What to do in Northern Alsace for a weekend?

Written by Clo&Clem

Published on May 22, 2025

About Clo&Clem
Hi there! We’re Claudia and Clément. We've been exploring France and the world for over 10 years in search of hidden gems. Don’t hesitate to follow us on Instagram and YouTube: whether as a couple or a family, get ready to travel with us!

Cities like Strasbourg and Colmar are famous worldwide. But Alsace is full of lesser-known treasures that are just as worth the trip. A land of craftsmanship and history, Northern Alsace charms visitors with its authenticity and preserved landscapes. Come with us on a weekend trip to Haguenau and the "Green Alsace" around Wissembourg!

Spend the Day in Haguenau, a City Full of History

Photo : © Clo&Clem

We’re starting our weekend in Haguenau, a small town just 20 minutes by regional train (TER) from Strasbourg. Far from the tourist crowds of the Alsace capital, this town can easily be explored in a day.

Haguenau was once a major economic, commercial, and cultural center, notably housing large printing workshops until the 16th century. But after tensions following Alsace’s annexation by France in 1648, Louis XIV ordered the city to be set on fire and the imperial castle destroyed.

Haguenau’s history is full of twists and turns. Today, remnants of this rich and tumultuous past remain. You can, for example, visit the Alsatian Museum, housed in the old medieval chancellery. The Historical Museum is also notable for its neo-Gothic style.

Among the must-sees, don’t miss the local market and the Hop Hall (Halle aux Houblons), where local producers sell their specialties!

Visit Wissembourg: Quaint Walks and Cultural Heritage

Photo : © Clo&Clem

Further north, near the German border, Wissembourg is a former fortified medieval city rightly nicknamed the "Pearl of the North". You’ll find many traditional half-timbered houses typical of the region. Like Haguenau, Wissembourg is easy to reach by train — less than an hour from Strasbourg via TER.

Wissembourg has preserved much of its fortifications. It’s a pleasant small town to explore on foot, with winding alleys, blooming gardens, and canals. Don’t miss the Saints Peter and Paul Abbey Church, the second-largest church in Alsace after Strasbourg Cathedral.

Escape to the Treetops on the “Chemin des Cimes” and Soak in the Views over the Northern Vosges

Photo : © Clo&Clem

The Chemin des Cimes (Treetop Trail) is a must-see in Green Alsace. It’s easily accessible by bus from Wissembourg — take bus line 317 right in front of the train station. This 1,050-meter walk takes place up in the trees and gradually leads you to the top of a tower offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Northern Vosges, the Rhine plain, and the Black Forest.

The panoramic tower stands 29 meters high, and you can even slide down via a spiral slide. It’s perfect for families, as the slope is gentle and accessible with a stroller.

Travel Back in Time at the Fleckenstein Castle

Photo : © Clo&Clem

To wrap up this weekend in Northern Alsace, don’t miss the Fleckenstein Castle. It’s also accessible from Wissembourg via bus 317. Built in the 12th century, this magnificent semi-troglodyte castle is perched on a rock in the middle of the forest.

The forest walk to reach it is very pleasant, and the trail has been designed to offer a fun and educational experience for families.

Want to Travel Sustainably in Alsace?

You’ll find some eco-friendly travel tips here: https://www.visit.alsace/voyage-ecoresponsable-en-alsace/