Would you like to leave Strasbourg for a few days to recharge your batteries but don’t want to travel too far? If so, this article is for you. We have collected 25 nice destinations that are less than two hours from Strasbourg and will satisfy your urge to get away from the big city.
Cities
Mulhouse (1 hour from Strasbourg via train)
Mulhouse, an industrial town in Haut-Rhin, is much more interesting than it appears at first glance.
If you are a fan of collectible cars, you will be impressed by the Automobile Museum that houses a surprising number of automobiles, from old classics to more recent models.
If you’re more interested in trains, you’ll also find the Cité du Train in Mulhouse. This large museum traces the history of trains from the oldest engines to the current TGVs.
While you’re in Mulhouse, be sure to come to the Open Air Museum of Alsace on the outskirts of the town. Here, traditional houses and activities preserve the lifestyle of a typical Alsatian village. This place is a gold mine for those who want to know more about the region and its history.
Finally, Mulhouse has an amazing zoo and botanical garden that’ll make children and adults alike smile. With a wide variety of animals and plants, this place will allow you to spend a wonderful moment in nature and perhaps even reconnect with it.
Furthermore, you can find an observation platform near the zoo that offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Maison Hôtel Mulhouse Centre (around €89) with its amazingly decorated rooms.
- The most unique: Peonia at Home (around €120), ideal for a romantic weekend with your other half.
- The most comfortable: Hôtel Bristol (around €95) with its friendly ambiance.
Saverne (30 minutes from Strasbourg via train)
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Let’s now go to Bas-Rhin to discover the city of Saverne.
Saverne has been nicknamed the “Alsatian Versailles” (site in French) because it is home to one of the many castles built by the Rohan family. The castle now houses many of the city’s institutions, but its outdoor architecture alone is worth looking at.
While we’re on the topic of castles, the town is full of ruins of stately old homes that will delight fans of the Romantic Era. A walk through town will also allow you to observe many different varieties of roses in the city’s rose gardens.
If you are interested in science and mystery, come take the Cagliostro Tour (site in French) and discover the tower where the famous alchemist Joseph Basalmo conducted his experiments.
If you want to discover nature, take a walk on one of the many paths proposed by the city. You can also discover the cliff known as Rocher du Saut du Prince Charles (site in French) and the tale associated with it.
Finally, if you want to enjoy a different view of the city, you can rent a license-free boat and navigate the channel from Marne to Rhin.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most outstanding: Chez Jean (around €121), a hotel with a typical Alsatian atmosphere.
- The most comfortable: Hôtel Europe (around €111) with its spacious
- The most affordable: Saverne Camping (around €97), located in the wild.
Nancy (1 hour and 30 minutes from Strasbourg via train)
We now leave Haut and Bas-Rhin for the neighboring county of Lorraine.
To discover the city on a budget, we recommended that you purchase a Nancy City Pass. The pass gives you access to museums, public transportation, and other bonuses for a very low price.
A trip to Nancy would be incomplete without visiting the magnificent Place Stanislas and its gilded gates. Feel free to raise a glass in one of the many bars – it will make you appreciate the view even more!
Nancy is also known as the City of Modern Art. You can visit the Nancy School Museum (site in French) which will help you understand the challenges faced by this artistic movement. If you are more interested in urban art, you will love the variety of street art you will find while walking the streets of Nancy.
Finally, be sure to follow the course of the unique rally (site in French) to discover places that most tourists never go.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Maison d’hôte de Myon (around €152) with a perfect mix of modern and old-school styles.
- The most outstanding: Hôtel des Prélats (around €112) with its historical location and its canopy.
Belfort (1 hour and 40 minutes away from Strasbourg via car)
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Now let’s head to the territory of Belfort and its capital!
Belfort is best known for its lion statue (site in French) that was made by Bartholdi himself.
But this local emblem also guards the city’s citadel (site in French), designed by Vauban, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
If you want to visit the whole city without tiring your legs, hop on the small tourist train that will take you to the main touristic locations in the city.
We also recommend booking a guided tour of the inside of the NATO Fort built during the Cold War.
