Colmar: Alsace, tours and the wine route
In north-eastern France, Colmar belongs to Alsace and the department of Haut-Rhin. The commune sits between the Vosges and the Rhine, beside the Lauch, which flows into the Ill.
Colmar in Alsace
Protected-area status applies to the historic centre of Colmar. Half-timbered houses and merchants' homes are part of the town's architectural reputation. The Pfister House has its origins in 1537, while the Maison des Têtes dates to 1609. The latter takes its name from the more than a hundred grotesque heads and masks decorating its façade.
An early mention of the Koïfhus appears in 1370, when imported goods were deposited there and passed through it. Completed in 1480, the building hosted meetings of the Décapole's political members until 1678.
Colmar tours
The self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt in Colmar lasts 2 hours. It includes a smartphone scavenger hunt with riddles and clues about city highlights, with content in English, French, Italian and German.
The full-day private tour of Strasbourg, Colmar and Riquewihr has a duration of 7 hours. Included are a private vehicle, a dedicated local driver and a guided tour across three destinations, with stops at Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, Riquewihr and Colmar.
The full-day private tour from Zürich to Strasbourg and Colmar lasts 12 hours. It includes a private van and dedicated chauffeur for the day, an orientation tour of Zürich city highlights, and transport from Zürich to Strasbourg and Colmar.
The Alsace wine route
The Alsace Wine Route extends for about 170 km, linking the gate of Marlenheim with the gate of Thann.
Churches and museums
Dominican and Franciscan communities have been present in Colmar from the 13th century onwards. The present Collégiale Saint-Martin was built between about 1235 and about 1365. Its Gothic architecture uses sandstone, and its tower reaches a height of 71 metres. Historic-monument listing for the church dates to 1840. At the Dominican church, Martin Schongauer's Madonna of the Rose Bower is on display.
A former Dominican convent, the Unterlinden, houses the Unterlinden Museum. Public visits to the museum began on 3 April 1853. An expansion by Herzog & de Meuron preceded its reopening on 12 December 2015. The Musée Unterlinden collection includes the Isenheim Altarpiece. Painter Grünewald and sculptor Nicolas of Haguenau made the altarpiece between 1512 and 1516. Full restoration of the altarpiece started in 2018, and visitors could observe the completion of that work in late June 2022.
In Colmar's old town, the Musée Bartholdi fills three floors of sculptor Auguste Bartholdi's childhood home.
Colmar through history
A charter issued by Emperor Louis the Pious contains the first mention of Columbarium, Colmar's Carolingian domain. In 1226, Colmar received free imperial city status from Emperor Frederick II. The Palace of the Council reached completion in 1771. Voltaire's stay in Colmar lasted 13 months. After the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles of 1919 returned Colmar to France.
Rail connections and climate
Rail connections from Colmar's station serve Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Besançon and Zürich. Its temperate climate brings cool summers, without a dry season. Average annual precipitation amounts to 595 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Colmar in Alsace?
In north-eastern France, Colmar belongs to Alsace and the department of Haut-Rhin.
What gives the Maison des Têtes its name?
The Maison des Têtes takes its name from the more than a hundred grotesque heads and masks decorating its façade.
How long is the Alsace Wine Route?
The Alsace Wine Route extends for about 170 km, linking the gate of Marlenheim with the gate of Thann.
Where is the Unterlinden Museum housed?
A former Dominican convent, the Unterlinden, houses the Unterlinden Museum.
Which places have rail connections from Colmar?
Rail connections from Colmar's station serve Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Besançon and Zürich.
