Haut-Rhin
Haut-Rhina department like no otherWith its lush green landscapes, charming villages, monuments steeped in history, delicious culinary specialities and exceptional wines, this region promises an adventure rich in natural, cultural and gastronomic discoveries. This multi-faceted territory is sure to satisfy all tastes.
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 Eaststretches over 3,525 km2 and is home to 767,083 inhabitants. It is part of the Grand Est region and the Alsace European Community. Bordering the Territoire de Belfort, the Vosges, the Bas-Rhin, Switzerland and Germany, it is named after the Rhine River, which flows through its eastern border. The department boasts a rich variety of landscapes: fertile plains, wooded mountains, vineyards and picturesque villages. It enjoys 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, Haut-Rhin reflects a rich history and a strong Alsatian identity. Colmar, sa préfecture, est célèbre pour son centre historique, ses maisons à colombages, ses canaux pittoresques et ses musées. D’autres villes méritent une visite, telles que Mulhouse, connue pour son industrie et sa technologie, Neuf-Brisach, une forteresse conçue par Vauban, et Saint-Louis, ville frontalière aux multiples visages. Le département est également réputé pour ses villages charmants, avec Eguisheim, Riquewihr et Hunawihr, classés parmi les plus beaux villages de France, célèbres pour leur architecture traditionnelle, leurs fleurs, leurs vins et leurs traditions.
Nature and outdoor activities: parks, mountains and lakes
Haut-Rhin is an invitation to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities. It includes a portion of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, a protected area offering diverse landscapes, hiking trails, ski resorts and local produce. The département also boasts several lakesThese include Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein, Lac de Gérardmer and Lac Blanc, ideal for swimming, fishing and water sports. Last but not least, the Haut-Rhin region enlivens the year with a variety of festivities and events, including the Colmar wine fair, Christmas markets and the Youth Olympic Games.
Heritage and culture: a journey through history and tradition
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 du Haut-Rhin invite you to immerse yourself in art, history, science and local traditions. Don't miss the Musée Unterlinden in Colmar and its famous Issenheim Altarpiece, the Musée de l'Automobile in Mulhouse with its exceptional collection of cars, or the Musée du Papier peint 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.
Taste the exceptional wines of the Alsace vineyards, such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Crémant, and visit cellars and estates to discover the secrets of their production. You can also learn about the artisanal production of cheese, bread, beer and chocolate, jewels of the local gastronomic heritage.
Typical Haut-Rhin events and festivities
Throughout the year, the Haut-Rhin region vibrates to the rhythm of events and festivities that celebrate its identity and conviviality. Take part in popular 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 Haut-Rhin's exceptional vineyards, stretching for over 100 kilometers along the Vosges mountains. The Alsace Wine Route will take you through more than 70 wine-producing villages, giving you the opportunity to discover the region's wealth of crus and grape varieties.
Taste aromatic, fruity white wines such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat, not forgetting sparkling wines like Crémant d'Alsace. Visit wineries, cooperative cellars and wine museums for a complete immersion in the know-how and passion of winegrowers.
Markets and local produce
The Haut-Rhin region invites you to discover its markets and local products, the fruit of respect for tradition and the environment. Stroll through the weekly markets to find fruit, vegetables, charcuterie, cheese, bread, honey and jams. Themed markets offer seasonal produce such as asparagus, cherries, mirabelle plums and pumpkins.
The Christmas markets, meanwhile, are packed with typical handicrafts such as gingerbread, bredele, mannele and beerawecka, for a unique festive experience.
Conclusion
Haut-Rhin invites you to enjoy an unforgettable experience, with a wide range of activities and discoveries. Whether your interests lie in nature, culture, gastronomy or conviviality, this rich and varied department will meet all your expectations.
Explore breathtaking landscapes, stroll through charming towns and villages, visit historic monuments and enriching museums, savor local products and renowned wines, and take part in unique events and festivities. Don't delay, plan your stay in the Haut-Rhin and prepare 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?
The 68 department is known as Haut-Rhin. This French department is located in the Grand Est region, sharing its 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?
Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin derive their names from the direction of flow of the Rhine, which runs from south to north. Haut-Rhin is closer to the Rhine's source in the Swiss Alps, while Bas-Rhin is closer to its mouth in the North Sea. What's more, the altitude of Haut-Rhin is higher than that of Bas-Rhin.
