Haut-Rhin
Haut-Rhina department like no other, which promises an adventure rich in natural, cultural, and culinary discoveries, awaits those who love lush green landscapes, charming villages, historic landmarks, delicious local specialties, and exceptional wines. This multifaceted region is sure to satisfy every taste.
Join us in this comprehensive guide for an unforgettable exploration of the Haut-Rhin and its countless treasures.
Discovering the Haut-Rhin: Geography and places not to be missed
Geography and landscape diversity
The Haut-Rhin department Region from Great East, stretches 3,525 km2 and has a population of 767,083. It is part of the Grand Est region and the European Community of Alsace. Bordering the Territoire de Belfort, the Vosges, the Bas-Rhin, Switzerland, and Germany, it is named after the Rhine River, which runs along its eastern border. This department is distinguished by a rich variety of landscapes: fertile plains, wooded mountains, vineyards, and picturesque villages. It has a semi-continental climate, characterized by cold winters and hot summers.
Visit cities and villages not to be missed
With its rich architectural and cultural heritage, the Haut-Rhin reflects a rich history and a strong Alsatian identity. Colmarits prefecture, is famous for its historic center, its half-timbered houses, picturesque canals, and museums. Other towns are worth visiting, such as Mulhouse, known for its industry and technology; Neuf-Brisach, a fortress designed by Vauban; and Saint-Louis, a border town with many facets. The department is also renowned for its charming villages, including Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Hunawihr—all ranked among the most beautiful villages in France and famous for their traditional architecture, flowers, wines, and traditions.
Nature and outdoor activities: parks, mountains and lakes
The Haut-Rhin invites you to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities. It encompasses part of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, a protected area offering diverse landscapes, hiking trails, ski resorts, and local products. The department also boasts several lakes, such as Lake Kruth-Wildenstein, Lake Gérardmer, and Lake Blanc, which are perfect for swimming, fishing, and water sports. Finally, the Haut-Rhin region hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Colmar Wine Fair, the Christmas markets, and the Youth Olympic Games.
Heritage and Culture: A Journey Through History and Traditions
Historic monuments and museums
Haut-Rhin is rich in historic monuments and museums, offering a fascinating insight into its history and cultural diversity. Discover architectural marvels such as Strasbourg cathedral, the Dominican convent in Guebwiller, and the collegiate church of Saint-Martin in Colmar. Explore impressive castles and fortresses, including Haut-Koenigsbourg, Ferrette and Neuf-Brisach.
Visit museums The Haut-Rhin region invites you to immerse yourself in art, history, science, and local traditions. Don’t miss the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar and its famous Issenheim Altarpiece, the Automobile Museum in Mulhouse with its exceptional collection of cars, or the Wallpaper Museum in Rixheim, which celebrates this local craft.
Local crafts and know-how
The Haut-Rhin region celebrates quality craftsmanship and know-how, handed down from generation to generation. Admire the meticulous workmanship of wood, glass, ceramics, textiles and leather, transformed into decorative objects, toys, jewelry and fashion accessories. You can also discover the trades associated with vines and wine, emblems of the Haut-Rhin region.
Sample exceptional wines from the Alsace region, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Crémant, and visit wineries and vineyards to uncover the secrets of how they’re made. You can also learn about the artisanal production of cheese, bread, beer, and chocolate—the jewels of the local culinary heritage.
Typical Haut-Rhin events and festivities
Throughout the year, the Haut-Rhin comes alive with events and festivities that celebrate its identity and warm hospitality. Take part in must-see local festivals such as the Sauerkraut Festival in Krautergersheim, the Cherry Festival in Westhalten, or the Pig Festival in Ungersheim.
You can also attend renowned cultural events, such as the Colmar International Festival of Classical Music, the Colmar Book Festival for authors and readers, or the Strasbourg Fantastic Film Festival, celebrating genre cinema. Let yourself be enchanted by the Christmas markets, which light up towns and villages with handicrafts, culinary specialities and entertainment for all.
Gastronomy and specialities of the Haut-Rhin
Traditional dishes to discover
Discover the delights of Haut-Rhin, a department rich in traditional dishes that bear witness to its history and unique terroir. Indulge in cabbage-based culinary specialties such as choucroute, a savory blend of fermented cabbage and pork, or baeckeoffe, a stew of marinated meats and potatoes, slowly baked in a traditional bread oven. Also explore pastry-based delights, such as tarte flambée, a thin pastry covered with crème fraîche, bacon and onions, or kougelhopf, a brioche flavored with raisins and almonds.
Don't miss the region's cheese specialities, including Munster, a soft cheese with a washed rind, and Bibeleskaes, a creamy preparation of fromage blanc, cream, garlic and herbs.
Wines and vineyards: an emblematic wine route
Explore the exceptional vineyards of the Haut-Rhin, stretching over 100 kilometers along the Vosges Mountains. The Alsace Wine Route will take you through more than 70 wine-growing villages, offering you the opportunity to discover the region’s rich variety of wines and grape varieties.
Savor aromatic and fruity white wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, not to mention sparkling wines like Crémant d’Alsace. Visit wineries, cooperative wineries, and wine museums for a complete immersion in the expertise and passion of the winemakers.
Markets and local produce
The Haut-Rhin invites you to discover its markets and local products, the result of farming practices that respect both tradition and the environment. Stroll through the weekly markets to find fruits, vegetables, deli meats, cheese, bread, honey, and jams. Themed markets will introduce you to seasonal produce: asparagus, cherries, mirabelle plums, and pumpkins.
Christmas markets, meanwhile, are brimming with traditional handmade goods such as gingerbread, bredele, mannele, and beerawecka, offering a unique festive experience.
Conclusion
Haut-Rhin invites you to enjoy an unforgettable experience, offering you a wide variety of activities and discoveries. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, cuisine, or simply a warm and welcoming atmosphere, this rich and diverse department is sure to meet all your expectations.
Explore breathtaking landscapes, stroll through charming towns and villages, visit historic landmarks and enriching museums, savor local specialties and renowned wines, and take part in unique events and festivities. Don’t wait any longer—plan your trip to the Haut-Rhin and get ready to be amazed by the many treasures it has to offer.
FAQ
Which communes are in Haut-Rhin?
Haut-Rhin has 366 communes, making it part of France's Grand Est region. The most densely populated communes are Mulhouse, Colmar, Saint-Louis, Illzach and Wittenheim.
What is the name of department 68?
Department 68 is known as Haut-Rhin. This French department is located in the Grand Est region and shares borders with Germany and Switzerland.
What are the major towns in Haut-Rhin?
The main towns in Haut-Rhin, in terms of population according to the 2007 census, include Mulhouse, Colmar, Saint-Louis, Illzach, Wittenheim, Kingersheim, Rixheim, Riedisheim, Guebwiller, Cernay, Wittelsheim, Pfastatt, Thann, Wintzenheim, Soultz-Haut-Rhin, Ensisheim, Huningue and Brunstatt.
Why Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin?
The Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin take their names from the direction of the Rhine’s flow, which runs from south to north. Thus, the Haut-Rhin is closer to the Rhine’s source in the Swiss Alps, while the Bas-Rhin is closer to its mouth on the North Sea. Furthermore, the Haut-Rhin is at a higher elevation than the Bas-Rhin.
