Visit Breisach am Rhein, a German town across the river from Neuf-Brisach

A Video Overview of Vieux-Brisach

My thoughts on Breisach, in a nutshell

What to Do and See in Breisach am Rhein? My Top 7 Must-Sees

1. Stroll between the Upper Town and the Lower Town

Largely destroyed during World War II, the historic center of Breisach has been beautifully rebuilt and is now divided into two very distinct areas.

• The Upper Town (Oberstadt): Perched on a rocky outcrop, this is a historic residential neighborhood. I enjoyed strolling through it: it’s green, peaceful, and informational signs let you learn more about Breisach’s history. Be sure to stop and admire the Radbrunnen Tower, which regularly hosts art exhibitions, as well as the city’s stunning open-air theater, which puts on performances during the warmer months.

• The Lower Town (Unterstadt): This is the bustling heart of Breisach. Further down, the atmosphere changes, with shopping streets, restaurants, andinviting café and ice creamparlor terraces .

2. Marvel at the treasures of Saint-Étienne Cathedral

It stands majestically atop the Upper Town and serves as a landmark for the entire region: Saint-Étienne Cathedral (St. Stephansmünster ) is the historic heart of Breisach. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it harmoniously blends Romanesque and Gothic styles.

As you walk through the doors, you’ll be able to admire a huge, monumental mural depicting the Last Judgment, painted by Martin Schongauer (the famous artist born in Colmar and who died right here in Vieux-Brisach; his *Virgin with the Rosebush* can also be admired in the Dominican Church in Colmar). Unfortunately, it has been severely damaged by successive layers of paint that have covered it, but it remains a beautiful sight to behold.

My favorite feature inside the cathedral is the choir screen, carved entirely from stone: a true work of rock lace, whose precision and intricate details are simply impressive. Since photos aren’t allowed inside, I can’t show it to you—but that way, it’ll be a surprise 😉

3. Enjoy the view from the Franciscan monastery’s garden

Still in the upper part of the Upper Town, on Kapuzinergasse, be sure to step inside the lovely garden of the Franciscan monastery. Well-maintained and full of flowers, this little haven of peace offers a beautiful view of the surrounding Kaiserstuhl vineyards and, in the distance, the bluish hills of the Black Forest. It’s the perfect spot to take a break, snap some photos, and relax.

4. Climb to the top of Eckartsberg

From the large market square (Marktplatz), right in the center of the Lower Town, a small, easily accessible path leads you up the nearbyEckartsberg hill. Even though a heavy downpour cut my walk short, I was charmed by the place: the summit, crowned by an obelisk, is entirely surrounded by rows of vineyards. From up there, the panoramic view of the cathedral, the city, and the Rhine below is truly superb.

5. Treat yourself to an XXL cake break at Café Ihringer

It’s the must-visit culinary stop on any trip to Vieux-Brisach! Café Ihringer, ideally located on the market square, is a great spot that had been highly recommended to me. Very popular with both locals and visitors, the café is huge (you’ll easily find a seat) and has a lovely terrace. The highlight? Its massive display case showcasing a wide variety of enormous traditional German cakes. It’s hard to choose, the slices are generous, and I absolutely loved it!

6. Take it easy on a relaxing cruise down the Rhine

To see the city from a completely different perspective, treat yourself to a 2-hour guided boat tour on the Rhine. While the scenery isn’t spectacular or breathtaking, the experience is relaxing.

It’s nice to settle in on the upper deck, sip an Apfel-Schorle (the local sparkling apple juice), and let yourself drift along with the current. Depending on river traffic, the boat passes through a large lock, which is always very impressive to watch. Note that you can enjoy a drink, grab a bite to eat, or even book a dinner cruise.

7. Step inside a historic cellar

Breisach am Rhein is a major wine-producing center in the Baden region: you can take advantage of your visit to tour a winery. The two best-known wineries are:

• Geldermann Winery: Located right at the foot of Cathedral Hill, this winery specializes in sparkling wines and offers tours and tastings in French by reservation.
• The Badischer Winzerkeller: This is one of the largest and most influential winegrowers’ associations in Europe. They offer a fun experience: a tour of their massive cellars aboard a small tourist train, followed by a visit to their museum and a wine tasting. Please note: Translation into languages other than German is supposed to be provided via instant translation earbuds, but it appears that this system isn’t working properly.

The Perfect Combination: A Tour of Neuf-Brisach on the French Side

How about a day trip across the border between France and Germany? It’s totally doable: visiting Breisach am Rhein and Neuf-Brisach in a single day is a breeze! The two towns are only 6 kilometers apart, a distance you can cover by bike, bus, or car.

Architecturally speaking, the contrast is well worth seeing: in just a few pedal strokes, you go from the steep, medieval silhouette of Breisach to the flat, geometric perfection of Neuf-Brisach, the famous star-shaped citadel built by Vauban and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perfect for a wonderful day of sightseeing!

Practical Information: How to Get to Breisach am Rhein?

Bicycle access

Breisach am Rhein is directly connected to Neuf-Brisach by a dedicated bike path that’s separate from the main road. It’s only 6 kilometers (allow about 20 to 25 minutes of leisurely cycling). It’s undoubtedly the most enjoyable way to explore both towns!

Public transport access

It’s also very easy to get to Breisach am Rhein from Alsace by public transportation. A direct cross-border bus line (the Fluo 26) connects the Colmar train station to the Breisach train station (Bahnhof) in just 45 minutes. This bus also stops in Neuf-Brisach, which is perfect for combining visits to both places.

Access by car

Breisach am Rhein is located in Germany, just across the border from Alsace:

• From Colmar: 24 km (about 35 minutes).
• From Mulhouse: 54 km (about 45 minutes).
• From Strasbourg: 96 km (about 1 hour and 15 minutes).

Parking in Breisach is fairly easy:

• For a quick stop: In the heart of downtown, most parking spaces are free but have time limits (often a maximum of 2 hours, as at the Kupfertorstraße parking lot). Don’t forget to place your blue parking disc behind the windshield!
• For a full day (no time limit): If you want to take your time climbing the cathedral or taking the cruise, head to the large free parking lots located a few minutes’ walk from the city center, such as the Heinrich-Ulmann-Platz parking lot, the Rheinuferstraße parking lot (on the waterfront), or the Einfahrt Süd parking lot.