. 

The North Gate to Riquewhir Village.
The North Gate to Riquewhir Village.

Inside the walls, you’ll discover the charming streets and buildings that make Riquewihr such a timeless charm boasting a fairytale ambience. If you head away from the high street you’ll find quieter streets and alleys perfect for photos.

I loved wandering through its cobblestone streets, snapping up the beautifully coloured buildings which were adorned with flowers and browsing through the souvenir shops. 

👉  Suggested Tour: If you want to explore the medieval streets with a guide and stop by sights like the Dolder Gate and the Thieves’ Tower check out this Private Guided Walking Tour

Pro Tip: Day parking can be found all the way around the outside of the old town. It’s generally a pay-and-display system which costs €2.40/1hr, €3.60/2hr, €4.80/3hr, €6.00/4hrs, etc. 

Kaysersberg / Chateau de Kayserberg: Day 10 (afternoon)

Kaysersberg is another adorable village with a unique charm that draws tourists. It has an old Fortified Bridge just outside the old town and the Chateau De Kaysersberg (Schlossberg) tower is worth a climb. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. 

The old town is easily walkable lined with cafes and shops; don’t miss the little local museum in town, it was great! 

We had a fantastic wine tasting at Caveau Du Viticulteur and purchased a great Sylvaner to go with our dinner that night. We also stopped by Bernard HAAS & Fils where we found a good Pinot Noir.

👉 Suggested Tour: Discover the village of Kayserberg on a private walking tour of its timbered streets and famous landmarks.

Bernard HAAS & Fils Winery in Kaysersberg, Alsace
Bernard HAAS & Fils Winery in Kaysersberg, Alsace

Pro Tip: The parking here was a little confusing, but we found space at Aire de Camping Car Kaysersberg for €10.00 for 24 hours so you could stay the night. They have campervan services but no electricity. We ended up moving into the mountains and spent the night in the car park to Eguisheim’s three castles.

Eguisheim / The Three Castles of Eguisheim: Day 11 (morning)

We woke up super early to catch the sunrise at the Three Castles of Eguisheim, unfortunately, we didn’t have the clearest of mornings. Nevertheless, we watched the sun come up over the horizon before exploring the castles in the early hours.

How Many Days In Alsace: Leave time to catch a sunrise.
How Many Days In Alsace: Leave time to catch a sunrise.

There are numerous hiking routes in the area and you could even hike from Eguishiem to the castles. The castles are really ruins and there isn’t much left of them but the views are great and with the morning light you’ll grab some great shots!

Pro Tip: I would suggest arriving by 10:00 am in Eguisheim to avoid the crowds that gather by midday.

Eguishiem is thought of as one of the most beautiful small towns in France. And, I have to agree, it’s very beautiful and has a unique charm that we haven’t seen anywhere else. 

The old city is built in a circle encompassed within the old fortifications. You’ll notice the fairytale half-timbered buildings everywhere adorned with colourful flowers, an Alsace trait we just loved. The houses look like they’re straight from a Harry Potter scene!

It’s totally magical and creates an illusion as you walk around, you won’t even notice you’re moving in a circle. The town centre, accentuated by the church is a lovely plaza and a great spot to grab a morning coffee or a wine. It’s 12 o’clock somewhere, right?

Between you and me, we purchased the most expensive piece of cheese from Eguisheim that we will ever purchase in our lives…it was €68.00 a kilo lavender infused cheese! Needless to say, we got our pants pulled down. It was too late by the time we had tasted, entered and had the cheese cut to say no…it was delicious but just be warned if you’re tasting cheese from the street.

Pro Tip: If you want a good Tarte Flambee head to Auberge du Rampart and A La Ville De Nancy for well-priced regional dishes.

Colmar: Days 12 to 14

For your last few days in Alsace, I would suggest visiting Colmar or diverting into the Vosges Mountains. We decided to head into the Vosges Mountains as we wanted to visit the Munster Cheese Factory, visit a lake and do some more hiking before crossing over to Switzerland.

