Review: Colmar, Riquewihr and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle from Strasbourg
The day’s itinerary
Departure from rue Mercière, at the foot of the cathedral. The driver speaks English, French or Spanish depending on the day. This is the only one of the six excursions that starts with the castle.
- The castle, 1 h. You buy the ticket from the driver, then explore on your own with the audio guide or the one provided by the castle. In the morning, it’s already busy in high season.
- Riquewihr, 1 h. Lunch and shopping at your own expense.
- Colmar, 2 h 30. The longest stop, free time. Elizabeth discovered Bartholdi’s birthplace here—something few guided tours take the time to do.
- Return to Strasbourg after seven hours.
A variation is available during the Christmas markets, with the same three stops. The eight-seater van is sometimes replaced by a four-seater sedan.
What travellers say
Positive reviews mention the drivers and the pace. Average reviews mention the lack of commentary. Both are right.
Perfect day, three stops with plenty of time at each. Julia at the wheel.
Stunning villages, Smail was excellent, and we discovered Bartholdi’s house in Colmar.
Julie was a real delight, and we had great company in the van.
The castle, a lovely village and Colmar. Julie was friendly and helpful.
Excellent thanks to Julie.
What works
- Three stops with free time at each, no set schedule on site
- Drivers often mentioned by their first name in reviews
- Water and sweets on board, driver may speak French depending on the day
- The only format that allows 2.5 hours in Colmar
Things to know
- This is not a guided tour: no one will comment on the castle or the villages
- Castle ticket not included, to be paid to the driver
- Audio guide in English and Spanish only
- Castle in the morning, when the coaches arrive
Pick up the castle audio guide at the ticket office rather than relying solely on the van’s audio guide, and read the what to see at the castle page the day before. Without a guide, this is what makes the difference between an hour of wandering through corridors and a real visit.
For whom
For those who mainly want a driver: no rental car, no mountain roads, no parking, three stops with time at each. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace rather than follow a group. Spanish speakers, who have an audio guide in their language here and nowhere else.
Not for those expecting explanations: the guided day trip from Strasbourg has the same van size and a guide, for one extra hour. And if you’re four or fewer, the private excursion follows the same route, with the castle ticket included. The three departures from Strasbourg are compared on from Strasbourg.
Two alternatives
Most bookedFrom Strasbourg: Alsace’s must-sees in a day
PrivateFrom Strasbourg: Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, Riquewihr and Colmar private tour
Frequently asked questions
Is there a guide on this excursion?
No. A professional driver does the driving and waits for you at each stop; an audio guide in English and Spanish is provided in the van. For a guided day trip from Strasbourg, see the small-group guided tour.
Do I have to pay the castle entrance fee on top?
Yes. The ticket is not included and is purchased from the driver on the day. Tours that include it are listed under tickets and what’s included.
Why is the rating lower than the others?
4.4 out of 159 reviews, compared to 4.6 to 4.8 elsewhere. The average ratings almost all come from customers who were expecting a guide. Those who knew it was a transfer are satisfied. The full comparison is on all tours.