Secret Alsace: the most beautiful historical sites accessible by train

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on October 13, 2025

Photo: Fleckenstein Castle – Lembach © B. Salmanski – ADT

When we think of Alsace’s heritage, the big classics usually come to mind: Strasbourg Cathedral, Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, or the Wine Route. But Alsace is so much more than these famous sites: it is full of hidden treasures, often forgotten by guidebooks… and yet all accessible without a car. From semi-troglodyte castles to old railway lines transformed into historic walks, these off-the-beaten-path sites offer an authentic immersion into the region’s architecture and culture, to the delight of history lovers! 100% heritage and 100% accessible by train: proof that you can travel car-free without sacrificing beauty or wonder.

Hartmannswillerkopf (HWK): living memory of the Great War

History buffs take note: perched atop a rocky peak in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, the Franco-German Great War Memorial at Hartmannswillerkopf embodies a poignant chapter of World War I. An educational trail dotted with explanatory panels allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of the past. Following the walk, a visit to the Peace Memorial—the first memorial to World War I jointly managed by France and Germany—provides an opportunity for essential reflection on the origins of this conflict.

The HWK-2128 battlefield © Charly Derouet - ADT

Access: TER train to Cernay, then bus (line 68R092).

Fort de Mutzig: a dizzying underground immersion

Discreetly nestled in a landscaped setting, Fort Mutzig, built at the end of the 19th century, was the largest and most powerful fortification in Europe at the start of the First World War. During a 2.5-hour guided tour, this symbol of Franco-German peace reveals itself at the heart of a veritable underground world: kilometers of tunnels connecting dormitories, kitchens, power stations, and batteries, where up to 7,000 soldiers once lived. The sheer scale of the site is dizzying: the equivalent of 350 football fields!

Fort de Mutzig - © B. Salmanski - ADT

Access: TER train to Molsheim, then bus (line 911 to the “Mairie” stop) and walk (about 30 minutes to the site).

Fort de Schoenenbourg: a historical journey through the tunnels

Step into the daily lives of soldiers and understand how a major part of the Maginot Line worked... That's what you can do on a guided tour of Fort de Schoenenbourg. Visitors can explore authentic spaces (dormitories, kitchens, command posts) within sophisticated underground galleries 30 meters below ground. It's a tangible immersion, where only the weathered metal reminds us of the passage of time.

Schoenenbourg - Fort de la Ligne Maginot 1170852 © Fabien Voileau - ADT

Access: TER train to Walbourg Séminaire, then walk (about 30 minutes to the site).

Château de Kientzheim: ruins, park, and birds of prey

The remains of a 13th-century castle dominate a park that now houses the famous Volerie des Aigles, with spectacular birds of prey demonstrations. You’ll discover eagles, vultures, black kites, falcons, buzzards, owls, and more, from all continents, in a breathtaking setting among the castle ruins!

La Volerie des Aigles and its majestic birds of prey - © Volerie des aigles

Access: TER to Sélestat, then bus to “Kientzheim Mairie,” followed by a 15-minute walk.

Château de Fleckenstein: the semi-troglodyte fortress

Less visited than Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Fleckenstein Castle is just as impressive: a massive pink sandstone fortress with carved galleries and a medieval lift system. Built in the 12th century, it was destroyed in 1689 by French troops. With its playful discovery circuits, it’s a perfect family outing! More info here.

Château du Fleckenstein - © ADT

Access: TER to Wissembourg, then bus (line 317).

Good to know: Access by public transport from Wissembourg station is by reservation. With your transport ticket, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the castle entrance fee (discount also applies to Château des Défis®!).

For more inspiration, check out Clo & Clem’s trip report: What to do in Northern Alsace for a weekend?

Neuf-Brisach, the star-shaped fortified town designed by Vauban

Founded at the request of Louis XIV in 1699 and designed by Vauban, Neuf-Brisach—Vauban's “ideal city,” listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a true masterpiece of military architecture: a regular star in the heart of Alsace with unique geometry. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a guided tour (1.5-hour walks with a guide in period costume are available) or a self-guided tour (a discovery trail is available free of charge from the Tourist Office, which you can follow at your own pace, taking around 1.5 hours to complete and covering the town and its fortifications).

Neuf-Brisach-Fortifications - © Charly Derouet - ADT

Also worth noting: you can visit the Vauban Museum (opened in 1957), located on the ground floor of the Belfort Gate, which traces the history of the fortress to the present day. On display are models, plans, historical documents (the siege of 1870, bombings during World War II), projections, and interactive exhibits.

Access: TER train to Colmar, then bus (line 68R026 Colmar - Breisach).

The Archaeological Park of Grand Wintersberg

Located on the ridges of Grand Wintersberg, this is one of Alsace’s lesser-known prehistoric sites — but well worth the trip. Discover Celtic camp remains, engraved rocks, and breathtaking mystical panoramas.

The Grand Wintersberg: highest point in the Northern Vosges mountains

Access: TER to Niederbronn-les-Bains, then hike along the marked trail to the site.

This article was written in collaboration with Visit.Alsace. For more inspiration, visit Visit.Alsace!

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.