Best Day Trips From Strasbourg by Train - Places to Visit Near Strasbourg

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What to do around Strasbourg? Strasbourg, the enchanting capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France, is well-known for its half-timbered houses, canals, and Franco-German culture. But beyond its charming Old Town and iconic cathedral, Strasbourg is also the perfect place for exploring the surrounding region with some of these beautiful day trips from Strasbourg.

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Day Trips from Strasbourg – Places to Visit Near Strasbourg

Whether you’re interested in fairytale villages, historic castles, rolling vineyards, or even exploring neighboring Germany or Switzerland, these day tours from Strasbourg are worth doing.

So if you’re wondering what to do around Strasbourg, looking for places to visit near Strasbourg, or planning day tours from Strasbourg or day trips from Strasbourg by train, read my favorite tours with detailed travel tips, and everything you need to plan the perfect day out.

Colmar – A Fairytale Come to Life

Just about 74 km (46 miles) from Strasbourg, Colmar is one of the most popular day trips from Strasbourg. This storybook town is often called “Little Venice” because of its scenic canals and pastel-colored half-timbered houses. The historic Old Town is an architectural gem filled with cobblestone streets, flower-adorned windows, and lively squares.

Things to do:

Wander through the romantic “La Petite Venise” neighborhood.
Visit the Bartholdi Museum, the home of the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.
Enjoy wine tasting at a local cellar
Browse local boutiques and sample Alsatian pastries.

How to get there – It takes only 30 minutes by train from Strasbourg to Colmar with frequent departures. If you’re driving, follow the A35 south.

Overnight Stay – If you decide to turn your day trip into an overnight escape, check into Hotel Le Colombier, a mid-budget boutique hotel right in the heart of Colmar’s Old Town.

Tours to Book – Consider booking a wine tasting tour through the Alsace wine route, including Colmar and nearby villages.

Colmar is a masterpiece of Alsatian culture. The town exudes charm and is less busy than Strasbourg, allowing for a more relaxed, picture-perfect stroll. Don’t miss the Unterlinden Museum and the impressive 13th-century Dominican Church.

Obernai – A Picturesque Medieval Town

Located only 30 km (19 miles) from Strasbourg, Obernai is a delightful town perched along the Alsace Wine Route. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit near Strasbourg, perfect for a short escape.

Things to do:

Stroll along the fortified city walls
Visit the neo-Gothic Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Climb the Puits à Six Seaux (Six Bucket Well)
Try tarte flambée at a local Winstub (Alsatian tavern)

How to get there – Take a 20-minute train or 35-minute drive via the A352 route from Strasbourg.

Tours to Book – Join a half-day guided tour from Strasbourg that covers Obernai, Barr, and a wine tasting session.

Obernai offers quintessential Alsatian architecture, vibrant markets, and a stunning backdrop of the Vosges Mountains. The town feels authentic, less touristy, and beautifully preserved.

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg – Step Into Medieval Majesty

Perched atop a mountain in Orschwiller, about 55 km (34 miles) south of Strasbourg, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg offers breathtaking views and a dramatic dive into medieval France.

This 12th-century fortress is one of France’s best-restored castles. You’ll wander through grand halls, turrets, dungeons, and drawbridges, all while overlooking the Alsace plains and Rhine Valley.

Things to do:

Explore the castle’s armory and hunting rooms.
Climb the towers for sweeping panoramic views.
Stop by the nearby Monkey Mountain or Eagle Park for family fun.

How to get there – The easiest way is by car (about a 50-minute drive from Strasbourg via A35). Public transport is possible but requires planning, usually a train to Sélestat and a shuttle bus to the castle.

Tours to Book – Book a full-day Alsace tour from Strasbourg that includes Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, wine tasting, and several villages.

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Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany – A Cross-Border Escape

A perfect day trip from Strasbourg by train, Freiburg is a beautiful university town in Germany’s Black Forest region, just 87 km (54 miles) away.

Freiburg is known for its sunny climate, charming Old Town, and eco-friendly vibes. Its medieval architecture blends harmoniously with youthful energy and green innovation.

