Visiting Kaysersberg is a must during a stay in Alsace. It is one of my favorite villages, and I am not the only one since it was elected Favorite Village of the French in 2017!
Kaysersberg, which means “Emperor’s mountain”, is located on the Alsace Wine Route, not far from Colmar and has a great charm, both during the Christmas market and the rest of the year.
I think my favorite time of year is spring or summer, when everything is in bloom. Or in autumn, when the vineyards surrounding Kaysersberg take on a golden hue… It’s really beautiful!
How to visit Kaysersberg in Alsace?
Kaysersberg is best visited by strolling! It is a small village on the Alsace Wine Route, you can easily just wander around its streets without having your nose on a map. Just enjoy the beautiful cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and the castle of Kaysersberg!
How long does it take to visit Kaysersberg?
Kaysersberg is a small village. Allow a few hours to half a day to visit Kaysersberg, taking your time. If you want to walk or bike in the surroundings, don’t hesitate to spend more time there: vineyards and mountains, the surroundings of Kaysersberg are beautiful, I advise you to discover them!
What to do and visit in Kaysersberg Vignoble?
Stroll in the city center of Kaysersberg
I warmly recommend you togo to Kaysersberg during your stay or weekend in Alsace. You will find a lovely flowery village in the middle of the vineyard, beautiful colorful half-timbered houses, a nice little river (the Weiss) and the ruins of a castle. The center being pedestrian, one walks there with pleasure. Kaysersberg is not very big but taking the time to stroll around is very pleasant!
When you visit Kaysersberg, I invite you to go and see the church of the Invention of the Holy Cross of Kaysersberg, completed in the 15th century, the numerous chapels, the former convent of the Franciscans, the Cemetery Cross of Kaysersberg or the Priory of Aslpach. The Town Hall, the fortified bridge, the Tower of the High Gate and the Capuchin Clos are also remarkable places.
During your walk, admire the beautiful traditional Alsatian houses, such as the old public butcher’s shop, the old baths or the Herzer House, all dating from the 13th to the 18th century.
Go up to the castle of Kaysersberg
Not to be missed: the climb to the castle of Kaysersberg. From the center of the village, it is easy to climb to the top of Kaysersberg Castle, or Schlossberg, the imperial castle built between the 13th and 15th centuries and located on the heights of the town.
The ascent takes about 10 minutes and gives access to a sumptuous view on the village, the valley of Kaysersberg and the vineyards. This is one of my favorite viewpoints in Alsace, it is magnificent!
Have a snack at the Enfariné
I advise you to take the time to stop for a gourmet break in Kaysersberg, because it is here that you will find one of my favorite bakeries in Alsace: l’Enfariné. L’Enfariné is a bakery and pastry shop that also has a tea room. You can taste absolutely everything there, everything is delicious and I never fail to stop there when I pass through Kaysersberg! This can also be a good option for breakfast, by the way.
Walking in the vineyards of the Kaysersberg Valley
It is very pleasant to take advantage of the visit of Kaysersberg to go for a walk in the vineyard. For example, you can go on the Schlossberg wine trail or take the beautiful hike to Saint-Alexis.
Cycling around Kaysersberg
Want to go for a bike ride? You can rent a bike or an electric bike from Alsa Cyclo Tours, which has a store in the center, and go explore the surroundings. Here is an idea for a magnificent 20km walk on the Alsace Wine Route. I really recommend it, the surroundings of Kaysersberg are beautiful!
Visit a wine cellar
Kaysersberg being located on the Alsace Wine Route, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it to visit a winemaker and taste some Alsace wine! Here is a list of my good addresses of Alsatian wine growers (but of course I don’t know them all!).
Tasting craft beers
If you are a beer lover, I recommend you to stop at the Brasserie Bisaigue in Kaysersberg, a micro brewery created by a passionate person! You will be able to buy beer there but also to taste it on the spot in a very sympathetic framework in full center of the village.
Visit the Christmas market of Kaysersberg
With its superb illuminations and decorations, Kaysersberg has a magical atmosphere at Christmas time. The village is also full of charm at this time of year, so be sure to visit the Kaysersberg Christmas Market while in Alsace in December.
Ideas for activities around Kaysersberg
There is no shortage of choice, as Kaysersberg is truly situated between vineyards and mountains. So you can do a lot of different activities!
On the Wine Route, you can easily visit Colmar, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim.
On the mountain side, the Lac Blanc resort is very close and you can go skiing or snowshoeing in winter, but also do the famous 3 Lakes hike or visit the Water of Life Museum.
My good addresses in Kaysersberg
Where to sleep in Kaysersberg?
If you are looking for accommodation in Kaysersberg, I invite you to read this article with my selection of hotels in Kaysersberg.
For a nice bed and breakfast, don’t hesitate to go to the Ecrins in Orbey and for a gîte at the Gîte des Histoires in Kientzheim.
Where to eat in Kaysersberg? Restaurants
There are many options, but here are three good addresses:
- To taste the excellent traditional Alsatian cuisine: Wistub du Chambard
- For a lunch on the terrace by the water: the Kaysersberg
- To eat original (but also classic!) tarts flambées: Flamme and Co
Other good addresses in Kaysersberg
Here are a few addresses of stores I like:
- To buy pottery made in Kaysersberg: Poterie de Kaysersberg
- For nice decoration stores: Aux bonheurs de Cécile, le Grenier Enchanté or Atelier Arts et design (the store of Jeannala and Seppala, two adorable little Alsatian characters)
Brief history of Kaysersberg
According to tradition, the Romans established a military camp there. However, Kaysersberg, then uninhabited, is mentioned for the first time in 1227. The Holy Roman Emperor decided to build an imposing fortress here, leading to a great period of prosperity for the village.
The Thirty Years’ War ruined the town, which then managed to rebuild and repopulate little by little until the French Revolution, during which time the town was called Mont-Libre.
Liberated in 1944, the city was damaged during the Second World War. Kaysersberg is the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1952. His house has now been transformed into a museum.
I liked
- Walk around the village and admire the half-timbered houses
- Climb to the castle and enjoy the view
- Many beautiful and good addresses
- Walk in the vineyards around
I liked less
- Many tourists in high season
Practical information
Guided tours
You will find here the program of the guided tours organized by the Tourist Office of the Valley of Kaysersberg.
Access
By car
Kaysersberg is located in:
- 13 km from Colmar (about 23 minutes)
- 58 km from Mulhouse (about 50 minutes)
- 81 km from Strasbourg (about 1h05)
You will find a parking lot at the entrance of the city. It costs 2€ for the day.
By public transport
You can see on Fluo how to get to Kaysersberg by public transport. You can also use the Kutzig bus, very practical to visit some villages of the Alsace Wine Route.
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