Colmar is the perfect destination for an indulgent, quick weekend getaway from Zurich.
In less than a 2-hour drive from Zurich, you can escape the city and experience the beauty of the Alsace region.
Colmar has it all.
Steeped in European history, it is the perfect place to experience the fusion of German and French culture.
Despite its contentious history, the Alsace has been spared the worst from the past wars and the towns are storybook beautiful, with colourful wood-paneled houses set alongside canals.
Just walking around town is worth the trip.
What to see and do
Unmissable is visiting the picturesque old town of Colmar and viewing the traditional architecture that is a hallmark of the Alsace.
You can easily walk around the town by foot, with tourist trails clearly marked to ensure you do not miss the most important sights.
Another option is to explore Colmar from the water.
You can take a boat trip and tour the town from the canals.
Whichever option you choose, don’t skip a visit to the market located in the Petite Venise area of Colmar.
Unfortunately, we arrived just as it was closing, but the market has delicious traditional goods from all over the region such as cheese, olive oil, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
There are also many museums and castles filled with the rich history of the Alsace to explore.
Food and drink you need to try
The food in Colmar reflects the town’s complicated past.
On the menu you will find traditional German fare like sausages, sauerkraut, and bretzels.
While the French side is represented with the foie gras, crepe, and sweet patisseries.
A small warning to vegetarians if it isn’t already clear, the food in this region is very traditionally German and French and the plant-based movement has been slow to reach these cuisines.
If you do not eat animal products then you may need to resign yourself to a rather limited menu.
Or just stick to the delicious Alsatian wine and have a memorable evening in another (perhaps more fun) way.
Where to stay
To make this weekend trip truly indulgent, Le Chambard in Kaysersberg is the perfect place to stay.
Set in the beautiful village of Kaysersberg, this hotel has both a traditional restaurant and a two-Michelin star gourmet restaurant.
The hotel has a spa with a pool, hot tub, and a hamman area to unwind and relax.
Far from being a stuffy luxury hotel, the Le Chambard shines with its friendly and attentive staff that make your stay memorable.
How to Get to Colmar from Zurich
By car:
From Zurich you can reach Colmar via Basel within 2 hours.
By train:
Colmar is just as accessible with public transport
Trains leave from Zurich HB every half hour, change trains in Basel and you will reach Colmar within 2 hours.
