Holiday in Strasbourg

About Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the fascinating capital of Alsace and a vibrant symbol of Franco-German friendship. The city on the Rhine uniquely combines the best of both cultures: French art de vivre meets Alemannic coziness, Flammkuchen meets Foie Gras, half-timbered houses meet Belle Époque. The historic center on the Grande Île is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by the arms of the Ill River, earning Strasbourg the nickname "Venice of the North." The Strasbourg Cathedral is the undisputed landmark of the city. The Gothic cathedral with its asymmetrical silhouette – only one tower was completed – rises 142 meters into the sky and was for centuries the tallest building in the world. The astronomical clock inside is a masterpiece of Renaissance technology, and the climb to the observation platform rewards visitors with a panorama over the Vosges, the Black Forest, and the Rhine plain. The Petite France district is the romantic heart of Strasbourg. Along the canals, perfectly preserved half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries line up, adorned with flower-decked balconies and reflections in the calm water. The covered bridges and the Barrage Vauban provide breathtaking photo opportunities. In the evenings, the wine taverns transform into cozy meeting places where Alsatian Riesling and Gewürztraminer flow. As the seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg also has a modern, cosmopolitan side. The futuristic European Quarter with its glass facades contrasts charmingly with the medieval old town. For German travelers, Strasbourg is a dream destination: the city is located directly at the border, reachable from Freiburg in 80 minutes, from Stuttgart in two hours. It becomes particularly magical during the Advent season when the famous Christkindelsmärik – the oldest Christmas market in France since 1570 – transforms the entire city center into a sea of lights.