La Petite Venise, Colmar, Alsace
La Petite Venise, Colmar, Alsace

Although we didn’t visit Colmar, from what I’ve read it’s a small city similar to Strasbourg but with its own charm. A few places to visit include La Petite Venise where you can take a boat ride along the River Lauch, the Tanner’s Quarter and the Old Town.

It does sound similar to Strasbourg so if you wanted to change it up a bit the route we took was quite scenic.

👉 Suggested Tours: Colmar Highlights Walking Tour and Wine Tasting or a 2-Hour Segway Tour if you fancy something a little more thrilling!


Other Sites To Add To Your Alsace Itinerary

In truth, we were all fairytalied out by the time we’d reached Eguisheim. As beautiful as the villages are, they all start to look the same by the end. Fully stocked on wine, cheese and salami it was time for us to leave the Wine Route.

These are a few of the sites we visited before crossing the border into Switzerland which you can add to your 14-day Alsace itinerary if you don’t fancy visiting Colmar. 

Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein in Alsace, France
Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein in Alsace, France

Munster: Half-day

So we love cheese. In fact, Jack is a little cheese monster and while we were in Strasbourg our friend, Loic, introduced us to the Munster Cheese. How we’ve never had it before is beyond me but the strong-smelling cheese is delicious so we wanted to learn more.

Unfortunately, we didn’t plan this expedition very well and missed the tour arriving at the factory/museum too late in the day and too early to hang about for the next one, this is what happens when you have a lie-in! 

Abi enjoying a selection of cheese and cold meat in Alsace, France
Abi enjoying a selection of cheese and cold meat in Alsace, France

Instead, we settled with a walk around the exhibition which is open all day and enjoyed a lump of Munster Cheese (among others) for dinner.

Good to Know: If you want to visit the factory they do offer guided tours in English. You can check tour times on the website here. We were quite gutted about this as the tour sounded great with a traditional cheesemaking demonstration included.

Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein: 1 Day

Afterwards, follow the winding road to Kruth. Just before the village, you’ll find a huge lake which is stunning. We parked up right along the banks for a couple of nights while I caught up on some work.

It’s a great little spot with the chance to visit a small waterfall, hike around the lake, go swimming and hike up to the ruined Château du Wildenstein. 

Pro Tip: There is fresh water available to fill up tanks here although there are no other services. The parking is also free.

Grand Ballon: Half-day

The Grand Ballon hike in the Vosges Mountains is a fantastic way to end your trip. The hike takes you to the highest peak in the Vosges, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the landscape. 

The trail winds through forests and some open pastures before reaching the summit. There you’ll find a historic stone marker marking the peak. It’s also possible to drive closer to the peak if you just want the views!

The Grand Ballon, Alsace
The Grand Ballon, Alsace.

How to Plan Your 14-Day Alsace Itinerary

How Many Days In Alsace: Beautiful half-timbered houses in Riquewhir
How Many Days In Alsace: Beautiful half-timbered houses in Riquewhir

While you consider how many days you’ll need to visit Alsace you also need to think about how to plan for your road trip. Here are some things to think about:

  • Toll Roads. France has numerous toll roads. We avoided these by driving through Belgium instead but the quickest way to Aslace is along the tolled motorway from the UK. 
  • eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan. Make sure you stay connected throughout your travels. This is super easy with an eSim, you can scan a QR code for instant access to the local high-speed data network.
  • When will you travel? It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of summer travel. Peak time is the busiest and comes with the preferred weather but also the crowds. We travelled in September which was fantastic, and less busy. I recommend this month.
  • Where will you stay? Are you comfortable in free parking zones or on a campsite, we actually didn’t pay for any campsite in France. FYI: Campsites vary but you should budget €20.00 a night if you want to use them.
  • How much do you want to spend? We spent most of our budget on meals (av. €20.00 pp) and wine (av. €9.00 a bottle). A magnet will cost €4.00…
  • Will you be taking tours? Don’t forget to book these in advance and budget accordingly. 
  • Which attractions will you visit? Some attractions, like the Munster cheese factory, are only open for tours at certain times on certain days. So check in advance the attractions you want to visit and plan accordingly.