To end your stay, spend some time in nature at the Forges Pond, away from the city.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most outstanding: Grand Hôtel du Tonneau d’Or (around €109), located in a building with character.
- The most comfortable: Hôtel Restaurant Les Capucins (around €74) with its impressive beds.
- The most affordable: Kyriad Belfort Centre Gare (around €64), perfectly located.
Montbéliard (1 hour and 45 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
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Let’s now go to a different county: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, particularly the city of Montbéliard.
The Château des Ducs de Wurtemberg is, without a doubt, one of the city’s biggest attractions. It is home to a museum of natural history and a contemporary art department.
The Pavillon des Sciences (site in French) is a must-see for anyone interested in science. This museum also organizes numerous exhibitions throughout the year.
If you visit Montbéliard during the Christmas holidays, you will get to see the Christmas Lights (page in French), including light projections on the walls, a Christmas market, and visits from famous Christmas legends like Saint-Nicolas or Santa Claus.
Finally, a classic car ride in the Pays de Montbéliard is a great option if you are looking for a different approach to the region.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Ibis Styles Montbéliard (around €79) with brightly colored rooms that give us energy.
- The most outstanding: Hôtel de la Balance (around €78) with woodwork in the rooms.
Colmar (30 minutes from Strasbourg via train)
Let’s now travel south and visit Colmar, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Alsace.
Visitors interested in learning about Alsatian culture can visit the village of Hansi and its museum dedicated to the famous Colmar cartoonist Jean-Jacques Waltz.
Another former resident of Colmar also has his own museum: Auguste Bartholdi, who is famous for creating the Statue of Liberty. Learn about his life at the Bartholdi Museum (site in French).
While walking downtown, be sure to visit the Pfister house and its impressive painted facade. It is the oldest building in this town and has a lot of history for you to discover.
Finally, walk along the fish market wharf. Each of the houses that lines the wharf is more colorful than the last. If possible, we also recommend taking a boat trip on the Little Venice, the nickname given to the Lauch. You’ll get to see the city in a totally different way from the river!
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most outstanding: James Boutique Hôtel (around €192), located near downtown.
- The most comfortable: La Cour de Berthe Est (around €87) with its exposed beams.
Sélestat (20 minutes from Strasbourg via train)
Located on the same road as Colmar, the city of Sélestat has many surprises for you. To start with, its pretty stone water tower contrasts with those we usually see.
A ferry departing from the train station will take you to various landmarks like the , the Montagne des Singes, and the Volerie des Aigles.
The castles of Loire might come to mind first when you think of castles, but the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, built from pink sandstone from the Vosges, offers a completely different style for you to discover: the German style.
The Montagne des Singes and the Volerie des Aigles are both great places to visit with your family. The Montagne des Singes shelters over 200 Barbary apes and even allows you to approach and feed them.
The Volerie des Aigles is dedicated to birds of prey. It hosts raptor shows and allows you to discover animal life with a castle in the background.
Finally, if you plan on going downtown, consider visiting the Humanist Library, which houses various manuscripts dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most outstanding: Best Western Plus Hotel Les Humanistes (around €102) with its sublime pool.
- The most comfortable: Le Domaine des Remparts (around €67), located in an antique Alsatian house.
Haguenau (25 minutes from Strasbourg via train)
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Now let’s go back to the northern part of Alsace and enter Haguenau!
This city has many unusual places to discover, including an organ factory (site in French) and the Baggage Museum.
If there’s one place that you absolutely must go, it’s the Haguenau forest, which has earned the exceptional forest label. Several paths are available for you to take either on foot or on a bike.
The Gründel pond and the Hundshof wash house are also worth visiting if you want to reconnect with nature. Come spend some time in the ornithological observatory – there are many species of birds for you to discover here, from herons to moorhens.
Finally, if you are interested in pottery, you have come to the right place. Haguenau is well-known for its craftsmanship. If you want to try your own hand at pottery making, you should visit the .
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most comfortable: Hôtel Restaurant Notre-Dame (around €92), equipped with large, luminous rooms.
- The most surprising: Hôtel Champ Alsace (around €107) with atypical decorations in the rooms.
