Things To Do
in Obernai
Obernai is a charming Alsace town enclosed by medieval ramparts and famed for its timber-framed houses. Its cobblestone streets wind past wine cellars, bakeries, and bustling market squares that radiate a welcoming, village-like atmosphere. Set in the heart of the Alsace wine route, Obernai blends history with easy access to nearby vineyards and Strasbourg.
Visitors enjoy a compact, walkable center that feels timeless yet vibrant with seasonal markets and local hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Obernai, taking in the intricate half-timbered buildings and historic sites. Don’t miss visiting the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, a stunning Gothic-style chapel that reflects the town's rich history.
After lunch at a traditional Alsatian restaurant, embark on a guided walking tour of the town, immersing yourself in local culture and stories. Visit the Market Square, where you can browse local produce and artisan crafts. The afternoon culminates with a visit to the local beer brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample some regional beers.
As dusk falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a terrace restaurant, surrounded by the ambiance of Obernai’s lively nightlife. Indulge in local specialties such as Tarte Flambée and a glass of Alsatian white wine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, enjoying the picturesque views and perhaps stopping for a nightcap at a cozy wine bar.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then set off early to Mont Sainte-Odile, a significant pilgrimage site just outside Obernai. The hike up to the monastery will reward you with breathtaking views of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest in the distance. Spend some time exploring the monastery grounds and the beautiful chapel.
After the morning's hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic lookout points or in the nearby forest. Continue to explore the surrounding trails, taking in the lush nature and perhaps encountering some local wildlife. Your afternoon can include a visit to the nearby Schwendi Cross, an important historical landmark.
Return to Obernai in the evening and wind down with dinner at a gourmet restaurant known for its creative spins on traditional dishes. Reflect on your day's adventure over a glass of local wine as you watch the sunset. For a peaceful end to your day, visit a scenic spot to observe the stars twinkling over the Alsatian landscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕️Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🥖Pastry or bread | $2-4 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $5-9 |
| 🧀Cheese and charcuterie plate | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, walkable historical town with authentic Alsace character
- Excellent access to vineyards and nearby Strasbourg
- Delicious regional cuisine and wine culture
- Quiet, safe, welcoming atmosphere
- Can be crowded during peak market seasons
- Some attractions may be weather-dependent
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Public transport outside peak hours may require planning
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est...?" - Where is...?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Obernai
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic market square framed by half-timbered facades, perfect for daytime and golden-hour street photos.
Impressive medieval walls and gates offering atmospheric shots of the town from above.
Picturesque lanes with exposed timbering and quaint shopfronts ideal for architectural photography.
Charming canal-adjacent streets that give a romantic Alsatian village vibe for sunset photos.
Food in Obernai
Obernai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sauerkraut simmered with salted meats, often served with potatoes and a glass of white wine.
Must-Try!
A crisp and bubbly thin-crust topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons.
Slow-cooked meat (often pork, beef, and lamb) with potatoes and onions in a stone pot.
A yeasted, ring-shaped cake studded with raisins and almonds, perfect with coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the town center offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and regional specialties.
Small stalls and wine bars in the old town offering tastings of local Alsace wines and simple bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite salutations such as Bonjour or Bonsoir are appreciated; use formal 'vous' in most settings.
When visiting churches or historical sites, dress modestly and speak softly.
Wine is often enjoyed with meals; wait to be seated or ask permission to share a table in busy spots.
Safety
Tipping in Obernai
Ensure a smooth experience
A service charge is often included in larger restaurants; if not, a gratuity of 5-10% is customary for good service in France.
Credit cards and cash are widely accepted; contactless payments are common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming vineyards; pleasant for walking and outdoor markets starting up.
Warm days with occasional rain; ideal for winery tours, al fresco dining, and long evenings in town squares.
Harvest season brings vineyard activity and wine tastings; vibrant foliage makes for great photography.
Cool to cold with possible snow; charming Christmas markets and cozy winstubs to warm up in.
Obernai at Night
Hiking in Obernai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular high-viewpoint hikes with forested paths and monastery visits nearby.
Gentle to moderate trails offering meadow and woodland scenery near Obernai.
Scenic trails around a historic castle with panoramic valley views.
Airports
How to reach Obernai by plane.
Closest major airport; good connected options to Obernai by road or rail.
Reliable option for international flights; about an hour or more by road/train with transfers.
Alternative gateway with flights across Europe; convenient for visitors combining northern Alsace trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families visit for day trips, markets, and safe, walkable streets.
Romantic weekend destinations with wine tastings and scenic views.
Appealing for relaxed exploration and cultural interest in medieval architecture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular on the Alsace wine routes and surrounding countryside.
Easy to moderate hikes in the Vosges foothills and nearby forests.
Local clubs and amateur matches can be found in nearby towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Obernai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many winstubs offer vegetarian plates; look for seasonal vegetable dishes, cheese boards, and veggie flammekueche.
Ask about gluten-free tarte flambée bases or substituted dishes; many places can accommodate with advance notice.