May 8, 2025, 9:28 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Riquewihr is nestled in the heart of Alsace, not far from the German border. This French village is a hidden gem among the charming towns of the neighboring country. With a population of just over 1,000, residents live in romantic half-timbered houses that stand out for one particular detail. Unlike most houses of this type, the half-timbered homes in Riquewihr shine in vibrant, colorful hues. Additionally, the village is surrounded by forests, meadows, and vineyards, and the Rhine River is only 30 kilometers away. TRAVELBOOK introduces the French hidden gem Riquewihr and offers valuable tips for visitors.
The French village is still considered a true hidden gem. This is despite its location on the route of the legendary Alsace Wine Route. This route winds approximately 170 kilometers through picturesque villages, passing charming vineyards and medieval castles. As you stroll through the narrow streets of Riquewihr, the colorful half-timbered houses repeatedly offer views of the surrounding vineyards. Storks often glide over the rooftops, feeling at home in the colorful medieval village. It almost resembles the village from the Disney film “Beauty and the Beast.” TRAVELBOOK introduces the fairytale village of Riquewihr and highlights what you should not miss here.
Overview
The Romantic Hidden Gem in France
In Riquewihr, not only wine enthusiasts get their money’s worth—but others do too! The “Pearl of the Alsace Wine Region” offers magnificent wine produced in the surrounding vineyards. Many accommodations offer a great view of the gentle hills around the village. The narrow streets are cobblestone-paved and teeming with half-timbered houses. What makes Riquewihr special is that the facades of the houses here shine in bright colors. While this may seem unusual for a medieval village, it not only lifts spirits but also adds the romantic touch that makes this village so unique. Anyone vacationing in Riquewihr should definitely stay in one of the half-timbered houses. The center of the old town is recommended as a place to stay. There, you can choose between traditional guesthouses and modern boutique hotels. Many of them also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.
Our tip: The most popular wines from Riquewihr are the “Sporen” and the “Schoenenbourg.” During a walk through the vineyards, you can see their plots on the “Sentier Viticole des Grands Crus” wine trail.
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What Attractions Are There in Riquewihr?
- Dolder Tower: The 13th-century watchtower is the landmark of Riquewihr and offers the best view of the vineyards.
- Thieves’ Tower: The former watchtower later served as the village prison.
- City Wall: The city wall, with all its watchtowers, is a witness of time.
- Musée du Dolder: Offers insights into the military history of Riquewihr.
- Grands Crus Wine Trail: A guided tour of the vineyards or an excursion on your own—on foot or by electric scooter!
- Le Hohneck: A mountain in the Vosges with hiking trails and a summit restaurant.
- Bilstein Castle: The ruins of a spur castle make for a great excursion.
- Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg: The impressive castle is only about a thirty-minute drive from Riquewihr.
- Alsatian Wine Tasting: For example, at the Domaine Agapé winery.
- Green Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut with herb cream is a specialty found only in Riquewihr, for example, at the Le Dolder restaurant.
- Ribeauvillé: The small neighboring village is only five kilometers away and known for its “Kougelhopf.”
- Kaysersberg: Another typical Alsace town with colorful half-timbered houses.
- Colmar: The city is also called “Little Venice” because of its canals and is only 14 kilometers from Riquewihr.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Riquewihr?
In the spring and summer months, not only is the weather in Riquewihr good, but the entire village is also artistically decorated with flowers for the occasion. Decorating seems to mean a lot to the people of Riquewihr, as even in winter, the house decorations are adapted to the season. The Christmas decorations look particularly enchanting through the old streets and romantic half-timbered houses. This means that the best time to visit Riquewihr is always the time you personally prefer. The grape harvest traditionally begins in mid-September and can last until mid-October. During this time, wine walks are especially enjoyable!
Our tip: For those who don’t want to miss out on winter even in summer, a visit to “Féerie De Noël” is worthwhile. The store sells Christmas decorations and is open year-round.
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How to Get to Riquewihr
Riquewihr is easily accessible by car from Germany. For example, it is just under an hour’s drive and a little over 60 kilometers from Freiburg. The nearest larger city is Colmar, which is 16 kilometers and about 30 minutes by car away. If you prefer to travel by public transport, you could head to the Colmar train station and continue to Riquewihr from there. There are also several bus lines that stop at the villages along the Alsace Wine Route.