Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Village · Colmar, Grande Leste
Riquewihr
Walled village on the Wine Route, 13 km from Colmar, with preserved 16th- and 17th-century houses, the Dolder tower, and Riesling vineyards around.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Riquewihr
Riquewihr lies amid vineyards, about 13 km north of Colmar, and is one of the most visited villages on the Rota dos Vinhos da Alsácia. Protected by walls and spared by the two world wars, it preserves almost intact the group of houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, the country’s best-preserved villages.
The main street, the Rue du Général-de-Gaulle, rises from the town hall to the Dolder tower, a 13th-century fortified gate that now houses a small museum. Behind it stands the Tour des Voleurs, the old prison. Along the way, the half-timbered houses have inner courtyards, wells and wrought-iron signs.
Wine is at the heart of village life. Several traditional producer houses are based there and offer tastings. Around it, the slopes of the Schoenenbourg, sheltered from the north wind, are known for riesling.
About 3 km away, in Hunawihr, there is a stork park working to bring the bird back to the region. Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg are also nearby and make for a full day through the vineyards.
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, with tasting; half a day if you add Hunawihr.
Best time
Early in the morning or late afternoon, outside tour-bus hours. The grape harvest usually runs from September to October. In December there is a Christmas market and many visitors.
How to get there
By car, about 20 minutes from Colmar. Without a car there are regional buses leaving from the Gare de Colmar and organized tours along the Rota dos Vinhos da Alsácia; check schedules, as there are few per day.
Tip
Park in the parking lots at the entrance to the village: the center is pedestrian-only. If you will be tasting wine and driving, arrange who will be the driver.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Riquewihr
How to get from Colmar to Riquewihr without a car?
There are regional buses from the Gare de Colmar, with few departures per day, and organized tours along the Rota dos Vinhos. Check schedules beforehand.
What is the Dolder tower?
It's the 13th-century fortified gate at the top of Riquewihr's main street. Today it houses a small museum about the village's history.
Can you see storks near Riquewihr?
Yes, in Hunawihr, 3 km away, there is a park dedicated to storks.