Colmar is ideal for a leisurely exploration of Alsace: half-timbered houses, narrow streets and the waterways form a compact town centre. It’s best to leave some free time between the main attractions so you can wander down side streets and avoid spending all your time queuing with the other tourists.
Where to start your walk
It’s best to explore the Little Venice district on foot before deciding on any boat tour. From the bridges, you can see the layout of the canals and buildings, whilst the streets along the banks help you find your way around. Don’t book a boat trip to depart immediately after your international coach arrives.
How to extend your itinerary
St Martin’s Church and the Unterlinden Museum allow you to complement your walk with architecture and art. For a short visit, choose one in-depth tour of a museum. If the weather is good, allow plenty of time to explore the city itself, not just the museum galleries.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
The historic centre is compact, but the cobbled streets and crowded thoroughfares slow you down if you’re carrying a suitcase. It’s worth sorting out your luggage before you start your tour.
Plan after the coach journey
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city at your own pace, rather than a guided tour with a strict timetable. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and find somewhere to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the return pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment your luggage has been left and you’re ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing stop. If your flight is delayed, cut back on the extra part of your itinerary, whilst keeping time set aside for a meal and the journey back. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the building from the outside does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the drop-off address and the transport provider’s contact details;
- an offline map showing the return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour session;
- contact details for your accommodation and information on how to collect any luggage you’ve left behind.
You may find the following useful: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Colmar, Unterlinden Museum. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s recommendation; please check current opening times with the relevant venues.
Image details
- View of Église Saint-Martin (43833049001).jpg — --sinava-- from Berlin; CC BY 2.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms are available on the original page.
- Musée d’Unterlinden Colmar.jpg — – Wladyslaw [Disk.] . Taxiarchos228; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Maison Pfister Colmar 2011-04.jpg — Eric Gaba (Sting - fr:Sting); CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
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Questions and Answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by selecting the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After travelling through the night, it’s better to leave the steep climbs and longer journeys for the following day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for the walk?
The historic centre is compact, but the cobbled streets and crowded thoroughfares slow you down when travelling with a suitcase. It’s worth sorting out your luggage before setting off.
What should you do with your suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage can be stored at your accommodation or in a reputable left-luggage facility, including the time you’ll collect your belongings. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all your admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Don’t book several time slots close together until you’ve confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.