Best Things To See In Strasbourg France in Winter

If you could make the quaint French town where Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, appears in real life - Strasbourg France would be the closest thing to that. Homes built with half-timbered facades, and steeply pitched roofs reminded me of gingerbread houses in a way. The romantic feeling of walking the Ill River is just as enchanting in winter with the Christmas lights as in the summer when flowers and trees are in full bloom. The quiet lull of the water rushing around the former mill homes, and the locks lazily opening for the famous Strasbourg boat tours - it is hard to not feel relaxed and enthralled by the place. Then you catch a myriad of delicious French-German-inspired cuisine wafting from the 10 different Christmas markets and everything you could want from a vacation makes a smile burst across your face. Here is your guide to the best things to see in Strasbourg France in Winter.

Things To Know Before Visiting Strasbourg France

Average temperatures here range from 32 F in the winter, to 80 F in the height of summer. Due to the waterways the humidity can make it feel a bit hotter or cooler. Make sure to dress in layers, no matter what time of year you visit. 

All of the major sites are very walkable, and centered mostly around the Ill River. Parking can be a major issue when visiting, so ensure that parking is available and confirm in writing with your accommodation.

There are only two public toilets near the old town/center of Strasbourg - and they are on the outskirts of the city. I highly recommend planning on either eating in town to have access to their toilets, or staying in near the Strasbourg Cathedral to have easier access. If you are visiting during their famous Christmas market, where mulled wine is poured and consumed readily, I would recommend staying near the markets even more. 

If you are visiting Strasbourg during the summer, then you could easily see Strasbourg in one or two days. If you are visiting in the winter for the Christmas market, then I highly highly recommend spending at LEAST 3-4 days to be able to taste all the classic Christmas treats from local vendors, see the historical sites, enjoy the Christmas lights, and maybe even catch a Christmas Concert while there.

I personally included my visit to Strasbourg with a visit to Luxembourg, and traveled to Strasbourg via train. The Luxembourg Christmas market is really good (Strasbourg is better) but is definitely worth the visit, Luxembourg also has the incredible Vianden Castle, the incredible historical sites and Casemates as well. My friend Cat that came to Strasbourg with me, she traveled from Paris on a 2 hour train ride, so it is an easy one day train ride from Paris, or you can fly into Strasbourg and then make a day trip to Paris for a quick stop as well. 

Brief History of Strasbourg France

The history here dates all the way back to Roman times, in the 12th century BC, where a Roman garrison established this town along the Rhine River. Over the years it became an important trading location. 

The 5th century saw the capture of the city by the Franks, who renamed it Stratisburgum or 'roadside town'. After a few centuries, Strasbourg became the crossroads where language, politics, and a convergence and division into the French and German empires came about. 

Romans, Germanic, French, and many other nations have influenced the culture here. With novels such as Tristan (a high German courtly romance) was written capturing the societal intricacies of the middle ages here was written. Tragedies befell the Jewish populations here from the 14th-19th century, where there were public mass burnings of the Jewish people, cruel rules set for times they could be in the streets, heavy taxes placed on them for anything from owning a home to how many times they rode a horse into the town. Eventually many of the Jewish population here left, but you can still see their influence, and history represented here in the Alsatian Museum. 

Oddly and sadly, a unique plague hit Strasbourg in the 16th century - where those who were infected were said to have an urge to continually dance until they eventually died from exhaustion or heart attack. There were 400 people who were allegedly affected by this plague. 

The Thirty years war came along, and Strasbourg was incredibly neutral and a safe haven city from that war. Then the storming of the Bastille and the French Revolution came about with many homes, cathedrals and political buildings being stormed and sacked as well, with the mayor being decapitated by the end of it. 

Napoleon stayed here for a few years helping rebuild the city. The Franco-Prussian War eventually broke out seeing more buildings destroyed, and rare Renaissance and historical artifacts lost. Eventually Germany took control of the city and the rule of the city bounced around to the different neighboring countries through World War I, World War II, and eventually came under control of France as we see it today. 

You will see the many different influences of this history throughout the city in its architecture, museums, food, and a welcoming spirit to tourists who pass through this city who has seen so many people before pass through it's borders. 

Explore Petite France

This area of the city is one of the most picturesque and serene areas of the city. It was once the area for the millers, tanners, tradesmen that helped the city financially flourish. You see the half-timbered colorful homes, the covered bridges, with bridges you can walk on to see the locks open and close for the boat tours. Make sure to stop by the Tanners house, one of the most picturesque in the city, and one of the oldest dating back to 1572 and now holds a Michelin Star Restaurant. 

There are areas for children to play during Christmas here adorned with red bows, dogs running with their owners along the river, small windows that if you blink you could miss them - offering piping hot cups of mulled wine, juice, and hot cocoa. 