Things to do:

Visit Freiburg Münster (cathedral) and climb the bell tower.
Walk along the Bächle – small water canals lining the streets.
Sample German sausages and Black Forest cake.
Ride the Schlossberg cable car for stunning views.

How to get there – Take a direct train (1 hour and 10 minutes) from Strasbourg. If driving, cross into Germany via the A5 autobahn.

Overnight Stay – Designhotel am Stadtgarten is a stylish, mid-range option close to the center if you plan to stay the night.

Baden-Baden – For Thermal Spa Indulgence

Located 60 km (37 miles) northeast of Strasbourg in Germany, Baden-Baden is a wellness haven at the Black Forest’s edge.

This elegant spa town has attracted aristocrats and artists since the 19th century. If you’re looking for relaxation, it’s one of the best day tours from Strasbourg.

Things to do:

Soak in the thermal baths at Caracalla Spa.
Tour the opulent Casino Baden-Baden
Walk the Lichtentaler Allee, a serene riverside promenade
Visit the Fabergé Museum

How to get there – Travel by car (about a 50-minute drive) or take a train to Baden-Baden with a transfer in Appenweier.

Riquewihr – The Town that Inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Riquewihr, just 75 km (47 miles) south of Strasbourg, is one of the most magical day trips from Strasbourg.

With its brightly colored houses, cobbled streets, and vineyard-cloaked hills, Riquewihr is an Alsatian jewel. It’s also part of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France).

Things to do:

Walk the fortified walls.
Visit the Dolder Tower and the historic museum.
Try local wines, especially Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Admire hand-painted signs above every shop.

How to get there – Drive via A35 (about an hour) or join a guided wine tour from Strasbourg that stops in Riquewihr.

Mont Sainte-Odile – A Spiritual Hilltop Retreat

Only 40 km (25 miles) from Strasbourg, Mont Sainte-Odile is a tranquil mountain sanctuary dedicated to Alsace’s patron saint.

It’s a peaceful place combining nature, history, and spirituality. The panoramic views from the monastery terrace are stunning.

Things to do:

Explore the abbey and chapel
Hike parts of the Odile Trail
See the mysterious Pagan Wall built over 2000 years ago

How to get there – Best accessed by car via D426, as public transport is limited.

Mulhouse – For Museum Lovers

Located 115 km (71 miles) south of Strasbourg, Mulhouse is a less-touristy but fascinating city ideal for those who love science, history, and engineering.

Mulhouse is known for its world-class museums, particularly the Cité de l’Automobile, Europe’s largest car museum, and the Cité du Train, France’s national railway museum.

Things to do:

Tour the Schlumpf Automobile Collection
Explore the Electropolis Museum (electricity and innovation)
Walk through the reborn industrial district

How to get there – Train rides from Strasbourg take 1 hour and 15 minutes. Driving is straightforward via the A35 highway.

Overnight Stay – Hotel du Parc is a mid-range Art Deco stay in the city center.

Useful Tips – Places to Visit Near Strasbourg

Train Travel: Most day trips from Strasbourg by train are efficient and scenic. The SNCF app is helpful for real-time schedules.
Book in Advance: Popular destinations like Colmar and Haut-Koenigsbourg can get busy. Consider booking day tours from Strasbourg with small group options for a relaxed experience.
Rental Cars: Renting a car opens up less accessible gems like Mont Sainte-Odile and the Alsace Wine Route villages.
Stay Hydrated: In summer, carry water and sun protection for outdoor excursions.
Local Cuisine: Try local specialties like kougelhopf and Münster cheese wherever you go.

From charming medieval villages to majestic castles and serene spa towns, there’s no shortage of places to visit near Strasbourg. Whether you’re exploring the vineyards of Alsace, crossing the Rhine into Germany, or relaxing in a forest spa town, these day trips from Strasbourg will enrich your travel experience with diverse culture, cuisine, and history.

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So plan these enchanting day trips from Strasbourg by train or local transport and enjoy your France tour in upcoming holidays.

Best Day Trips From Strasbourg by Train – Places to Visit Near Strasbourg