Alsatian Charm and Wine Route Getaway to Colmar
Colmar offers a fairy-tale escape just an easy train ride away from Belgium. Its preserved medieval timber framing, pastel-hued canals in Little Venice, renowned Unterlinden Museum, and immediate access to the Alsace Wine Route make it an ideal short trip that combines history, world-class Rieslings, and rich culinary culture without requiring a car.
When to go
Late spring to early summer (May to June) and early autumn (September to October during grape harvest) offer pleasant weather, vibrant vineyards, and manageable crowds. December brings world-famous Christmas markets, but accommodation prices surge and streets become intensely crowded. Avoid January and February when several boutique attractions and vineyard tasting rooms run on reduced schedules.
Overview
Colmar sits tucked between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine plain, presenting one of the most remarkably preserved historical quarters in Western Europe. This three-day itinerary covers the town's core highlights—including the Renaissance architecture of the Old Town, the iconic Isenheim Altarpiece at Musée Unterlinden, and boat rides along the Lauch River—while leaving room for a half-day excursion along the Alsatian Wine Route to picture-perfect villages like Eguisheim or Kaysersberg.
Getting There
From Brussels-Midi (Brussel-Zuid), take a high-speed train connection toward Alsace. The most efficient option is either taking the direct TGV INOUI from Brussels to Strasbourg (approx. 3.5 hours) or a connection via Paris / Luxembourg / Karlsruhe (approx. 4.5–5.5 hours total). From Strasbourg, frequent regional TER trains run straight south to Colmar in just 30 minutes. Colmar's central station (Gare de Colmar) is located a flat 10-to-15-minute walk from the historic center.
Day-by-day
Day 1: Little Venice and Historic Quarters
- Morning: Arrive at Colmar station, walk into the historic center, and drop off your bags. Begin your stroll in the Quartier des Tanneurs (Tanners' District) and admire the tall timbered houses designed for drying animal hides.
- Afternoon: Head down to La Petite Venise (Little Venice). Board a flat-bottomed boat for a tranquil 30-minute cruise along the tree-lined canals of the Lauch River. Afterwards, explore the indoor food hall at the Marché Couvert to sample local Munster cheese, fresh bretzels, and cured meats.
- Evening: Settle into a traditional winstub (Alsatian wine tavern) for dinner. Enjoy regional specialties like tarte flambée (flammekueche) or slow-cooked choucroute garnie, paired with a glass of crisp local Riesling or Pinot Blanc.
Day 2: Renaissance Art and the Alsace Wine Route
- Morning: Visit the Musée Unterlinden, housed inside a 13th-century Dominican convent. Spend time viewing Matthias Grünewald’s 16th-century Isenheim Altarpiece along with the museum's decorative arts and modern collections.
- Afternoon: Take a local bus (Fluo Grand Est line) or rent an e-bike to head 6 km southwest to Eguisheim, a circular medieval village famous for its concentric cobblestone lanes and family-run wineries. Visit a local cellar for a guided tasting of Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris before returning to Colmar.
- Evening: Wander through the Pfister House and the Koïfhus (Old Customs House) as the evening illuminations light up the timber facades. Enjoy dinner at a canal-side bistro near the Rue des Tanneurs.
Day 3: Bartholdi, Local Markets, and Departure
- Morning: Walk past the architectural marvel of the Maison des Têtes (House of Heads), adorned with over a hundred carved stone faces. Visit the Musée Bartholdi, located in the birthplace of Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty.
- Afternoon: Pick up Alsatian culinary souvenirs, such as kougelhopf cakes, pain d'épices, and regional wines, from specialty grocers along Rue des Marchands. Walk back to Colmar station for your return train journey to Belgium.
Where to Stay
- Old Town (Centre-Ville / Quartier des Tanneurs): Ideal for first-time visitors who want pedestrian access to major sights, museums, and dining right outside the door.
- Little Venice (Petite Venise): Romantic, scenic, and slightly quieter in the late evenings, perfect for couples and leisure travelers.
- Station Area (Gare de Colmar): Practical for quick train arrivals and departures; offers budget-friendly hotels and is only a brief walk into the old core.
Budget
- Train Travel (Round Trip from Brussels): €90–€180 per person (booking TGV/TER tickets in advance provides the best fares).
- Accommodation: €90–€160 per night for a central 3-star hotel or boutique apartment (higher during peak summer and December).
- Meals & Wine: €35–€60 per person per day (casual winstub lunch €15–€20; three-course dinner with local wine €30–€45).
- Activities & Entry Fees: €25–€35 per person (Musée Unterlinden ticket ~€13, Petite Venise boat tour ~€8, winery tasting ~€10).
- Estimated Total for 3 Days / 2 Nights: Approximately €350–€550 per person based on double occupancy.
Know Before You Go
- Entry & IDs: As an intra-Schengen trip between Belgium and France, standard national ID cards or passports are sufficient.
- Walkability & Cobblestones: Colmar is best explored on foot, but the historic center is extensively paved with uneven cobblestones, so sturdy walking shoes are essential.
- Restaurant Bookings: Popular winstubs and traditional restaurants book up fast, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings; reserve tables several days in advance.
- Wine Route Transit: Regional buses (Kut'Zig tourist hop-on bus or local Fluo buses) run to nearby wine villages, but check timetables closely on Sundays when service frequencies drop significantly.
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