Most hotels and the visitors center will have a map for you to explore the city, as there are 5 arms to the river, that can sometimes make it a bit challenging to navigate the area. 

Walk The Grande Île

The Grande Île is a small island in the center of Strasbourg with the surrounding Petite France. Here you can see colorful homes, great views of Strasbourg (particularly at sunset). 

Stop by and take some photos of the beautiful Kammezell Home, with the 15th century Renaissance home. You'll see beams sculpted with secular subjects, crown glass windows - you can almost imagine a knight in armor emerging from the home on his lofty quest. 

You will also find the iconic landmark  Palais Rohan built in the 18th century, and former home to the four cardinals of Rohan, City Hall, and Royals. 

Strasbourg Cathedral

Ground was broke for this cathedral in the 10th century and for more than 400 years (after it was completed) was the tallest cathedral in the world. To this day it is still the 6th tallest cathedral in the world standing at 446 feet (136 m). 

It is considered a classic example of Rayonette Gothic architecture. Inside you will find beautifully colored stained glass windows, intricate carvings not just in the naves but on the columns themselves. If you want to  climb to the top you can get some impressive views (on clear days) with 332 steps make sure you prepare your knees lol! 

Astronomical Clock

Inside the Cathedral you will also find the Astronomical Clock, which puts on a show every day at 12:30 pm. It is located in the very front of the cathedral off into the right nave. It can get VERY crowded on the weekend (think shoulder to shoulder, short people can't hardly see the clock). I would recommend seeing the clock on a weekday or exactly at 8 am on a weekend in order to really appreciate it. 

I was able to see the clock during Christmas and no tickets were required, but if you research online there are several people who say that tickets are needed. I would recommend waiting until you get here, see if you need tickets, and then plan on getting them early in the day (as soon as they open) on the day you want to see the clock. 

This Renaissance masterpiece made by talented artists, mathematicians, engineers, Swiss clock makers, sculptors, and painters completed this work in 1842. The clock show happens between 11:35 and noon, where different seasons of life are on display with a child, teenager, adult, and old man parade past death. Above this, you have Christ on parade with the apostles following him with the cock crowing above them and angels above the crow with their trumpets and representations of the Last Judgements. 

It isn't just the time of day, but also the position of the sun, moon and sky along with other astronomical information. It really is a beautiful clock, and even more so, when you can catch it without all the crowds - you might miss the 'show' but it allows you time to really see all the details without feeling like you are being jostled around. 

St Thomas Cathedral

Formerly a Lutheran, now Catholic church this cathedral dates back to 1521. Originally it was a school and church, after a few fires and rebuilding it was completed in the late Gothic style and is known for its ornately carved wooden organ. 

The organ is a Silbermann organ from 1741, and was famously played by Mozart in 1778. I highly recommend catching a concert here as the acoustics are absolutely incredible. 

While I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this church, it is in the center of town and is worth a quick visit if you enjoy architecture and ornately carved wood. 

Alsatian Museum

I have to preface this with the fact my friend and I were genuinely get stuck inside this museum between two school groups touring this museum. How do you get stuck? Well the museum is made up of 3 old homes made up of 30 different rooms, and a maze of passageways and hallways. inside the rooms the doors only allow for 2 people to pass each other, and with a group of 15-25 in one room, it was impossible to get out, pass by people. That being said, I would absolutely try to visit during a time that you can quickly go through on your own time - call beforehand and see what time they recommend to visit outside of when groups are scheduled to come. I personally don't get the feeling of being claustrophobic, but I did this day and still have to take a deep breath to forget about it, lol. 

That being said, this is a VERY interesting museum going into details of the architecture of the classic homes in Strasbourg, how they are made, the signs and murals painted on them and what they represent. 

They have over 5,000 items representing the Jewish community, different religious groups, their cultural influences on Strasbourg, the different eras of clothing, traditional Christmas foods over the years,a and marriage practices. 

Pictured above are the old mill grain outlets with the open mouths where the different grain, and other milled items would empty out of. 

There are rooms recreated to showcase what Alsatians in the 18th-19th century did to live, survive, work and celebrate. The heating systems are very much German and Austrian influenced, and the kitchen area also really intrigued me personally.

Overall, if I was able to visit when there weren't large tour groups visiting, and didn't feel so claustrophobic then I feel like I would have enjoyed this a lot more than I did and would recommend visiting. 

Open Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10 am-1 pm, 2-6 pm and costs around 7.50 Euro per adult which they accept card or cash for. 

Vauban Dam

Built during the time of Louis XIV as part of the defensive curtain wall of the city, and the small portion that still survives today. The Vauban Dam has 13 arches over the Ill river with a panoramic terrace and provides a reprieve from the buisier center of Strasbourg. From here you can see beautiful Swans year round (and in summer I'm sure birds and vendors with ice cream) - along with the classic covered bridges, Cathedral, and Museum of Contemporary Art. 

