There’s no more magical of a place than the Old Town of Colmar. Take a stroll to admire the half-timbered houses and marvel at the Germanic architecture. Self-guided walking routes are a great way to visit all the medieval buildings and museums in the center. Follow the golden triangles on the sidewalks, embossed with Lady Liberty, guiding you to the most important sites and monuments. While taking a wander, stop by a local gourmet shop for a traditional bretzel, cheese, or a glass of white wine. When you stroll the Old Town, you’ll quickly see there are an array of places to visit in Colmar.
Of all the places to visit in Colmar, the most appealing to your taste buds is a trip to a traditional winery. The famous Alsace wine route draws tourists from across the world, and for a good reason. There are many wineries you can visit right in the town but, if you’re looking to venture further out, taking a wine tour to villages such as Eguisheim is a must! Experience the vineyards, enjoy a guided visit through the wine cellars, and top it off with a wine tasting. If you have the chance, try the Cremant K Brut sparkling wine, aged up to 24 months, and made using the Champagne method.
Little Venice is by far the most charming and picturesque part of the Old Town. As you walk down the cobblestone streets lining the canals, you immediately feel as if you’re in a fairytale. The best way to enjoy little Venice is on a canal tour; this activity should be at the top of your list of what to do in Colmar! As you float peacefully along the Launch River, you have a prime view of the beautifully decorated homes and arched bridges. If you are traveling alone or with a loved one, taking a canal tour through little Venice is a great activity to enjoy in either circumstance. Just sit back and enjoy the views!
There’s no need for a history lesson here. If you want to get a real sense of Colmar in the Middle Ages, just observe what’s around you. Subtle clues to its past are found down every path. Take a look at the street names for example, and you’ll see where exactly the fishmonger once resided or the butcher and the tanner. Throughout Colmar’s history, the town has changed hands many times, however, through it all, has managed to stand strong. Explore Colmar by foot or bike to see signs of its roots and history around every corner.
For anyone looking to explore the Alsace wine route, Colmar is one of the main starting points. Famous for their fine white wines, the entire area is surrounded by incredible wineries. Visit the vineyards, tour the cellars, and sample a flight of wines with some culinary delicacies. A trip to the village of Eguisheim is the ideal way to spend an afternoon or evening. Located roughly 7km from Colmar, an excursion to this wine village is a must!
When it comes to food, prepare your palate for a mix of German comfort treats and classy French flavors. Food like rösti (baked cheese & potato dish), spätzle (a type of homemade pasta), pretzels, and saurkraut; foie gras and tarte flambée are some of the typical foods you can find in the area.
You don’t have to be an art lover to appreciate the magnificent works found inside many of Colmar’s monumental buildings and museums. Step into the past by exploring the history, culture, and way of life in the Colmar old town. There is no shortage of things to do in Colmar when it comes to enjoying the city’s artistic side.