Explore Strasbourg: History, Highlights & Day Trips

Haut-Koenigsbourg

The Enchanting Alsace Region

Tucked into the northeastern corner of France, where it borders Germany and Switzerland, Alsace blends French charm with German heritage. From its timber-framed villages to its world-class vineyards and rich local cuisine, Alsace feels like a storybook come to life—distinct from anywhere else in France.

A Region Shaped by History

Alsace’s position along the Rhine has made it one of the most contested regions in Europe. It was first home to Celtic tribes, then part of the Roman Empire, and later absorbed into the German-speaking Holy Roman Empire. French rule arrived in the 1600s under Louis XIV, but German culture, language, and traditions remained deeply rooted.

The region’s identity was further shaped by dramatic changes in the 19th and 20th centuries, as Alsace switched hands between France and Germany during major conflicts—from the Franco-Prussian War to World Wars I and II. Each era left its mark, creating a fascinating cultural mix that still defines Alsace today.

Now, Alsace stands as a symbol of European unity, with Strasbourg at its center—home to several key European institutions.

Top Highlights in Alsace

• Alsace Wine Route: Scenic vineyards and charming villages famous for Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
• Fairytale Villages: Colmar, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg—among France’s most beautiful.
• Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: A restored medieval fortress with sweeping views of the plains and mountains.
• Alsatian Cuisine: Try choucroute garnie, tarte flambée, and Kougelhopf.
• Christmas Markets: Strasbourg, Colmar, and Mulhouse offer some of Europe’s most magical markets.

Planning more than Strasbourg? See our complete Alsace Travel Guide — history & culture, storks, wine route villages, castles, markets, and practical tips.

At the heart of Alsace stands Strasbourg, its largest city and cultural capital—where centuries of history converge on an island core and an ambitious 19th-century extension now recognized by UNESCO.

Strasbourg: Capital of Alsace and Capital of Europe

A City Between Two Worlds

Strasbourg’s layered history gives it a character all its own. Once a Celtic settlement, then a Roman outpost (Argentoratum), it later became a thriving free city in the Holy Roman Empire. In 1681, France took control, but the city’s German influences—language, architecture, and culture—remained strong.

The city was annexed by Germany after the Franco-Prussian War, returned to France after WWI, briefly occupied during WWII, and finally restored to France in 1945. These shifts created a unique blend of styles, visible in every corner of the city.

Today, Strasbourg hosts the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights—earning its reputation as the Capital of Europe and a symbol of unity across borders.

Don’t Miss in Strasbourg

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg (Strasbourg Cathedral): A towering Gothic landmark featuring intricate stonework, a 16th-century astronomical clock, and sweeping views from its platform above the city.
• Petite France: A storybook district of canals and timbered houses, part of a UNESCO site.
• Barrage Vauban & Covered Bridges: Historic fortifications with scenic river views.
• Neustadt: Wide boulevards and imperial architecture from the German annexation era.
• Palais Rohan: A palace-turned-museum with fine arts, archaeology, and decorative collections.
• Alsatian Museum: Explore traditional life inside a network of connected half-timbered homes. Currently closed for renovation, with reopening planned for 2027.
• European Quarter: See where European democracy happens and visit public exhibitions.

Day Trips from Strasbourg

Wisteria Covered Pathway

Thanks to its location near the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, Strasbourg is the perfect base for day trips. Most destinations are reachable within two hours by train.

Note: Train prices vary depending on timing and booking. Advance purchase usually offers better rates.