It is an easy stop after exploring Petite France, and has some really great photo op spots around here as well. 

Plan To Visit During The Strasbourg Christmas Market

This is the longest running Christmas Market in France, and one of the oldest in Europe - nearly 400 years of celebrating Christmas! There are 10 different areas with Christmas stalls, over 300 vendors, and a Christmas Tree that is 98 feet tall (30 m). You can see the tree light up after 4 pm til 10 pm near Lafyette Gallery. 

I have put together the ultimate guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Market, along with classic foods to try, Christmas traditions of the region, Christmas figures and characters etc... so make sure to check that article out for more details. 

Classic Foods To Try While In Strasbourg

With both French, German, Prussian influence in the area, the cuisine here is so unique and really gives you an all-in-on hot spot stop for all my foodie lovers. A few foods I would recommend trying while here are: 

• Choucroute: cabbage/sauerkraut in the Alsatian style and a staple in their cuisine since the 15th century due to being so easily grown in this region. 
• Flammkuchen or Tarte Flambée: this is an Alsatian pizza cooked over a flame, a thin crispy crust smothered with cream, cottage cheese, bacon, and onions or other toppings of your choosing. 
• Coq au Riesling: A chicken stew with cream and red wine
• Kougelhopf: a sweet but light treat with raisins, almonds, and either sugar or icing on top. Great for a light dessert or sweet breakfast. You can find the ceramic dishes they are baked in at many of the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg. 
• Bretzels: basically a pretzel with every kind of topping on it. I was excited til I realized it can often be out for a few days and often is not hot, so see if you can find a place that will at least toast it for you or is fresh out of the oven. 
• Spätzle: a type of egg noodle served with creamy sauces, tomato sauces, artisanal cheeses, butters, meats, and all varieties of toppings. This is VERY rich and lands in the stomach like a brick, so I suggest sharing the dish. It is very delicious and great to warm you up on a cold day, but definitely isn't 'diet' food. 
• Foie gras: more from the French influence for cuisine here, by law Foie gras must be made of liver fo a duck or goose and contain fat by gavage. It is very rich, and if not done correctly may not be palatable, so make sure you are at a reputable restaurant that is serving it to try it for your first time. The one I tried was at Le'Evil De Sens right in the center of town, but does require a reservation. (pictured above)

How To Get To Strasbourg France

I get lost so easily when driving, walking, getting on the wrong bus - because I swear the portion of my brain that is supposed to help me navigate was removed or damaged somehow. I personally use Apple Maps, Google Translate, and Google Maps to get to and from different locations. I also put maps in a google document that I can just click on while abroad, because when you go to a different country - the name, typed out in English, doesn't always pull up on maps once there. 

Here are a few tips for getting to Strasbourg if you are traveling:

By plane

Strasbourg International Airport (SXB) is about 10 minutes from the city center by train. There are also airports nearby, such as Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Euroairport (BSL) and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport (FKB), which are cheaper options for budget travelers. 

By train

Strasbourg is connected to many cities by train, including Paris and Brussels. The SNCF website has information on ticket bookings, train times, and routes. 

By car

Strasbourg can be reached from various directions by highway, including:

• West (Paris, Benelux): Take the A4 highway 
• South (Switzerland, Lyon): Take the A35 highway 
• North and east (Germany): Take the A5 highway 

US citizens do not need a visa for flights to Strasbourg for tourism or business purposes for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period

My Takeaway Of Visiting Strasbourg France 

This trip was planned for over a year for my Birthday and throughly enjoyed it - the BEST money spent was being at the hotel near the city and choosing one that had a Sauna and hot tub. I adored the Christmas Market, and still felt that I didn't explore it as much as I wanted to - even after being there for 2.5 days. I highly recommend visiting Strasbourg in winter, and would absolutely love to go back during spring and summer to see it adorned with all the flowers and be able to bike around the Parc de l'Orangerie. 

If I could change anything about this trip I would plan out my meals in combination with the Christmas market foods WAY better. It was a toss up for me on wanting to try it all! Between the incredible restaurants (including a few Michelin Star restaurant) and all the different foods and free tastings in the street that are offered - I left feeling like I gained about 20 lbs - and not the comfortable kind, lol. I would also have taken a boat tour, planned the visit to the Alsace Museum better and maybe taken a private guided tour in the morning of Petite France to get more history on each of the homes. 

Let me know in the comments below if you decide to visit and what you are most excited to see. If I missed anything please let the rest of us know in the comments below so we can all benefit and make this a great resource. 

As always, happy travels and never stop exploring - and many thanks for your support. :)

Guided Tours in Strasbourg France

Where to stay in Strasbourg France

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