Updated on 23 April 2026
Where does the Alsace Wine Route start?
In brief
The Alsace Wine Route officially starts at Marlenheim, in the Bas-Rhin, 20 minutes from Strasbourg, and ends at Thann in the Haut-Rhin, after 170 kilometres and 120 towns and villages. The direction is free: the most common entry is from Strasbourg or Colmar.
The Alsace Wine Route is one of France's oldest tourist routes, inaugurated in 1953. It follows the foothills of the Vosges from north to south over 170 kilometres. Understanding its geography helps planning a coherent stay from Strasbourg, Colmar or Mulhouse.
Northern start point: Marlenheim
Marlenheim, 20 minutes from Strasbourg via the A35 motorway and the D422, marks the official northern entry. The village is known for its Wine and Folklore Festival in late August and for its vineyard trail, a 1 h 15 walk that serves as an introduction to the region. Beyond Marlenheim, the D422 passes Wangen, Odratzheim and Traenheim before reaching Rosheim and Obernai.
Southern end point: Thann
Thann, at the foot of the High Vosges, closes the Wine Route in the south. The town hosts Grand Cru Rangen, one of the most southern and steep climats of the region, listed as a Historic Monument. The slope overlooks the Saint-Thiebaut collegiate church whose Gothic spire is among the tallest in Alsace. Thann is served by the Strasbourg-Mulhouse TER via Colmar and Cernay.
170 kilometres, 120 villages
The route connects two departments: Bas-Rhin in the north (Marlenheim to Saint-Hippolyte) and Haut-Rhin in the south (Rorschwihr to Thann). It crosses 120 wine villages and towns, of which 51 produce Grand Cru wines. The official route is signposted with brown Route des Vins panels.
Which direction to take?
No recommended direction exists. Three common entries:
- From Strasbourg: natural northern entry via Marlenheim. Descend gradually to Thann over 3 to 5 days.
- From Colmar: central entry, ideal for a short stay. Radiate to Eguisheim south or Riquewihr north.
- From Mulhouse or Basel-Mulhouse: southern entry via Thann or Rouffach. Move up gradually to the north.
Most common stop villages
From north to south, the most justified stops:
- North: Marlenheim, Obernai, Barr, Dambach-la-Ville, Bergheim.
- Centre: Ribeauville, Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg.
- South: Colmar, Eguisheim, Turckheim, Rouffach, Guebwiller, Thann.
Recommended detours off the official route
Several side-trips deserve inclusion without being strictly on the Wine Route:
- Haut-Koenigsbourg castle (15 minutes from Saint-Hippolyte), panoramic view over the Alsace plain.
- Mont Sainte-Odile (15 minutes from Obernai), abbey founded in the 7th century.
- Ecomusee d'Alsace at Ungersheim (near Guebwiller), reconstruction of an old Alsatian village.
- Hunspach (northern Bas-Rhin), listed Most Beautiful Village of France, 40 minutes from Strasbourg.
Frequently asked questions
Must the whole route be driven?
No. Very few travellers cover the full 170 km. Most focus on a third (central area around Colmar-Kaysersberg-Riquewihr) or two-thirds over 3 to 5 days. Village choice matters more than kilometre coverage.
What is the ideal base town?
Colmar for a central stay. Strasbourg for a city-plus-vineyard combination with daily commutes. Ribeauville or Obernai for a stay inside the vineyard. Each has trade-offs: Colmar offers the widest restaurant selection, Strasbourg urban heritage depth, villages proximity to cellars.
Is the route signposted on the ground?
Yes. Brown panels indicate the Alsace Wine Route along the entire path. Tourist offices distribute a free map. By GPS, aim for Marlenheim for northern entry or Thann for southern.
Can the Wine Route be reached from Germany?
Yes, via several Rhine bridges: Strasbourg/Kehl for the northern entry, Chalampe/Neuenburg for the south. From Karlsruhe, allow 1 h 30 to Obernai. From Freiburg, 45 minutes to Colmar or Ribeauville.
What is the difference between Route des Vins and Veloroute du Vignoble?
The Route des Vins is for cars, motorcycles and coaches. The Veloroute du Vignoble (partial EuroVelo 5) is a parallel cycle path, sometimes dedicated, sometimes on quiet vineyard roads, from Marlenheim to Thann. The two roughly follow the same course.