Christmas treasure hunts in Alsace – I tested it in Huningue
Every year at Christmas time, treasure hunts transform Alsace's towns and villages into mini adventure playgrounds. It's a fun and original way to discover Alsace. This year, we tested the concept in Huningue, in a refreshingly contemporary setting on the banks of the Rhine.
My summary
I liked
- An original way to discover the city
- The fun booklet that really appealed to children
- A small reward much appreciated by treasure hunters
- The originality of the place
- The welcome and pastries in the tearoom
I liked less
- Illuminations not yet lit up
Video overview
The starting point of the adventure
The Passerelle des Trois Pays is a lively place, with people on foot and on bicycles, their arms full of shopping bags, and illuminated barges glinting off the buildings. It’s in this lively Saturday evening atmosphere that we kick off the Huningue Christmas Treasure Hunt.
After collecting our booklets from the starting point, we hurry off to begin the treasure hunt, as it’s already getting dark. Follow us to discover this refreshingly original way of experiencing Christmas in Alsace… and simply unexpected.
The principle: one booklet, ten riddles, one adventure
So what exactly is this treasure hunt? The principle is simple, accessible and designed for the whole family: you buy a game booklet (per family) for €2, valid for the whole Christmas season and in all participating towns, then set off on your own adventure.
- You follow the ten-step route, answering the questions in the right order.
- Keep your eyes peeled for clues, often in hidden details and décor elements.
- Recompose the treasure word from answers gleaned in the field
And last but not least (and this is the most important part!) you can collect your reward at the end of the tour from the tourist office or one of the partner shops!
There’s no need to run or aim for a time: just enjoy, stroll and observe. The map of all treasure hunts in Alsace is available online.
Discover Huningue
The treasure hunt begins at the Passerelle des Trois Pays, a ribbon of metal suspended over the Rhine that has become one of Huningue’s symbols. Illuminated at night, it offers a view of the Rhine and the three countries that surround it, a magical vantage point from which you can literally feel at the heart of Europe.
Crossing a border over water on foot is a mini adventure for the whole family.
The rest of the tour takes us to the elegant Place Abatucci. The Christmas market is setting up, but as we’re a little early in the season, the lights aren’t all on yet. We’ll have to come back!
Huningue can’t be mentioned without mentioning the Parc des Eaux Vives, a unique space in France where whitewater sports (kayaking, rafting or hydrospeed) can be enjoyed right in the middle of town. Here, you can discover the Rhine in a surprisingly sporty form, sculpted into rapids and movements. Even in winter, the area exudes a special water-related energy .
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After the effort, the comfort
The treasure hunt ends on a high note in the perfect place to prolong the magic: the Liloucieux tea room. Cosy, warm and gourmet, it’s the ideal spot to share a convivial moment after the adventure.
Liloucieux is all about sweetness: homemade pastries (cookies, brownies, tarts, cupcakes…), comforting drinks, but also savory options, bowls, bagels or gourmet brunches. The atmosphere is soft, soothing and particularly family-friendly.
It’s also the official end point of the game: here you can validate your participation (with a small stamp), receive your small reward (if you’ve found the word)… and enjoy a well-deserved moment of comfort.
The perfect combo to round off a fun-filled discovery of Huningue ! Combining contemporary heritage, urban ambience and gourmet delights, the Huningue Treasure Hunt offers a truly different experience on the banks of the Rhine. With its mix of riddles, discoveries and a cosy final stop, the walk will appeal to families and the curious alike looking for a Christmas experience off the beaten track.
In brief
These treasure hunts are a great way to discover Alsace’s towns and villages in a different way… a fun activity that can easily be combined with a visit to a Christmas market, a shopping spree (as we did here, walking across the footbridge to the Rhein Center in Weil-am-Rhein), a meal in a restaurant or simply a nice family stroll. An original concept that adds a touch of fun to your family outings over Christmas!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening days and times
From November 25, 2025 to January 4, 2026 (If you already have the booklet, you can play whenever you want, but to pick up the booklet and/or your reward, remember to check the Liloucieux Tea Room opening hours).
Rates and tickets
Game booklet: €2
On sale at the Tourist Office, in partner shops (such as the Liloucieux tea room here) and in many other outlets in Alsace.
Access by car
The address of the tea room (where the treasure hunt starts) is: 9 Allée des Marronniers, 68330 Huningue. You have to count:
- 35km from Mulhouse (about 35 minutes)
- 60 km from Colmar (about 1 hour)
- 140 km from Strasbourg (approx. 1h45)
Public transport access
Saint Louis SNCF train station
Bus line 1 Stop Huningue – Alsace More information
Hungry?
Liloucieux offers homemade pastries, hot drinks and small savoury dishes, including bowls, bagels and brunches, in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
This article was written as part of a paid collaboration with Alsace Destination Tourisme . my writing freedom. This article contains affiliate links.