Kaysersberg, whose name means "the Emperor's mountain", is a town steeped in history and charm. The birthplace of the famous Doctor Schweitzer, it is captivated by its red sandstone church, its fortified bridge dating back to 1514, its romantic washhouse, its cobbled main street and its picturesque, carefully preserved half-timbered houses. The dungeon of Kaysersberg's imperial castle towers over the village, offering a breathtaking view within easy walking distance. Protected by its ramparts, this adorable little town has preserved some fine vestiges of the past, including the Renaissance town hall and the Sainte-Croix church, which boasts a beautiful Romanesque portal and a superb 16th-century carved altarpiece. So, what's there to do and see in Kaysersberg? Discover the 10 must-sees for a memorable visit.
1. Stroll through the historic center of Kaysersberg
Start with a stroll down the main street of Kaysersberg, one of France's most beautiful villages. And don't hesitate to explore the charming parallel streets. The houses here are tall and imposing, with half-timbered walls on the upper floors. The first floor, meanwhile, is always stone, framing the main entrances. To immerse yourself in the history of these homes, pay close attention to the magnificent signs that adorn the facades. They often indicate the occupations of the former inhabitants, offering a fascinating glimpse into life in days gone by.
Activities to book: Discover Kayserberg and its half-timbered streets by booking this guided tour of the town. You'll see the Faller-Brief house, the Sainte Croix church and Albert Schweitzer's birthplace.
2. Climb up to Kaysersberg castle
Kaysersberg is a true Alsatian gem not to be missed. Its picturesque historic center, overlooked by the castle, is an inviting place to stroll. Half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and traditional stores all contribute to creating a charming, authentic atmosphere, ideal for a romantic weekend away, for example. Following the main street to its end, you can continue to the left and cross the bridge over the river to reach the castle. After passing through the gate built into the town's ancient ramparts, take the stairs on the right, which will lead you to one of the most beautiful views in the region.
The article to read: Top 15 of Alsace's most beautiful villages (and towns) to visit
3. Push open the door of the Sainte-Croix church
Built between 1230 and the 16th century, Kaysersberg's church is dedicated to the Holy Cross, of which it is said to have possessed a relic. Although the church was extensively remodeled in the 15th century, some of its original features remain, including its magnificent 13th-century Romanesque west portal and treasures such as the gilded, carved wooden altarpiece depicting the Passion of Christ, a true masterpiece not to be missed. In front of the church, you can also admire the superb Emperor Constantine fountain.
Good to know: Authentic and traditional, the Kaysersberg Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France. There's plenty of entertainment on offer, including concerts in the Eglise Sainte-Croix every Sunday. Don't miss the exhibition on old-time crafts in star country, full of discoveries for young and old alike.
Read the article: Top 19 of Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets
4. Visit the Kaysersberg Historical Museum
Open in summer and for special events such as the Journées du Patrimoine, Kaysersberg's historical museum has a wide range of collections to discover. On display are objects from archaeological digs, exceptional works of religious art , including an opening Virgin Mary from 1380, as well as sculptures and unusual objects tracing the history of the imperial town of Kaysersberg. Housed since 1972 on the second floor of a house whose architecture alone is worth the detour, the museum, run by volunteers, offers free or guided tours.
Good to know: To visit this hidden gem, it's best to contact the Kaysersberg tourist office for reservations.
5. Drop in at the tourist office
We recommend a visit to the Kaysersberg Tourist Office, run by a team of enthusiastic professionals who are on hand all year round to welcome you. You'll find a comprehensive range of tourist information. The team also offers personalized suggestions for walks and cultural visits, accommodation tips and carefully selected gourmet addresses. Don't hesitate to consult the website, which is updated daily.
The article to read: What to do in Alsace? 17 must-sees and must-visits
6. An unusual way to discover the vineyards
Discover the vineyards of the Colmar region in an unusual and convivial way, thanks to the Parenthèse Vigneronne packages offered by the Kaysersberg Valley Tourist Office. Among the various options on offer, you can, for example, take part in "Gi Qong in the vineyards" stays, where you'll be introduced to this practice right in the heart of the vineyards with Philippe Blanck. For those with a sweet tooth, the "Chocolat et grands crus" (chocolate and great vintages) program offers an original way to taste Alsace's finest wines. And don't miss the chance to discover biodynamic viticulture with committed organic winemakers such as Francine and Clément Klur and Jean-Baptiste Ada.
The article to read: Top 11 wine tourism destinations in France!
7. Going to the Schweitzer Center
The Centre Schweitzer reopened its doors on August 2, 2023, after three years of extension and renovation work. Located in the heart of the famous doctor's native village of Lambaréné, this interpretation center invites you to follow in the footsteps of the Nobel Peace Prize winner to discover the humanist values that nurtured Albert Schweitzer's universalist work: freedom, tolerance and mutual respect. The visit, built around a unique museographic itinerary, is both fun and original, suitable for visitors of all ages.
8. What to do in Kaysersberg Taste typical culinary specialities
During your visit to Kaysersberg, be sure to sample some of the region's typical culinary specialities. Among the must-tries, sauerkraut with sausage, bacon and potatoes is a real treat. Baeckeoffe, a marinated meat stew cooked slowly in a terrine, is another specialty not to be missed. Cheese lovers will appreciate Munster, a soft, washed-rind cheese often served with potatoes. For gourmets, tarte flambée, a thin bread pastry filled with cream, bacon and onions, is a delight. And to finish on a sweet note, let yourself be tempted by the blueberry tart, a traditional pastry that will delight your taste buds.
