Visiting Alsace without a car: 5 little-known places to discover by train
Want to explore Alsace without a car? Perfect — the region is full of hidden treasures accessible by train. Thanks to TER Grand Est, you can discover countless gems just a short ride from the platform. Hop on the train and immerse yourself in an authentic and lesser-known version of Alsace, far from the usual tourist circuits!
1. The Chemin des Cimes in Drachenbronn: a treetop forest walk with breathtaking views
Imagine a treetop trail in the heart of the Northern Vosges: suspended walkways, a 29 m-high panoramic tower with 360° views, a giant 75 m slide, a playground, and a 14,000 m² educational adventure forest below. Add slides, sensory immersion, and you get the Chemin des Cimes Alsace, the only one of its kind in France.
The breathtaking view above the trees - © B. Salmanski - ADT
To get there without a car, take a TER to Wissembourg, then a bus (line 317, by reservation from April to November) or hike from the parking area. From there, it’s about a 1h15 walk to the entrance of the Chemin des Cimes. Alternatively, you can use the free shuttle (included with the entry ticket) and the small on-site train.
Sliding down the slide at Chemin des Cimes - © B. Salmanski - ADT
The trail is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, with reserved spaces available for PRMs. The 75 m slide (for ages 6 and up) offers a fun descent for a small supplement of around €2.
Also read: What to do in Northern Alsace for a weekend? + 5 micro-adventures in Alsace
2. Rosheim: a charming Romanesque town within easy reach by train
Located on the Alsace Wine Route and Romanesque Route, Rosheim is a small town with a rich heritage, ideal for a peaceful getaway. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you will discover remarkable treasures from the medieval and Romanesque periods: the Romanesque House (dating from 1154), sometimes called the “pagan house,” which is one of the oldest civil buildings in Alsace; the Romanesque-style Church of Saints Peter and Paul (12th century), another architectural gem not to be missed; not to mention the old city gates, the six-bucket well, and the town hall.
The majestic Saints Pierre et Paul church in Rosheim
Beyond its architectural heritage, Rosheim also lives to the rhythm of its gourmet events and gastronomic specialties. It's the perfect opportunity to take a gourmet break, taste Alsatian wines or traditional dishes in an authentic setting!
To get there without a car, simply take a TER train (Sélestat - Saverne line). Rosheim station is an unstaffed stop: there is no ticket office, but you can buy your ticket from the TER ticket machines. Then, from the station, walk or take the bus to the historic center.
3. Guebwiller: the charming “three churches” town, between ceramics and Grand Crus
Nicknamed “the town of three churches,” this stop on the Alsace Wine Route is both a historical and oenological gem. Its religious heritage is dominated by three major buildings of different eras and styles: the Romanesque-style Saint-Léger Church, the former Dominican convent (now a cultural center), and the Neoclassical-style Notre-Dame Church.
Le Couvent des Dominicains- © D. Levêque - ADT
Guebwiller is also home to the Théodore Deck and Florival Museum, housing the world’s largest public collection of ceramics by Théodore Deck, who was born in Guebwiller. He became famous for the “Deck blue,” a signature color that achieved huge success in the 19th century. The museum also features an extensive collection of minerals and objects related to local history.
On the wine side, Guebwiller is the only town in Alsace to produce four Alsace Grand Cru AOCs: Saering, Kessler, Spiegel, and Kitterlé.
To get there without a car, take a TER to Rouffach, then bus Fluo 68 – R040 (Rouffach–Guebwiller line): 22 minutes for about €3.
4. Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: a journey back in time
For lovers of medieval architecture and panoramic views: perched majestically on a rocky spur, the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle offers a unique plunge into Alsace’s Middle Ages. Richly decorated rooms, towers, drawbridges, fortifications, and sweeping views over the plains and surrounding mountains — it’s all here.
Château Haut-Koenigsbourg - © T. Vuano - ADT
As a bonus, some visits turn into real living-history shows (especially during special events throughout the year). With costumed actors, you’ll journey through centuries via entertaining anecdotes and knightly tales. In just a few steps, the medieval era comes alive before your eyes. An unforgettable experience for history and heritage enthusiasts. Note: advance online booking is recommended, especially during busy periods.
To get there without a car, take a TER to Sélestat, then the dedicated shuttle to the “Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg” stop.
5. Ancient remains at Grand Wintersberg: between archaeology and nature
For an escape into nature, head to Grand Wintersberg, the highest point in the Northern Vosges (581 m). The site is renowned for its natural archaeological remains: Celtic vestiges, engraved rocks, and a peaceful panorama from the Wintersberg ridge. A mystical atmosphere guaranteed!
The view from the highest point in the Northern Vosges!
To get there without a car, take a TER to Niederbronn-les-Bains, then follow the marked hiking trail to the site (about 1h30 depending on the starting point and pace).
For more inspiration, check out our selection of the most beautiful historical sites to discover in Alsace, far from the traditional tourist circuits.
This article was written in collaboration with Visit.Alsace. For more inspiration, head over to visit.alsace!
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.
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