Riquewihr: A beautiful Alsatian village

Riquewihr is a stunning medieval village that seems frozen in time. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and fortified walls, this picturesque town is one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Situated along the famous Alsace Wine Route, this is one village you will want to visit.

History

Riquewihr’s origins date back to the 8th century, but it truly flourished during the 16th century as a prosperous wine-producing town.

The village was once part of the Duchy of Württemberg and maintained its Germanic influences despite changing hands over the centuries.

The town’s well-preserved medieval architecture, including its fortified walls, reflects its historical importance in Alsace and resilience.

During World War II, Riquewihr suffered some damage, but its historical core remained largely intact. 

Things to do

The village

One of the most iconic landmarks in Riquewihr is the Dolder Tower, a 13th-century gatehouse that once served as the town’s main defense. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

Another must-see attraction is the Thieves’ Tower (Tour des Voleurs), a medieval prison.

Nearby, the Maison de Vigneron (Winemaker’s House) provides insight into Riquewihr’s long-standing wine culture. In addition, there is the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, which also makes an interesting side trip.

The village is also home to quaint boutiques, artisan shops, and traditional Alsatian bakeries where visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as kougelhopf, a sweet, yeasted cake.

Market days

Riquewihr hosts a vibrant weekly market on Friday mornings where locals and tourists alike can experience the best of Alsatian produce.

From fresh fruits and vegetables to cheeses, meats, and handcrafted goods, the market is an excellent place to try regional delicacies and take home unique souvenirs.

The wine

The surrounding Alsace region is known for its excellent wines, so this should definitely be on your to-do list.

There are over 7 main types of wine produced in Alsace so visit a vineyard for a wine tasting.

Wine lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in the surrounding area, as the village is located in the heart of Alsace’s wine country. Visitors can take a tour of one of the local wineries, sample the delicious local wines, and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.

There are several wine tours that you can take where tastings are offered free, and you can purchase a few bottles as a souvenir.

Local specialties

The area is also home to a number of excellent restaurants that serve traditional Alsatian cuisine. Visitors can enjoy dishes such as tarte flambée (a type of thin-crust pizza), choucroute (sauerkraut), and baeckeoffe (a hearty stew made with potatoes, onions, and meats).

Wash it down with some local beer as you take in the local scenery. You can read more about foods and drinks in Alsace here.

When is the best time to visit?

The Wine Harvest Festival, which takes place in in September or October is a great time to visit. The village also hosts smaller events throughout the year, such as traditional Alsatian musical performances and historical reenactments.

In addition Riquewihr hosts a Christmas Market, held from late November to December. This market transforms the village into a fairy-tale setting.