Alsace Road Trip By Car, Campervan or Train?

14-day road trip in Alsace with our converted Van BB
14-day road trip in Alsace with our converted Van BB.

We visited Alsace in our converted Ford Transit and had the best time! Seriously it was incredible, therefore I would recommend a road trip. The freedom our campervan gave us was unbeatable. 

We were able to visit the villages, castles and Vosges mountains in a very relaxed manner, we didn’t have to worry about catching trains or buses, drinking too much or finding our way back to the hotel. 

That said, there are always pros and cons and so you might be more inclined to visit Alsace by car or train and stay in hotels. You could even cycle the route, although that’s not for me! 

If you want to read more about the pros and cons of visiting Alsace by car, campervan or train we’ve written a whole article here for you (well, it’s coming soon…)

Forest at the Vosges Mountains in Alsace, France
Forest at the Vosges Mountains in Alsace, France

Tips For Visiting Alsace

  • Campervan facilities in France are incredible. The reason we didn’t need to pay for a campsite is because Alsace is well-equipped for campers. There are plenty of places to fill and empty tanks with fees of as little as  €2. Laundry machines can be found at the supermarkets; a load of wash and dry is about €8.00.
  • Time your visits right. For the popular villages, I would recommend getting there at 9.00 am before the tourist buses arrive. However, the smaller lesser-known villages can be very quiet first thing.
  • Plan a rough itinerary! Start in the north and work your way south but have room for flexibility. Remember it’s impossible to do it all over 14 days so don’t rush.
  • Use Park4Night. The app is fantastic and extremely helpful when looking for places to stay. We found some stunning spots, places to empty and refill and general parking areas which helped us plan our trip.
  • Lunch Time Closing. Keep in mind that most shops and restaurants close for lunch in Alsace so between midday and 3 pm it’s likely the wineries will also be closed. This isn’t the case in the more popular spots such as Eguishiem and Riquewhir.
Fountain in Kaysersberg Village along the Alsace Wine Route
Fountain in Kaysersberg Village along the Alsace Wine Route

The Wines Of Alsace & Visiting Wineries

14 Day Alsace Itinerary will include stops at many wineries
A selection of wines from Mittelbergheim.

Although you can pick up a Pinot Noir which will be a rose, the region is famous for its White Wine. The best part about this 14-day Alsace itinerary is you’ll have days to just wander around the wineries doing tastings, learning about the different grapes and enjoying a bottle for dinner.

That’s another reason why you’ll want to consider how many days you spend in Alsace; you’ll need down days if you’re partaking in the wine tastings!

If you’re anything like us you’ll fancy yourselves wine connoisseurs after your first few visits and decide to pair a bottle with dinner every night…

Domaine GilG is a winery in Mittelbergheim worth a visit.
Domaine GilG is a winery in Mittelbergheim worth a visit.

It’s the main part of the trip and a fun activity so you’ll need quite a few “down days”. 

The tastings are great fun and if you get a good host you’ll learn a lot about the wines and the region. For example, did you know that Alsace has 13 different soil types? Probably not, but now you do! 

This is important as the soil type changes the taste of the grape which of course, affects the end product. That’s why a Gewurztraminer (a type of grape and my favourite Alsace wine) will taste different in say Mittlebergheim to Kysersberg. 

Pro Tip: Even though the wine tastings are free and you aren’t pushed to buy a bottle, it’s kind of an unspoken rule that you will purchase a bottle.