9. The best walks in and around Kaysersberg
No wonder it's one of the most beautiful villages in France' s Grand-Est region: Kaysersberg and the surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities for picturesque walks, ideal for hiking enthusiasts. Among the most beautiful :
- the Sentier des Tobel takes you through the surrounding vineyards and forests, offering panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.
- The Sentier des Châteaux allows you to discover the ruins of the three castles of Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and Ribeauvillé, while taking in the magnificent scenery.
- The Sentier Viticole invites you to explore the vineyards of Kaysersberg and discover local grape varieties and viticulture techniques, ideal for wine lovers.
- The Lavoirs Trail takes you through the town's ancient lavoirs, offering a glimpse of daily life in days gone by.
- The Sentier des Remparts (Ramparts Trail) takes you along the town's ramparts for a historic stroll through Kaysersberg's medieval fortifications.
- For more experienced hikers, the Sentier des Crêtes offers spectacular viewsof the Vosges mountains and surrounding valleys.
The article to read: What to do and see in the Grand-Est region? 17 must-sees
10. Lakes: magical places to discover in the Kaysersberg valley
Nestled in a natural setting at the bottom of the Kaysersberg valley, the Lac Blanc and Lac Noir lakes are a delight for hikers. In winter, the site enjoys a special atmosphere, inspiring Jean-Pierre Mocky to shoot the opening sequence of his 1987 crime thriller "Agent trouble", starring Catherine Deneuve. When the snow is there, skiing (downhill or cross-country) becomes a popular activity. The Cornelius trail links Lac Blanc with Lac Noir and vice versa. Also worth discovering in the heights of Le Bonhomme and Lapoutroie, the Etang du Devin, dominated by the Tête-des-Faux, has all the characteristics of a peat bog and is home to exceptional biodiversity, making it a protected site. Lac du Forlet and Lac Vert, accessible from the hamlet of Hautes-Huttes in Orbey, also offer superb panoramic views.
Where to stay in Kaysersberg?
Kaysersberg offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. For an authentic experience, opt for one of the many charming hotels located in the historic center, where you can stay in traditional half-timbered buildings.
Here are our favorite accommodations:
- Our favorite: Les Remparts
We've fallen in love with this family-run hotel, which can be booked here and is housed in two pavilions surrounded by an ocean of greenery. Just a stone's throw from the town center, this hotel is a lovely place to stay, with clean, cosy rooms. What's more, you'll have a wide choice of fine dining establishments in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. What's more, they're all within easy walking distance!
- The ideal option for groups or families: Hotel Klé
The Hotel Klé is a traditional yet modern hotel in Kaysersberg with associated rooms that you can book right here, ideal for groups or families. We loved the friendly staff and the gourmet breakfast, featuring local produce such as cheeses from the valley and fresh eggs from the neighboring farm. It's served in the sublime stone cellar, which doubles as a wine bar during the day.
- The coziest: l'appartement Poétique
Bookable herel'appartement Poétique is located in the heights of Kaysersberg, just a stone's throw from the historic center, on a street lined with free parking spaces. Children and pets are welcome! The decor is delightfully poetic, with vintage-style furniture. Special mention should be made of the wall tapestries enamelled with butterflies, birds and other country flowers.
Where to eat in Kaysersberg?
We particularly recommend the Maison Hassenforde, which serves homemade specialties and game dishes accompanied by excellent Alsatian wines. Located on the first floor of a 17th-century half-timbered house, this authentic restaurant boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, decorated with wood panelling and hunting trophies. On the menu: Hassen Burger au munster, tourte vigneronne, flammekueche, bouchée à la reine, choucroute garnie, baeckeoffe, kidneys, tête de veau gribiche, seasonal local game, blueberry tart...
Another option is Au Lion d'Or, a charming Alsatian restaurant that welcomes you in a traditional setting: imposing fireplace, rustic china cabinet, elegantly laid tables. For the Ancel family, catering has been a family affair since 1724! The chefuses local produce to create delicious dishes : bouchée à la reine, roast pork shank with 5 spices, 4-fish sauerkraut, marcassin Saint-Hubert stew, tarts flambées... Vegetarians can enjoy a burger from the kitchen garden or an excellent vegetable couscous. A special menu is also available for children.
Discover all our favorite restaurants in Kaysersberg right here.
How do I get to Kaysersberg? Is there free parking?
Kaysersberg is 20 minutes northwest of Colmar and 45 minutes north of Mulhouse. You'll need a car to get there, as there 's no train station. Free parking is available in Kaysersberg. However, options may vary according to the season and tourist numbers. It's always a good idea to check the latest information or look at the signs on site to find available free parking.
What to do around Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg is surrounded by numerous sites and activities that are well worth a visit. Nearby, you can visit the charming villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, famous for their half-timbered houses and vineyards. For nature lovers, the Lac Blanc and Lac Noir offer magnificent hiking trails and breathtaking scenery. Wine lovers will appreciate the region's many cellars and wineries, where they can taste the famous wines of Alsace. History buffs won't want to miss the Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle, a restored medieval fortress with a breathtaking view over the Alsace plain. Finally, for a relaxing day out, the Europa-Park amusement park, about an hour's drive away, is one of the best amusement parks in France, ideal for families!
Take the opportunity to visit Colmar, a 20-minute drive away. The jewel of the Grand Est region, Colmar is a city of innumerable charms set in the heart of Alsace's vineyards. It is home to a remarkable medieval and Renaissance heritage, and authenticity reigns in every corner of the cobbled streets of this incomparably charming town. Tempted? Discover our article What to do and see in Colmar in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips.
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