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Village · Colmar, Grande Leste
Kaysersberg
Medieval village on the Rota dos Vinhos, 12 km from Colmar, with a fortified bridge over the Weiss river, castle ruins on the hill and the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg is about 12 km northwest of Colmar, at the entrance to the Weiss river valley, where the Alsace plain meets the Vosges. The name means 'mountain of the emperor': in the 13th century Emperor Frederick II bought the castle to control passage through the valley.
The castle ruins, with the round tower, sit atop the hill and are reached by a short trail through vineyards, with views over the rooftops. Below, the fortified bridge over the Weiss and the half-timbered houses along the river form the village’s most famous scene.
Kaysersberg is the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, physician, theologian and musician, Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1952, who was born there in 1875. the house where he was born now serves as a cultural center dedicated to him. The church of Sainte-Croix has a large carved wooden altarpiece.
In December, Kaysersberg’s Christmas market is one of the most traditional in Alsace. The village is now part of the municipality of Kaysersberg Vignoble.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours, including the climb to the castle ruins.
Best time
From spring to autumn (April to October) for the trail to the castle; in December for the Christmas market, which usually runs from late November to late December.
How to get there
By car, about 20 minutes from Colmar. There are regional buses leaving from the Gare de Colmar; check schedules. Riquewihr is about 5 km away.
Tip
Climb to the castle ruins early in the morning and come down to have lunch in the village. Combine it the same day with Riquewihr, which is nearby.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kaysersberg
Can you climb up to the castle of Kaysersberg?
Yes, a short trail climbs through the vineyards to the ruins and the castle tower, with views over the village.
Who was born in Kaysersberg?
Albert Schweitzer, physician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1952. The house where he was born now serves as a center dedicated to him.
Can you visit Kaysersberg and Riquewihr in the same day?
Yes, the two villages are about 5 km apart.