Kaysersberg

Visit Kaysersberg, Alsace

Kaysersberg is a small town between Riquewihr and Colmar in the Haut-Rhin department of the Alsace region. It is generally considered to be one of the finest of the Alsace towns, particularly in the impressive medieval centre.

Exploring Kaysersberg

As you enter the town it has a nice main square surrounded by lots of painted half-timber buildings, and a very pleasant main street. As you walk down the main street and get to the river this is where the town becomes really lovely. Along the edges of the river there are numerous brightly painted half-timber houses, while the Weiss river is crossed by a lovely 16th century fortified stone bridge further adding to the charming picture - delightful!

Another notable landmark within the town is the 13th-15th century Church Sainte-Croix. The front facade is among the oldest parts of the church, and in roman style - enter the church through the ornately carved doorway to see the impressive 16th century altarpiece by Jean Bongart.

You will see various other historical monuments as you explore, many dating from the 15th century such as the towers, bridge and ramparts, and the 16th century town hall, each adding to the charm of the town.

From many parts of the town you can see the ruins of the Chateau de Kaysersberg poised on the hill above the town. An important route passes through the valley here (the Col du Bonhomme) that has been defended since roman times, with the castle being built in the 13th century. In the following centuries this was a prosperous town, apart from the years around the time of the Thirty Years War (and more recently during the Second World War).

When you have finished exploring the historical centre of Kaysersberg be sure to stop in a cafe, perhaps to sample the local wine, called Tokay.

Kaysersberg was also the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, a winner of the Nobel Peace prize, whose life - and in particular his work establishing a hospital and leper colony for the poor in Africa - is commemorated in a museum.

If you are visiting Alsace just before Christmas try and visit one of the christmas markets held in Kaysersberg, which are among the most popular in the region.

The area around Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg is a town on the Alsace Wine Route, which is a popular way to explore the region that passes through many picturesque villages and many vineyard covered hills.

Of particular note close to Kaysersberg, the villages of Riquewihr and Hunawihr to the north-east of the town, and Eguisheim to the south-east are all classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

See Alsace and Haut-Rhin (the region and department for Kaysersberg) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Kaysersberg: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Photos of Kaysersberg

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Suggested places to visit near Kaysersberg, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Colmar 10km; Bergheim 11km; Eguisheim 11km; Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg 14km; Munster 14km; Kintzheim 16km; Selestat 20km; Rouffach 20km; Neuf-Brisach 24km; Murbach 25km; Guebwiller 26km;

Kaysersberg tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Parc du domaine de Schoppenwihr - remarkable garden (5km) : Parc du château de Kintzheim - remarkable garden (16km) : Soultzmatt - ville fleurie 4* (20km) : Jardin d'altitude du Haut-Chitelet - remarkable garden (21km) : Hohneck - site of natural beauty (21km) : Marckolsheim - ville fleurie 4* (21km) : Parc de la Marseillaise - remarkable garden (26km) : Itterswiller - ville fleurie 4* (28km) :

See more places and a map at places near Kaysersberg