Traditional Alsace Food To Try

Since you’re spending many days in Alsace it’s only right that you try some of the delicious local dishes. I wanted to quickly run through the famous ones so you can try some while you’re away. 

For me, the best was the Tarte Flambee. As a pizza-lover, it floats the same boat although the traditional Alsace Tarte Flambee has traces of nutmeg in a rich white sauce slices of onion and bacon lardons. Head to Mama Bubbele in Strasbourg for the best Tarte Flambee!

Tarte Flambee of Alsace.
The Tarte Flambee of Alsace.

Also, don’t miss:

  • Choucroute: A hearty Alsatian dish featuring sauerkraut cooked to perfection, often accompanied by a flavorful assortment of sausages and meats. 
  • Baeckeoffe: Baeckeoffe is a traditional Alsatian casserole. It combines layers of marinated meat (usually beef, pork, and lamb) with sliced potatoes and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to savoury perfection.
  • Cordon Bleu: Cordon Bleu is a beloved dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken or pork cutlet, with typically ham and melted cheese inside.
  • Vol-au-vent: Vol-au-vent translates to “windblown,” and it’s a puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture, often containing tender morsels of chicken, mushrooms, and a velvety sauce.
  • Fleischnacka: Fleischnacka is savoury Alsatian pinwheel pasta rolls filled with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and herbs.
  • Bretzel: Bretzels are iconic Alsatian pretzels known for their distinctive knot shape and crispy exterior. They’re often sprinkled with bacon and cheese making a great breakfast meal.

👉 Tour Shoutout: From Strasbourg, you can go on a Traditional Food Group Walking Tour.

A local market in Strasbourg.
A local market in Strasbourg.

FAQs How Many Days In Alsace 14-Day Itinerary

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Alsace?

The best time of the year to visit Alsace is September. This is just outside the peak season so you’ll see fewer crowds but you’ll still get the warm weather. It’s a wonderful time to visit, when were were there we had temperatures of 25 degrees and over; the end of September also brings multiple Wine Festivals such as the New Wine Celebration in Eguisheim!

Should I Stay In Colmar Or Strasbourg?

When deciding to visit Colmar or Strasbourg we though that Strasbourg was amazing. Both cities are quite similar and offer and authentic Alsatian experience but Strasbourg is bigger and home to a stunning Cathedral. If you’re visiting the Alsace region, there might not be any need to visit both Colmar and Strasbourg, I would recommend Strasbourg.

How Many Days Do You Need In Alsace France?

Ultimately, how many days you spend in Alsace will depend on the type of travel you are doing. For us, the Alsace Wine Route deserves at least 14 days to soak in the best of it. It’s a large region and there are many villages, castles, hikes and wineries to visit. Anything less than the 2 weeks means you won’t truly be able to appreciate the Wine Route.

Is Alsace And Colmar The Same?

No, Alsace and Colmar are not the same. Colmar is a city located in the Alsace region of France. The region of Alsace, on the other hand, is a larger geographical region in northeastern France. Alsace encompasses a variety of towns, villages, and landscapes, including the Vosges Mountains, vineyards, and other charming destinations like Strasbourg and Mulhouse.

Half-timbered buildings in Obernai Alsace.
Half-timbered buildings in Obernai Alsace.

How Many Days In Alsace: 14-Day Itinerary Conclusion

Ultimately, how many days you spend in Alsace is up to you but from our experience a 14-day itinerary along the Alsace Wine Route is the perfect amount of time to take it all in. The region is truly mesmerising and with the combination of the vineyards set against the Vosges Mountains, the views are stunning.

Each of the locations on this 14-day Alsace itinerary we have personally visited (except Colmar) and we truly believe if you follow this route you will have the best time. 

We loved every moment of our road trip and would happily go back to experience those villages we missed and grab some of those amazing bottles of wine we wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else!

I hope you have the best road trip and enjoy Alsace’s Wine Route as much as we did!

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Thanks for reading. If you have any questions shoot me a message.