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🏘️ Picturesque villages

Kaysersberg

Birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, voted the French public’s favourite village, nestled below its castle in the heart of the vineyards.

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Overview

Kaysersberg stands where the Weiss valley opens out, between the plain and the vineyards. Above the rooftops rise the ruins of the imperial castle, a fortress acquired and refortified in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II. It recalls the town’s former role as a gateway guarding the valley. You can walk up in about a quarter of an hour from the centre: at the top, the view takes in the rooftops, the vineyards and the valley.

Down below, the Grand-Rue is lined with colourful half-timbered houses, winegrowers’ cellars and pâtisseries. The fortified pink-sandstone bridge, topped by a small chapel, spans the Weiss and links the two parts of the town. Kaysersberg is also the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, doctor, theologian and 1952 Nobel Peace Prize laureate: his birthplace and a museum space tell the story of his work. Voted France’s Favourite Village (Village préféré des Français) in 2017, the little town draws big crowds in summer and during its Christmas Market. The vineyard trails around it let you walk to the neighbouring villages.

Who is it for? 👨‍👩‍👧 Families🧒 Children💑 Couples👯 Groups of friends🧓 Older visitors

Where to do it

In Kaysersberg (Haut-Rhin (68)), in Alsace. Best season: 🗓️ All year round.

Good to know

Voted France’s Favourite Village (Village préféré des Français) in 2017, Kaysersberg is the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, winner of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. The ruins of the imperial castle tower over the town.

Tips

Come early in the morning or on a weekday if you can, especially in summer and December, when the Grand-Rue gets very busy. Park in the car parks at the entrance to the town, then explore on foot. Wear good shoes for the climb up to the castle.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How long do you need to visit Kaysersberg?

Allow half a day to wander along the Grand-Rue, cross the fortified bridge, climb up to the castle and visit the Albert Schweitzer museum space. Add a tasting at a winegrower’s or a walk in the vineyards, and you can easily spend the whole day there.

Can you walk up to Kaysersberg Castle?

Yes. The ruins of the imperial castle, on the hill above the town, can be reached on foot by a path from the centre. Allow about 10 to 15 minutes for the climb. At the top, you get a view over the rooftops, the vineyards and the Weiss valley.

When was Kaysersberg voted France’s Favourite Village?

Kaysersberg won the TV contest presented by Stéphane Bern on 13 June 2017, ahead of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and La Roque-Gagéac. It was the second win for a village in the Haut-Rhin, after Eguisheim in 2013. The tourist office then recorded a marked rise in visitor numbers.

Where is the tourist office in Kaysersberg?

The Kaysersberg Valley tourist office is on the ground floor of the town hall, at 39 rue du Général-de-Gaulle. You can pick up maps, walking-tour itineraries and the events programme there, including the Christmas Market events in December.

Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official website before you travel.

Nearby (within 20 km)

Kaysersberg Campsite🎯 Activity · on site Kaysersberg Christmas Market🎯 Activity · on site Kaysersberg📍 Place · on site Kaysersberg Castle📍 Place · on site Alsace Wine Route📍 Place · 4 km away Niedermorschwihr🎯 Activity · 4 km away

Weekend idea around Kaysersberg

  1. 1
    KaysersbergStarting point · Kaysersberg
  2. 2
    Alsace Wine RouteMust-see place · 4 km away
  3. 3
    HunawihrMust-do activity · 5 km away

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