5 Days in Haguenau and Northern Alsace

Haguenau, the magic of an authentic Christmas

Easily accessible by train, Haguenau is the ideal starting point for discovering Northern Alsace. Beautifully decorated, the streets and squares of Barbarossa’s town welcome around fifty wooden chalets in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Considered the birthplace of nativity scenes in Alsace, Haguenau hosts a remarkable exhibition dedicated to this tradition every year.

Explore the town at your own pace or follow one of the walking routes suggested by the tourist office. A visit to the Historical Museum, housed in a magnificent Neo-Renaissance building, will allow you to admire, among other things, a rich archaeological collection from the Bronze and Iron Ages, discovered during excavations in the Haguenau forest.

Traditions and lights of the Outre-Forêt region

Hire a car to travel beyond the Haguenau forest, into the aptly named Outre-Forêt region. In the charming village of Kutzenhausen, you will have the opportunity to experience Christmas as it was in the past at the Maison Rurale de l’Outre-Forêt. Located in a former farmstead, this heritage interpretation centre is a lively place where you can discover Alsatian folk traditions.

Here, guided tours and themed workshops will allow you to immerse yourself in Alsatian Christmas traditions as they were celebrated during the first half of the 20th century. Discover the flavours of the past by making delicious stolle, berewecke or other springerle biscuits!

Continue your journey to the authentic village of Hunspach, listed among The Most Beautiful Villages in France. Throughout Advent, the Christmas Window Trail invites you to stroll through the village while admiring the house windows decorated around the theme of Christmas traditions.

Meeting the potters of Soufflenheim

From Haguenau bus station, it takes barely 20 minutes to reach Soufflenheim with the Fluo 330 bus line. Known as the potters’ village, Soufflenheim is famous for its culinary terracotta pottery, traditionally used for dishes such as baeckehoffe and kougelhopf.

To make sure you don’t miss anything, follow the Potters’ Trail, a self-guided discovery route starting from the tourist information office. Along this 3.5 km walk through the heart of the village, you will have plenty of time to admire its heritage, meet the potters, chat with them about their craft, feel their passion for their work and be charmed by their creations.

A perfect opportunity to bring home a 100% handmade gift made in Alsace!

Simple pleasures in Green Alsace

From Haguenau, you can reach Gundershoffen in around 15 minutes by train. Just a few steps from the station, don’t miss the Pretzel Factory. Here, you will discover the history and production process of Alsace’s favourite savoury snack!

A little further along the same train line, you will reach Niederbronn-les-Bains, a spa town nestled in the heart of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. After lunch in one of the village restaurants, enjoy the magical atmosphere of its charming Christmas market.

Take time to meet the craftspeople gathered in 25 wooden chalets in the heart of Parc du Casino, a leafy setting crossed by the Elf Trail. Every weekend, local talents and traditions take centre stage: Christmas decorations, gift ideas, original creations, sweet and savoury treats…

Enjoy an authentic moment while sipping a hot drink beside the brazier.

In the land of Hans Trapp

In Wissembourg, a charming medieval town located around 30 minutes by train from Haguenau, children are not afraid of Father Christmas’s companion, but of Hans Trapp. Inspired by a cruel medieval lord who once ruled the surrounding area, this fearsome companion of Saint Nicholas is said to frighten naughty children.

You may come across him as you wander through the streets of Wissembourg, especially on the last Sunday of Advent, when a spectacular procession travels through the entire town centre.

Take advantage of your visit to walk along the ramparts and explore the family-friendly and welcoming Christmas market, set up at the foot of the Saints Peter and Paul Abbey Church.