Obernai is a small town located on the Alsace Wine Route, between Colmar and Strasbourg, which I strongly advise you to visit. Obernai is one of the must-see stops when visiting Alsace, and for good reason: Obernai is a lively and charming city with many assets! It is one of my favorite places in Alsace and I never tire of going for a walk in its pretty flowered streets and on its ramparts, or even of walking in its surroundings. So, I’ll take you to visit Obernai?
How long does it take to visit Obernai?
I advise you to spend a few hours to half a day minimum to visit Obernai, but do not hesitate to spend more time to discover the surroundings, to walk in the vineyards, to visit a winegrower,…
What to do, see and visit in Obernai in Alsace?
Stroll in the city center of Obernai
My first advice for visiting Obernai, and probably the most important: stroll through the streets of the city center! The historical center is not very big, you won’t get lost and you will admire all the wonders the city has to offer. There are beautiful medieval half-timbered houses, superb Renaissance buildings, very pretty courtyards a little set back… Raise your head and open your eyes!
Among the that you will inevitably see along the way, there is the very beautiful Place du Marché (main square of Obernai) where you can admire both the The city’s belfry (Kappellturm, unique in Alsace), the Sainte-Odile Fountain (Obernai is indeed her birthplace), the Halle aux Blés and the Hôtel de Ville.
Going up the rue Chanoine Gyss from the Place du Marché in the direction of the Eglise Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, you will be able to observe the famous Puit à Six Seaux of Obernai, which dates from the 16th century and is classified as a Historic Monument.
You can’t miss the church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, a monumental church in the center of Obernai. It is one of the largest Catholic churches in Alsace!
Stroll on the ramparts of Obernai
Obernai is fortunate to still have a part of its ramparts. It is pleasant to walk around the city walls, which is a nice place for a short walk (about 30 minutes) and allows you to admire beautiful buildings and have a different view of Obernai.
Admire the view from Mount National
Here is a place not to be missed in Obernai: the top of the Mont National, on the heights of the city, where the National Memorial of Obernai is located. It is a monument erected in memory of the Alsatian soldiers incorporated by force in the German army during the Second World War. In addition to being a place full of history, it offers a superb panoramic view of Obernai.
You can extend the walk by going to the wine path of Schenkenberg, a small pleasant walk in the vineyards of about 1h30.
Family trip to Hell Municipal Park
This is interesting for families: Obernai has a 4 hectare municipal park with a playground right next to the city center. Ideal for children! As a bonus, you will be able to observe a very beautiful giant sequoia.
Lounging at Yonaguni Spa
Obernai is fortunate to have an award-winning spa: the Yonaguni Spa at the Hôtel du Parc. A truly beautiful place to spend a fabulous day relaxing!
Visit of the Christmas Market in Obernai
As early as November, the city starts to prepare the Christmas festivities, with its market, its illuminations and decorations, concerts, exhibitions, stories. Don’t miss the Christmas market in Obernai, one of the must-see events in Alsace at Christmas. It’s one of my favorites, so if you’re in Alsace at the right time, don’t hesitate to make a little detour.
Ideas for visits around Obernai
Visit the Mont Sainte-Odile
The visit of the Mont Sainte-Odile is a must for anyone who comes to visit Alsace! From Obernai, you are only 15 minutes by car from the sanctuary: it would be a shame not to combine these two visits.
Hiking around the Mont Sainte-Odile
The forest around the Mont Sainte-Odile is beautiful and is one of the most popular places for walks in Alsace: why not do the same? You can go for short walks or longer ones according to your wishes. Here is an idea for a hike: the North Pagan Wall hike.
Walk in the Leonardsau Park
The Domaine de la Léonardsau is a little jewel that is not well known, even though it is located only 4 km from Obernai. It is a superb park of 9 hectares belonging to the city of Obernai and is a real haven of peace. A must see, really!
Visit a winery
Obernai is ideally located on the Alsace Wine Route: you will be spoilt for choice on the winegrowers to visit and to taste! Here is the list of my favorite winemakers in Alsace (but of course, I don’t know them all!).
Visit the Maison de la Choucroute
Obernai is located right next to the part of Alsace where sauerkraut is produced, in Krautergersheim and Meistratzheim. Some sauerkraut factories can only be visited during guided tours that take place a few times a year, but the Maison de la Choucroute of the Choucrouterie Le Pic is open all year round and allows you to learn a lot!
Bike ride around Obernai
Don’t hesitate to go for a bike ride on the Route des Vins, it’s just beautiful! The tourist office offers electrically assisted bicycles for rent, it can be practical 🙂
In the beautiful streets of Obernai
Admire the works of the Spindler marquetry
The famous Spindler art marquetry is located in Boersch, just outside Obernai. The workshop is not open to the public, but you can discover the works of marquetry in the gallery open to the public.
My good addresses in Obernai
Where to sleep in Obernai?
Here you will find my selection of hotels in Obernai.
I can also recommend the very nice guest house La Villa du Coteau.
Where to eat in Obernai? Restaurants
- For traditional Alsatian cuisine: Le Freiberg or the Stub of the Hôtel du Parc
- For a creative cuisine: L’Osmose
- For simple but good food (and vegetarian options!): La Soupe à Mémé
- For a gluten-free lunch or snack (but also delicious for those who eat gluten): L’Eden
Other good addresses in Obernai
- To buy an excellent kouglof and eat a good artisanal ice cream: Pâtisserie Schaeffer
- To buy chocolate: Jacques Bockel chocolate factory, an Alsatian chocolate maker
- To buy bredele: Alsatian Biscuit House
- For a cool decorating store: From one room to another
- To buy beautiful teddy bears (but also decorative objects): Patio
Brief history of the city of Obernai
Obernai is the birthplace of Saint-Odile (patron saint of Alsace) in the 7th century. Mentioned for the first time in the texts in 778, the domain depends then on two abbeys and already includes a vineyard. The 11th century would have seen the construction of a castle in the city, while the 12th century is its first period of prosperity, with the construction of many buildings whose traces still mark the landscape of the city.
In the 14th century, it became an imperial city and was directly dependent on the emperor. In the 17th century, the Thirty Years’ War destroyed the city, and it became a French royal city, losing its relative political autonomy. Then comes a new period of prosperity, before its annexation by Germany in 1871, at the same time as the rest of Alsace, then its reintegration to France in 1919. Its history is revealed by visiting it, since it has preserved many medieval and renaissance houses in its historic center surrounded by ramparts.
I liked
- Strolling through the city, admiring the half-timbered houses and strolling through the stores
- Admire the view from Mount National
- City well placed to visit Alsace
I liked less
- Nothing!
Practical information
Guided tours
You will find here the program of the guided tours organized by the Tourist Office of Obernai.
Access
By car
Obernai is located in:
- 35 km from Strasbourg (about 35 minutes)
- 48 km from Colmar (about 40 minutes)
- 89 km from Mulhouse (about 1 hour)
You will find several parking lots. The parking lot of the Remparts and the Altau, located outside the old city walls, are free. It takes only 5 minutes to walk to the center.
By public transport
You can check on Fluo how to get to Obernai by public transport.
Well done1 We did not know much about Obernai, so your narrative tightly fastened to glorious pictures gave us a very good idea. It was complete enough that we are putting Obernai in our travel plans. We knew of Strasbourg, but Obernai seems equally as glamoros, historical, and charming. Our only decision is which city should be our base camp! Thank you, Laurene for a beautiful presentation.
The Fowlers
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
USA
You’re very welcome, hope you’ll enjoy Obernai and Alsace in general 🙂