Long Weekend Escape In Alsace & Switzerland (part 2/2)
Updated: Sep 16
Alsace, a region of northeastern France, is a unique destination, renowned for its picturesque villages with half-timbered houses, vineyards producing world-class wines, and a culinary scene that blends French and German influences.
Proximity to German and Swiss borders makes Alsace an attractive destination for those who are looking to explore nearby countries as well. For first-time visitors though, I recommend focusing mainly on Alsace itself, as there are plenty of amazing places to explore, and a few days might not be enough to cover everything. Check out my other post that covers the main attractions to see in Alsace, if it will be your first time there.
If you have already been there, or you want to cover other places in proximity to Alsace as well, then, probably, this post can give you some ideas: we have recently combined Alsace with Switzerland in one trip, and it was great! If you haven't read the first part, yes - please check it out and come back.
Cycling Along the Alsace Wine Route (refer to part 1)
Exploring Basel & Colmar (refer to part 1)
Visiting Zurich & Zurichzee
As we were staying in Mulhause - a French town near the border with Switzerland - we decided it was worth spending another day in another Swiss city: the day earlier we visited Basel, and the next day we decided to go to Zurich, as it's a new place for both of us. The distance between Mulhouse and Zurich is only 130 km, which is easily manageable in a 1.5-hour drive. If you haven't been to this Swiss city yet - I highly recommend it!
Do not forget that if you do not have a Swiss SIM card, you might not be able to use mobile internet: Switzerland is not an EU member, so you will be charged crazy amounts for any data usage. To save money but stay connected to the Internet, you can use Airalo - an app, that creates a local e-sim for you. I have used it so many times and love it.
So, we came to Zurich, parked at one of the city parking near the lake - Zuirichzee - and started our day with the incredibly beautiful cycling route along the lake towards the city centre.
Zurich Lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the picturesque landscape of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. It's a popular place among the locals: we were very lucky with the weather, and there were so many people relaxing near the lake, mostly sunbathing and enjoying drinks and snacks from the nearby cafes, but some of them were swimming in the water.
Apart from the lake, which is already a valid reason to spend a day in Zurich, the city has other places that are worth visiting. For example, Fraumünster Church is known for its stunning stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.
While in Zurich, make sure to visit the Old Town, an enchanting district that perfectly encapsulates the city's rich history and architectural charm. The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets lined with well-preserved medieval buildings, each with its own story to tell. As you wander through these quaint streets, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time, surrounded by the echoes of centuries past.
I'm sure you will not miss St. Peter's Church, the oldest church in Zurich, dating back to the 9th century. One of its notable features is the largest clock in Europe, with a massive 8.7-meter diameter clock dial and a set of five bells, the heaviest weighing 6,000 kilos.
Another remarkable landmark of Zurich, also in the Old Town, is the Wasserkirche, a church built in the 15th century on the banks of the Limmat River. It looks incredibly beautiful, especially during the golden hour.
For those interested in delving into Switzerland's rich history and culture, the Landesmuseum is a place to visit. The museum offers a comprehensive look at Switzerland's past through art, artefacts, and interactive displays.
Zurich is a big city, but the main attractions are located relatively close to each other. As we were travelling by bicycle, it was easy for us to cover not only the centre but also the suburbs of the city, and we even managed to use a ferry to get from one bank of the lake to another - it was a great experience!
Most of the time we spent by the lake, though, as the weather was so good, and the lake looked incredible under the sun. I would say, what makes Zurich unique, is this lake - a gem of this busy city.
Exploring Koeningsbourg Castle & Strasbourg
On our way home, when we were driving from Mulhouse through the incredibly beautiful villages of Alsace, we made a stop in a place we had never heard about. Driving towards Ribeauville and Riquewhir, the incredibly beautiful villages that we had already visited during our previous trips to Alsace, we noticed a big castle on the top of the hill.
We quickly checked and realized that it was a prominent castle constructed in the 12th century, abandoned in the 17th, and restored at the end of the 19th century under the order of German emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II von Hohenzollern.
No more doubts - we revisited our route and made a stop in this beautiful place. Situated at an elevation of 757 meters in the picturesque Vosges region, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle has a long and fascinating history.
First mentioned in written records dating back to 1147, this magnificent fortress has witnessed the major events of the past, enduring sieges, plunder, and fire during the 30 Years War, and was destroyed by the enemy.
Following a period of abandonment lasting 250 years, the castle was restored in the early 20th century under the patronage of Kaiser Wilhelm II. This extensive restoration work breathed new life into Haut-Koenigsbourg, restoring its former glory and ensuring its place as a symbol of strength and endurance.
In 1919, after the German Empire was defeated in World War I, Haut-Koenigsbourg became the property of the French State, as stipulated in the Versailles Treaty. Currently, this gem of German architecture displays a French flag - what an irony of the history.
Overall, the castle is amazing, and we highly recommend visiting it if you travel to Alsace. Conveniently located between Colmar and Strasbourg, close to traditional Alsatian villages, Haut-Koenigsbourg is a must-visit place in the region. And what an amazing view from the top of the castle!
On our way home we stopped in Strasbourg - the main city of Alsace - for a small cycling tour, covering the capital of Alsace and the nearby German city Kehl. Strasbourg is amazing for cycling due to its well-developed infrastructure and incredibly beautiful surroundings. If you want to learn more about Strasbourg and the top places to visit there, check out my other post.
A quick ride and great dinner before heading back home, and here we are - back to Luxembourg, bringing great impressions and a batch of photos from Alsace and Switzerland with us.
I hope you like this post, and that it inspired you to visit a beautiful region of Alsace and gave you some ideas on how to diversify classic routes with some not-so-obvious additions.
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