Switzerland
Basel (1 hour and 20 minutes away from Strasbourg via train)
Let’s now travel back toward the south and enter the city of Basel, located in Switzerland near the French border.
If it’s your first time in the city, consider booking an Old Town walking tour that will give you access to some of Basel’s most iconic spots.
For example, you can admire the metal structures of the Tinguely Fountain and take a photo of the town hall.
The kunstmuseum, home to numerous works of art, is also worth a visit. Be sure to take a look at the current exhibition – it may be an opportunity for you to contemplate works that you’ll only see once in your life.
This town also offers a more traditional means of transportation: you can hop on a small ferry that crosses the Rhine from one shore to the other.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Motel One Basel (around €142) with its original design.
- The most comfortable: Hôtel Rochat (around €159), located near downtown.
- The most affordable: Ibis Basel Bahnhof (around €109), five minutes away from the train station.
Alsatian Villages
Ribeauvillé (50 minutes from Strasbourg by car)
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A small village located on the wine route, Ribeauvillé deserves a stop.
Castle enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the many ruins in this area, especially those of the Saint-Ulrich castle.
If you’d rather learn about the Alsatian wine heritage, enter the Museum of Vine and Viticulture to learn more about this ancient craft.
Finally, you won’t want to miss the minstrels’ house and its magnificent Alsatian half-timbering.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel de la Tour (around €93) with rooms that will make you feel the Alsatian ambiance.
- The most comfortable: Hôtel Le Ménestrel (around €93) will make you feel like you’re at home.
Riquewihr (50 min from Strasbourg by car)
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Since Riquewihr is near Ribeauvillé, the two villages can be visited in one weekend.
Here, we recommend visiting the Dolder Belfry where you will learn about the history of Riquewihr and its evolution. You can also go to the Thieves’ Tower and Winemaker’s House to discover a nostalgic way of life.
To soak up the atmosphere of the village in an original way, consider visiting Riquewihr on a Segway.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel à l’Oriel (around €99) with its tastefully decorated rooms.
- The most affordable: Hôtel le Saint Nicolas (around €77), housed in a half-timbered building.
Bergheim (40 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
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Voted France’s favorite village in 2022, Bergheim is the featured destination of this article.
As you stroll through the streets of the village, take a detour through the famous ramparts, which are sure to charm you.
To learn about a darker side of the city’s history, you can visit The Witches’ House. It will help you better understand the witch trials that took place during the 16th and 17th centuries, including the stakes of the trials and their consequences.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most comfortable: Chez Norbert (around €78), surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- The most affordable: Gites and Campsites on Route des Vins (around €55), with very well-equipped accommodations.
Kaysersberg (1 hour from Strasbourg via car)
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Kaysersberg is also located on the Route des Vins, just half an hour from Colmar.
During the summer, you can ride the rail sleds, which are sure to put a smile on your children’s faces.
During the winter, the village’s Christmas entertainment rivals that of Strasbourg.
While walking downtown, you can’t miss the Faller Brief House thanks to its size and unique architecture.
If you are interested in wine, Kaysersberg offers many opportunities to discover the many wines of Alsace through unique experiences, including tastings.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most exceptional: ART Hotel (around €113) with its breathtaking view of the castle.
- The most comfortable: Hôtel Les Remparts (around €101) in a tranquil location.
Wissembourg (1 hour from Strasbourg via car)
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Let’s now go to Wissembourg, a small village in the far north of Bas-Rhin. You can discover much of this village by riding a small train.
This pretty town contains some gems: the ramparts, the Romanesque church of Saint-Ulrich, and the church of Saint-Pierre et Paul.
The house of salt is also a must-see. You can observe the strange overhangs on its roof that were once used to dry salt in the sun.
As you walk along Quai Anselmann, take some time to admire the various houses that line it.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most exceptional: Le Moulin de la Walk (around €114), located near the water with sublime scenery.
- The most comfortable: Hostellerie au Cygne (around €102), in the downtown area.
- The most affordable: Hôtel d’Alsace (around €74), with excellent breakfasts to help you start the day right.
