Plizio Visual Lab

Riquewihr

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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Riquewihr is often cited as one of the most beautiful villages in France, having largely escaped destruction during World War II. Its medieval layout remains remarkably intact, featuring narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful 16th-century half-timbered houses adorned with flowers. The Dolder Tower, a 13th-century gatehouse standing 25 meters tall, marks the upper entrance to the town and houses a local history museum. As a key stop on the Alsace Wine Route, Riquewihr is surrounded by prestigious vineyards, including the Sporen and Schoenenbourg Grand Crus. The village is famous for its white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Wine tasting in traditional cellars is a primary activity for visitors. The Thieves' Tower (Tour des Voleurs), a former prison with a torture chamber, provides a glimpse into the town's medieval judicial past. The village is best explored on foot as the center is largely pedestrianized. While popular in summer, the Christmas market in December transforms the town into a fairytale setting with festive lights and local crafts. It is located near Colmar, making it an easy day trip by bus or car. Local dishes like choucroute garnie and flammekueche are staples in the village winstubs.

Location: Grand Est, France
Top sights: NaturOparc (Centre de reintroduction des cigognes et des loutres) · Ancienne Cour des Evêques de Strasbourg · Maison Nid de Cigognes
Nearby: Wintzenheim (10 km)
Population: ~1.271 (2019)

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	1	5	10	14	18	20	19	15	10	5	1
Rain mm	60	48	56	57	96	83	85	86	64	78	64	70

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Riquewihr is a fully walkable car-free old town. The narrow streets and half-timbered houses are freely accessible; the Dolder Museum (gate tower) charges entry.

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Typical hours

The village is always open. Shops and wine cellars are typically open 10-12 and 14-18, on Sundays often only in the morning.

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Photography

Photography is allowed anytime in the streets and in front of the houses. Early morning shots are especially beautiful with few tourists around.

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Time needed

For visiting the village, 1.5 to 2 hours suffice, including a glass of Riesling. If you also visit the Dolder Museum, add another 30 minutes.

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Combine with

Riquewihr lies directly on the Alsace Wine Route - combine it with Ribeauvillé (2 km) and Kaysersberg (7 km). Colmar is only 12 km away.

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Getting there

By car: parking outside the city walls, fee applies (e.g. Parking Dolder). A 5-minute walk from parking to the center.

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Insider tip

Buy a bottle of Riesling directly from a local winemaker - often cheaper than in shops. Don't miss the view from Dolder tower over the rooftops.

Geography

Population

1,271 (2019)

Coordinates

48.16639, 7.29694

Facts

16th-century buildings
Alsace Wine Route
Dolder Gate tower
Half-timbered houses
Riesling center
Thieves' Tower
Haut-Rhin department
Christmas market

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ribeauvillé4 km · NEExplore →

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle9 km · NExplore →

📍Wintzenheim10 km · SExplore →

Colmar11 km · SEExplore →

📍Horbourg-Wihr12 km · SEExplore →

📍Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines12 km · NWExplore →

Eguisheim14 km · SExplore →

📍Sélestat16 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Riquewihr (12)

NaturOparc (Centre de reintroduction des cigognes et des loutres)🌳 park

A conservation park in Riquewihr dedicated to the reintroduction of storks and otters.

🌐 naturoparc.fr

Ancienne Cour des Evêques de Strasbourg 📍 landmark

Ancienne Cour des Evêques de Strasbourg is a 16th-century Renaissance building with a courtyard.

Maison Nid de Cigognes 📍 landmark

Maison Nid de Cigognes is a traditional half-timbered house with a stork nest on the roof.

Musée du Dolder 🏛 museum

Museum in the Dolder gate tower, a medieval defensive tower in Riquewihr, showcasing the town's history.

🌐 musee-riquewihr.fr🕒 Apr-Oct: Mo-Su 10:30-13:00,14:00-18:00💶

Mairie de Riquewihr 🏺 historical

The Mairie de Riquewihr serves as the town hall and is a prominent historic building in the center of Riquewihr.

🌐 riquewihr.fr🕒 Mo-Tu 08:00-12:30; Th 09:00-19:30; Fr 08:00-12:30; Sa 08:30-♿

Ruines Château Reichenstein🏺 historical

Ruins of a medieval castle on a hill overlooking the vineyards of Riquewihr.

Église protestante ⛪ religious

This Église protestante is a local Protestant place of worship providing spiritual services in Riquewihr.

Église Saint-Martin ⛪ religious

A Gothic church dedicated to Saint Martin in the medieval Alsatian wine village of Riquewihr.

Hand pimp fire engine 🏛 museum

Hand-pumped fire engine, a historic firefighting device in Riquewihr.

🕒 24/7🆓

Egise et Cimetière Fortifié de Hunawihr 📍 landmark

Fortified church and cemetery in Hunawihr, surrounded by a 15th-century defensive wall.

Église Saint-Ulrich ⛪ religious

A church dedicated to Saint Ulrich in the Alsatian wine village of Riquewihr.

Hôtel de ville 🏺 historical

The town hall of Riquewihr is a 16th-century Renaissance building with a loggia.

🌐 hunawihr.fr🕒 Mo 16:30-18:30; Tu 10:30-12:30,16:30-17:30; Th 16:30-17:30;

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where can I park?

There are paid parking lots around the city walls.

When is the Christmas market?

Usually open daily from late November until the 4th Sunday of Advent.

Can I do wine tastings?

Yes, numerous wineries in town offer tastings without prior appointment.

How much time should I plan?

2-3 hours are enough for a leisurely stroll through the village.

Is it stroller-friendly?

Limited, the historical cobblestones can be bumpy.

Riquewihr: where is it located?

Riquewihr is located in Grand Est, France.

Riquewihr: what is there to see?

Highlights include NaturOparc (Centre de reintroduction des cigognes et des loutres), Ancienne Cour des Evêques de Strasbourg, Maison Nid de Cigognes.

Riquewihr: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Riquewihr: why is it worth visiting?

Riquewihr is often cited as one of the most beautiful villages in France, having largely escaped destruction during World War II.

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Riquewihr

Best time to visit & climate

📋 Practical info

Geography

Facts

Explore nearby

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Sights in the town Riquewihr (12)

NaturOparc (Centre de reintroduction des cigognes et des loutres)🌳 park

Ancienne Cour des Evêques de Strasbourg📍 landmark

Maison Nid de Cigognes📍 landmark

Musée du Dolder🏛 museum

Mairie de Riquewihr🏺 historical

Ruines Château Reichenstein🏺 historical

Église protestante⛪ religious

Église Saint-Martin⛪ religious

Hand pimp fire engine🏛 museum

Egise et Cimetière Fortifié de Hunawihr📍 landmark

Église Saint-Ulrich⛪ religious

Hôtel de ville🏺 historical