Exhibition: Alsace, a geological mille-feuille
Explore the fascinating geological history of Alsace in this educational and visually engaging exhibition.
Plizio Visual Lab
Kembs
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Kembs
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the impressive Rhine locks and power station.
- Rent a bike to explore the flat, scenic trails along the Grand Canal d'Alsace.
- Keep your ID handy, as the German and Swiss borders are just a stone's throw away.
- Many local eateries close between lunch and dinner, so plan your meals accordingly.
🍽 Food
🍽
Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée)
Try this classic Alsatian thin-crust pizza in a traditional Winstub.
🍽
Alsatian Wine
Look for local Riesling or Gewürztraminer in the village cellars.
🍽
Fresh River Fish
Enjoy locally caught fish dishes at a riverside restaurant.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Local Bakeries
Pick up fresh pretzels (bretzels) and kougelhopf.
🛍
Alsatian Delicacies
Find local cheeses and charcuterie in small village shops.
🧘
Rhine Promenade
A peaceful walkway along the water, well-suited for watching the boats pass through the locks.
🧘
Petite Camargue Alsacienne
A beautiful nature reserve just a short drive away for birdwatching.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
4
Guided tour of the Niffer Lock – VNF
Discover the behind-the-scenes of a lock with VNF and explore places usually closed to the public. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Rhine plain.
Fête de la Musique in Kembs
Celebrate the start of summer with free live concerts of various musical genres throughout the city.
Tricolore Ball & Fireworks
A spectacular evening featuring grand fireworks and live music performances by La Camelote and DJ Nico.
Kembs is located in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, positioned at a vital junction of the Rhine river. Its history dates back to the Roman era when it was known as Cambete, a crucial stop on the road between Basel and Strasbourg. The town's modern identity was forged in the 20th century with the development of the Grand Canal d'Alsace. The Kembs hydroelectric plant, opened in 1932, was the first of its kind on the Rhine and remains an iconic symbol of industrial progress in the region. The town is characterized by its impressive locks, which manage the intense river traffic central to European trade. Beyond its industrial significance, Kembs is deeply committed to ecological preservation. It serves as a gateway to the Petite Camargue Alsacienne, a vast nature reserve that protects rare ecosystems and provides educational opportunities about the Rhine's environmental heritage. As a border community, Kembs embodies a cross-cultural spirit, offering its residents a blend of French and German influences in daily life, while its strategic position continues to ensure its economic relevance in the heart of the Upper Rhine Valley.
- Location: Grand Est, France
- Top sights: Petite Camargue Alsacienne · Kembs Locks · Huningue Canal
- Nearby: Habsheim (8 km)
- Population: ~5.834
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 60 | 74 | 75 | 118 | 105 | 107 | 110 | 79 | 94 | 77 | 87 |
Geography
Facts
- Population: approximately 5,834 people.
- Power station: Commissioned in 1932.
- Canal system: On the Grand Canal d'Alsace.
- Roman name: Cambete.
- Nature: Gateway to Petite Camargue Alsacienne.
- Location: Directly on the German border.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kembs (7)
Frequently asked questions
What is the most significant structure in Kembs?
The Kembs hydroelectric power station on the Rhine, an impressive industrial monument from the 1930s.
Which nature reserve is located near Kembs?
The 'Petite Camargue Alsacienne', the oldest nature reserve in Alsace, handy for birdwatching.
How far is Kembs from Basel?
The Swiss border and Basel are only about 15-20 km away and quickly reachable by car.
Can you cycle along the Rhine in Kembs?
Yes, the Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15) passes directly through Kembs, offering flat paths along the river.
Are there historical locks in the town?
Yes, Kembs has significant lock installations on the Grand Canal d'Alsace, important for shipping traffic on the Rhine.
Kembs: where is it located?
Kembs is located in Grand Est, France.
Kembs: what is there to see?
Highlights include Petite Camargue Alsacienne, Kembs Locks, Huningue Canal.
Kembs: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kembs: why is it worth visiting?
Kembs is located in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, positioned at a vital junction of the Rhine river.
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