Welcome to Haut Rhin
As it is often the case in France, we present to you another charming department at your disposal. Not only because of the natural terrain, but also because of its cities which are worth visiting, as well as being an area with many museums.
Haut-Rhin is one of the two departments that make up the region of Alsace. It borders the department of the Lower Rhine or Bas-Rhin, the Vosges, the Territory of Belfort and Germany. To the south, on the other hand, you will find the Swiss cantons of Jura, Solothurn, Basel-City and Basel-Country.
Despite the socio-political changes that the department has undergone throughout history, the Haut-Rhin is one of the eighty-three original departments created during the French Revolution and one of the richest ones in France. France's lowest unemployment rate is in the Sundgau region.
What to see in Haut Rhin?
Among all the wonderful landscapes this department has, we find the Ballon d'Alsace: a mountain that is 1,247 meters high. As you climb to the top, you can enjoy the view of the Vosges, the Rhine valley and the Black Forest. It has the particularity of being classified as the place of the first official ascent of the Tour de France in 1905.
The park of the storks is also a good place to see. Created and run by the Association Les Amis de la Cigogne, this park has free entrance at any time of day and can be reached by bus, tram or on foot along a specially designed path.
In the Regional Natural Park of the Balls of the Vosges, you can visit the Kaysersberges Valley, a fairy-tale like place full of small houses above sea level reminiscent of medieval suburbs with several vineyards and picturesque villages.
What curiosities are there?
Considered as another of the most beautiful villages in Europe, we have Colmar, whose Historical Centre is worthy of mention. There are several monuments and old buildings very well preserved and is also well-communicated, although it is possible to explore the city on foot.
Mulhouse, on the other hand, also has small medieval houses with a strong Germanic influence as well as a very cosy and charming old town with a town hall built like a cathedral. It is the ideal destination for a quiet and peaceful stay.
Strasbourg, with its Notre-Dame cathedral in the heart of the historic centre, is a must see. The building was constructed in different architectural styles. The result is an ornate monument, with a single tower that reaches 142 meters high and makes it one of the highest churches in the world.
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Where can you sleep?
The most important cities are always good options when looking for accommodation.
In this case, Colmar and Mulhouse, but there are others like Riquewihr, where you can find relatively cheap options available.
Orbey is also a perfect natural place to do almost anything. Imagine staying in a country house with views of the sea and the mountains at the same time, a place where you can enjoy it in both summer and winter.
What to do in the area?
Little Venice is one of the districts of Colmar, the most beautiful one for many people. It is a very touristic destination because of the crystal-clear water channels coming from the Lauch river and the old medieval town atmosphere that reigns here. In summer there are boat trips on this river and in winter the area becomes a medieval fairy tale.
Hohneck is one of the peaks of the Vosges at 1,366 metres. It is a special landscape because it is the highest point of the crests that represent the border between Alsace and Lorraine. Here you can go on a hiking trip, skiing in Piedmont, or even mountaineering.
Something you can't miss in this department are its museums. The church of Saint-Martin in Colmar, built in the 13th and 14th centuries, is a great example of Gothic architecture in Alsace.
What typical foods are recommended?
A very popular product in Alsace is a "noble" fish called the Alsatian eel, which can be used in many types of recipes such as eel pâté, roast or grilled.
Something you mustn’t forget to try during your visit is the Alsatian sauerkraut, a very complete meat and vegetable dish that is elaborated with cabbage, smoked pork, sausages and beer as well as other complementary ingredients such as potatoes or broth that give it its characteristic taste.
And the Bretzels of Colmar, a very appetizing dessert for sweet lovers and one of the most traditional of the Alsace region, something we guarantee you will want to taste again if you visit this region again in the future!
Where are the festivities?
The Wine Fair takes place every August in the Exhibition Park in Colmar. Thanks to this event you can taste and buy a great variety of wines as well as discover the local products and participate in the activities prepared.
The Mondial de la Bière is held in Mulhouse in March and the theme of the event is clear: beer lovers can try over 400 types of beer for free. There are workshops, exhibitions and a competition for the "best beer lovers".
Finally, there are the Colmar folklore nights, held every year from May to September. Here you will find performances of folk dances and traditional music with musicians and dancers dressed up in traditional costumes.
