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.
Summary
- My Thoughts on the Huningue Treasure Hunt
- Video overview
- The starting point: the Three Countries Footbridge in Huningue
- How does the Christmas treasure hunt in Alsace work?
- Discover Huningue
- Liloucieux Tea Room: A Gourmet Destination
- Key Takeaways on the Huningue Treasure Hunt
- FAQ: The Christmas Treasure Hunt in Huningue
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Location: Huningue, on the banks of the Rhine, at the France-Germany-Switzerland border.
- ⏳ Recommended duration: Between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- 👨👩👧👦 Audience: Families with children, curious couples.
- 💰 Cost: € (€2 per game booklet).
My Thoughts on the Huningue Treasure Hunt
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: the Three Countries Footbridge in Huningue
There’s a lively atmosphere on the Three Countries Footbridge: people are walking and biking by, their arms laden with grocery bags, and illuminated barges glide past, their lights reflecting off the buildings. It’s in this lively Saturday-night atmosphere that we kick off the Huningue Christmas scavenger 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.
💡 Local tip: Come a little before sunset to spot the first clues in broad daylight. The nighttime atmosphere on the footbridge is magical, but some details of the scenery are easier to find before the sun goes down.
How does the Christmas treasure hunt in Alsace work?
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.
- Follow the course, which consists of about ten steps, by answering the questions in order.
- We keep our eyes peeled for clues, often found in hidden details and elements of the setting
- 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
This treasure hunt takes us first to the Three Countries Footbridge, that metal ribbon suspended over the Rhine, which has become one of Huningue’s landmarks. Illuminated at night, it offers a view of the Rhine and the three countries surrounding it—a magical vantage point where you literally feel like you’re in 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!
You can’t talk about Huningue without mentioning the Parc des Eaux Vives, a place unlike any other in France where whitewater sports (kayaking, rafting, and hydrospeed) take center stage right in the heart of the city. Here, you can experience the Rhine in a more athletic and surprising way, shaped by rapids and currents. Even in winter, the place exudes a special energy that is, once again , linked to the water.
Also on the blog
Liloucieux Tea Room: A Gourmet Destination
The treasure hunt ends on a high note at the perfect spot to keep the magic going: the Liloucieux tea room. Cozy, welcoming, and full of delicious treats, it’s the ideal place to enjoy some quality time together after the adventure.
Liloucieux is all about indulgence: homemade pastries (cookies, brownies, pies, cupcakes…), comforting drinks, as well as savory options, bowls, bagels, and gourmet brunch dishes. The atmosphere is cozy, soothing, and especially welcoming for families.
This is also the official finish line for the game: here, you get your participation validated (with a small stamp), receive your little prize (if you found the word)… and enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
The perfect way to wrap up this tour of Huningue on a high note! By blending contemporary heritage, an urban vibe, and culinary delights, the Huningue treasure hunt offers a truly unique experience along the Rhine. With its puzzles, discoveries, and cozy final stop, the tour appeals to families as well as curious visitors looking for a Christmas experience off the beaten path.
Key Takeaways on the Huningue Treasure Hunt
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, 2026, to January 6, 2027 (If you already have the booklet, you can play whenever you want, but to pick up the booklet and/or your reward, be sure to check the hours of the Liloucieux Tea Room)
Rates and tickets
Game booklet: €2
Available for purchase at the Tourist Office, at participating stores (such as the Liloucieux Tea Room, pictured here), and at numerous retail locations throughout 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.
FAQ: The Christmas Treasure Hunt in Huningue
How much does the Christmas scavenger hunt in Huningue cost?
The game booklet costs €2 and is valid for the entire Christmas season in all participating cities in Alsace.
Where can I pick up the game booklet in Huningue?
The booklet is available for purchase atthe Tourist Office, at the Liloucieux tea room (the trail’s endpoint), and at numerous retail locations throughout Alsace.
How long does the Huningue treasure hunt last?
Allow between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the ten stops on the tour, taking your time to stroll around.
Are treasure hunts suitable for young children?
Yes, the game is designed to be enjoyed by the whole family: the older kids naturally help the younger ones solve the puzzles along the way.
Are there any other Christmas scavenger hunts in Alsace?
Yes, there are about 60 tours available throughout Alsace during the Christmas season. The complete map is available at noel.alsace.
This article was written as part of a paid collaboration with Alsace Destination Tourisme. I I have retained complete editorial independence. This article contains affiliate links.