Things To Do
in Obernai
Obernai is a charming Alsatian town nestled on the northern edge of the Vosges foothills, and a gateway to the Alsace wine route. Its well-preserved half-timbered houses line cobbled lanes, encircled by medieval walls and welcoming wine-tavern courtyards. The town blends history with a lively market atmosphere, where locals and visitors mingle over regional specialties.
From your base in Obernai, Strasbourg and the surrounding vineyards are easily reachable for day trips and tastings.
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 |
| 🧀Cheese board or lunch | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $3-5 |
| 🥖Pastry or bread from bakery | $2-4 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming medieval town with preserved architecture
- Close proximity to Strasbourg and the Alsace wine route
- Rich culinary and wine culture with easy access to day trips
- Can be crowded on market days and during peak season
- Limited late-night nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Weather can be variable, especially in spring and autumn
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché?" - Where is the market?
Places to Visit in Obernai
Visit one of these nice places.
A postcard-perfect scene of timber-framed houses, arcades, and the lively market square—great for morning light and candid street photography.
Historic ramparts offer panoramic views of the town and surrounding vineyards, especially at sunset.
Stone details, lancet windows, and timber-work textures make for atmospheric architectural shots.
Food in Obernai
Obernai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty platter of sauerkraut with sausages, pork, potatoes, and sometimes bacon; a cornerstone of Alsatian dining commonly found in winstubs.
Must-Try!
A thin, crisp crust topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons; best enjoyed fresh from a wood-fired oven.
Slow-braised meat (beef, pork, sometimes lamb) with potatoes and onions in white wine; a comforting winter specialty.
A light yeast cake studded with raisins and almonds, perfect with coffee or dessert wine.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering cheeses, sausages, breads, pastries, and regional wines; great for sampling and short tastings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir'; use polite forms and 'vous' when addressing strangers; tables are generally shared within groups in a relaxed manner.
Wine is commonly served with meals; toasts are polite but not overly ceremonial; tipping is modest and discreet.
Safety
Tipping in Obernai
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included in larger restaurants; if not, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in casual venues.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for markets, smaller shops, and rural visits.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming vines; great for walks and outdoor cafe seating; occasional showers.
Warm to hot days; long evenings ideal for outdoor dining and vineyard visits; stay hydrated during heat waves.
Harvest season on the wine route; vibrant foliage and many wine events; cooler evenings.
Charming, especially around Christmas with markets and festive lights; chilly but atmospheric, with occasional snowfall.
Obernai at Night
Hiking in Obernai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day-trip hikes with forested paths and panoramic views over Alsace.
Gentle to moderate trails weaving through vineyards and deciduous forests with seasonally changing scenery.
Airports
How to reach Obernai by plane.
Primary regional international gateway; about a 25-35 km drive/rail link to Obernai; frequent domestic and European flights.
Larger network airports serving the region; approximately 120-150 km away with rail connections through France/Switzerland.
Smaller regional airport; limited flights; typically requires a transfer to larger hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A family-friendly town with safe streets, playgrounds nearby, and educational museums in the region.
A premier base for exploring the Alsace Wine Route with frequent vineyard visits and tastings.
Proximity to Strasbourg makes Obernai a popular base for expatriates and cross-border workers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Strong culture of cycling along the Alsace Wine Route; many scenic, well-marked routes suitable for all levels.
Trail-based exploration of the Vosges foothills and nearby vineyards; suitable for day trips from Obernai.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Obernai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose seasonal vegetable dishes, grilled vegetables, cheeses, and potato-based plates; ask for meat-free versions or fresh herb salads; many winstubs can adapt dishes on request.