Germany
Fribourg (1 hour and 15 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
Friborg is the closest city to the border between France and Germany. It is full of places to visit, such as the cathedral and the breathtaking architecture of the Historical Merchants’ Hall. It is quite different from what we are used to seeing in France!
We recommend visiting one of the city’s many gardens, especially the Japanese Garden.
Don’t forget to pass by Little Venice (klein Venedig), where you might catch a glimpse of its crocodile statue.
Finally, Friborg is one of the gateways to the Black Forest. You can board a railway that will take you to the top of the Schlossberg mountain spur.
An observation deck is available for anyone who wants to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: FourSide Hotel Freiburg (around €84) with its neat decorations.
- The coziest: Hôtel Gasthaus Schützen (around €63), located in a beautiful German building.
- The most comfortable: Super 8 Freiburg (around €68) with its modern design.
Karlsruhe (1 hour and 20 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
Karlsruhe is an important German city. It was even awarded the title of City of Media Arts by UNESCO.
Each year, it organizes a Light Festival that is a true marvel for your eyes. Several of the light animations are projected on the facade of the Karlsruhe Palace, which is also worth a visit.
If you also want to get an overview of Karlsruhe, we recommend taking a two-hour tour of the city via bus. You will get to see all of the city’s main monuments.
Karlsruhe is the perfect destination if you love museums. The city has many museums like The Municipal Gallery.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Kaiserhof (around €133) with its fine colors.
- The coziest: Hôtel Elite (around €79) with its very comfortable bedrooms.
- The most affordable: Hôtel Maurer (around €55) with its refined decorations.
Baden-Baden (50 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
Make the most of your weekend and set sail for the famous city of Baden-Baden. This place is perfect if you want to reconnect with nature.
You can take a carriage ride, or if you are more of a sporty person, hiking trails like the panorama trail are available. If you can reach the top of one of the trails, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of the city.
You might also pass by Battertfelsen Rock or the Pond Solmssen, which are perfect places to stop and enjoy a picnic.
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, we recommend riding to the top of the Merkur Mountain aboard Germany’s longest cable railroad.
Baden-Baden is not lacking in cultural activities either. The Frieder Burda Museum and the Fabergé Museum are our personal favorites, and we think you will appreciate them as well!
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most exceptional: Hôtel Schweizer Hof (around €145) with rooms that will make you feel like a person of great importance.
- The coziest: Holiday Inn Express (around €98) with its refined and modern decorations.
Sarrebruck (1 hour and 30 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
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Known as the capital of Sarre, Sarrebruck is worth a visit for many reasons.
Between the Basilica St. Johann, the castle and its walls, and the Old Bridge built by Charles Quint, you will find many places of interest in Saarbrücken.
For the most current information about the city, consider booking a tour guide. The guide will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.
The city also has a wonderful animal park.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel Madeleine Biohotel (around €87), whose walls are covered with wallpaper with original patterns.
- The coziest: Motel One Saarbrücken (around €104) with its warmly decorated lounge bar.
- The most affordable: Holiday Inn Express (around €85), located close to downtown.
Mountains
Thann (1 hour and 40 minutes from Strasbourg via train)
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Next stop: Thann, a small Alsatian town located near Mulhouse.
Hikers will be delighted with the wide variety of activities and opportunities for adventure. Even if you aren’t very athletic, there is a path overlooking the vineyards and the city that you can explore. The village is home to the steepest vineyard in Alsace (site in French) – truly something that is worth seeing.
Along with the many hiking trails, Thann is home to the ruins of Engelbourg Castle. The site later became known as l’Oeil de la Sorcière thanks to the shape of its ancient fallen tower.
While you explore the medieval castle, take a moment to look up and see the incredible roof of the Collégiale church, decorated with bright and shiny colors.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The coziest: Hôtel Restaurant Le Moschenross (around €73) and the delightful cuisine of its restaurant.
- The most affordable: Hôtel du Rangen (around €68) to appreciate the quality of an Alsatian welcome.
Munster (1 hour and 20 minutes from Strasbourg via train)
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Munster may be the name of a cheese, but it’s also the name of a village in the Vosges Mountains. Depending on the season, a ballet of storks might be there for you to see. This village happens to be a favorite vacation spot for birds, and you can find them everywhere, even on the roofs!
The Munster valley offers many bike paths are and hiking paths. During the summer, there is a shuttle called the Navette des Crêtes (site in French) that you can take to reach the many peaks of the Vosges Mountains (without any physical exertion!).
If you are looking to learn about the local heritage, we recommend visiting the Maison du Fromage (site in French). All of the secrets of making the famous cheese will be revealed to you.
Finally, in September, Munster hosts the Transhumance and Pie festival.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The coziest: Hôtel Deybach (around €86) with its playground for children.
- The most affordable: Brit Hôtel Grand Hôtel Munster (around €57), complete with an outdoor pool.
Guebwiller (1 hour and 10 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
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Guebwiller is a village known for its proximity to Grand Ballon (site in French), the highest peak in the Vosges. The Markstein (site in French) ski resort is the perfect place to enjoy winter sports, and during the summer you can ride its alpine coasters.
The village also houses the Neuenburg Castle and its sublime park that will take you back to the 18th century.
Not too far from Guebwiller, you can visit the village of Murbach and explore its well-known abbey, which was a place of great importance many centuries ago.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The coziest: Hôtel du Lac (around €101) with its magnificent setting.
- The most likable: Hôtel Les Rives (around €117) and its restaurant that is mentioned in some of the greatest travel guides.
Lakes
Gérardmer (1 hour and 40 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
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The village of Gérardmer is best known as the home of the ski resort La Mauselaine (site in French).
But Gérardmer isn’t only about winter activities. There are many activities to do during the summer as well. For example, you can swim in the Gérardmer Lake, the largest natural lake in the Vosges.
You can also discover the Saut des Cuves waterfall, the Merelle Observatory, and the Lorraine Conservatory of Natural Spaces to enjoy a magnificent time in nature.
Gérardmer also welcomes the International Fantastic Movie festival (site in French) every year, inviting many French and foreign personalities to the village. If you are a fan of movies, come and experience the festival!
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The coziest: Hôtel Timgad (around €92) with a breathtaking view of the mountain.
- The most affordable: Hôtel des Bains (around €78), a five-minute walk from the Gérardmer Lake.
- The most likeable: Hôtel de la Route Verte (around €81) with its jacuzzi.
La Bresse (1 hour and 55 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
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Located right next to Gérardmer, La Bresse is a small town set in lush greenery.
You will find peat bogs at the Lispach Lake, and you can walk around the Sèchemer Pond.
Nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by the calm and tranquility of this place. The Eboulis de Battion Forest, which has grown on the granite scree at the foot of the mountain, is also breathtaking.
If you are going with children, you can opt for the magic potion hike and go in search of ingredients that are scattered around the mountain.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The coziest: Hôtel Les Chatelminés (around €93) with its beautiful dining room.
- The most affordable: Ibis La Bresse Gérardmer (around €77) with its high mountain chalet look.
Orbey (1 hour and 10 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
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Orbey, a small village located in the mountains, is the perfect place to go hiking with your family.
Explore the Lac Noir and take the barefoot path around Lac Blanc with your children. It’s a nice place to take a moment to reconnect with nature.
There’s also the Linge Memorial Museum that commemorates a clash that took place during World War One.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel Restaurant Domaine de Basil (around €75) with its cute bedding.
- The coziest: Hôtel aux Bruyères (around €87), perfect if you are looking to enjoy the atmosphere up in the mountains.
Xonrupt-Longemer (1 hour and 30 minutes from Strasbourg via car)
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The peculiarly named village of Xonrupt-Longemer is known as the home of the Longemer Lake (site in French). It’s an ideal place to go during the summer; you can swim or rent pedal boats.
During the winter, cross-country ski tours are available so that you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
In addition, chamois observation trips are organized regularly to raise public awareness for the protection of these precious animals.
If you enjoy mountain biking, you should try one of the VTT course maps that will take you into the mountains without worrying about safety.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most outstanding:Chaume de Balveurche (around €80), located in the heart of the mountains.
- The coziest: Hôtel La Vallée (around €81), perfect if you love rustic ambiances
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
