Visiting Obernai and the surrounding area – My tips and useful addresses

How long does it take to visit Obernai?

I advise you to spend a few hours to half a day minimum to visit Obernai, but do not hesitate to spend more time to discover the surroundings, to walk in the vineyards, to visit a winegrower,…

1. Stroll around Obernai town center

My first advice for visiting Obernai, and probably the most important: stroll through the streets of the city center! The historical center is not very big, you won’t get lost and you will admire all the wonders the city has to offer. There are beautiful medieval half-timbered houses, superb Renaissance buildings, very pretty courtyards a little set back… Raise your head and open your eyes!

Among the that you will inevitably see along the way, there is the very beautiful Place du Marché (main square of Obernai) where you can admire both the The city’s belfry (Kappellturm, unique in Alsace), the Sainte-Odile Fountain (Obernai is indeed her birthplace), the Halle aux Blés and the Hôtel de Ville.

Going up the rue Chanoine Gyss from the Place du Marché in the direction of the Eglise Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, you will be able to observe the famous Puit à Six Seaux of Obernai, which dates from the 16th century and is classified as a Historic Monument. You can’t miss the church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, a monumental church in the center of Obernai. It is one of the largest Catholic churches in Alsace!

2. Stroll along Obernai’s ramparts

Obernai is fortunate to still have a part of its ramparts. It is pleasant to walk around the city walls, which is a nice place for a short walk (about 30 minutes) and allows you to admire beautiful buildings and have a different view of Obernai.

3. Admire the view from Mount National

Here is a place not to be missed in Obernai: the top of the Mont National, on the heights of the city, where the National Memorial of Obernai is located. It is a monument erected in memory of the Alsatian soldiers incorporated by force in the German army during the Second World War. In addition to being a place full of history, it offers a superb panoramic view of Obernai. You can extend the walk by going to the wine path of Schenkenberg, a small pleasant walk in the vineyards of about 1h30.

4. Take the family to Hell Municipal Park

This is interesting for families: Obernai has a 4 hectare municipal park with a playground right next to the city center. Ideal for children! As a bonus, you will be able to observe a very beautiful giant sequoia.

5. Relax at Yonaguni Spa

Obernai is fortunate to have an award-winning spa: the Yonaguni Spa at the Hôtel du Parc. A truly beautiful place to spend a fabulous day relaxing!

6. Discover Obernai’s best addresses

Where to sleep in Obernai?

Here you’ll find my selection of hotels in Obernai. I can also recommend the lovely bed and breakfast La Villa du Coteau.

Where to eat in Obernai? Restaurants

• For traditional Alsatian cuisine: Le Freiberg or La Dime.
• For tasty market cuisine: la Stub des Gourmets
• For simple but good food (and vegetarian options!): La Soupe à Mémé
• For a gluten-free lunch or snack (but also delicious for those who eat gluten): L’Eden

Other good addresses in Obernai

• To buy an excellent kouglof and eat a good artisanal ice cream: Pâtisserie Schaeffer
• For a delicious pastry: Nostra Storia
• To buy chocolate: Jacques Bockel chocolate factory, an Alsatian chocolate maker
• To buy bredele: Alsatian Biscuit House
• To buy beautiful teddy bears (but also decorative objects): Patio

7. Visit to the Obernai Christmas Market

As early as November, the city starts to prepare the Christmas festivities, with its market, its illuminations and decorations, concerts, exhibitions, stories. Don’t miss the Christmas market in Obernai, one of the must-see events in Alsace at Christmas. It’s one of my favorites, so if you’re in Alsace at the right time, don’t hesitate to make a little detour.

8. Visit Mont Sainte-Odile

The visit of the Mont Sainte-Odile is a must for anyone who comes to visit Alsace! From Obernai, you are only 15 minutes by car from the sanctuary: it would be a shame not to combine these two visits.

9. Hiking around Mont Sainte-Odile

The forest around the Mont Sainte-Odile is beautiful and is one of the most popular places for walks in Alsace: why not do the same? You can go for short walks or longer ones according to your wishes. Here is an idea for a hike: the North Pagan Wall hike.

10. Walk in the Parc de la Léonardsau

Domaine de la Léonardsau is a little-known gem, yet it’s only 4 km from Obernai town center. It is a superb park of 9 hectares belonging to the city of Obernai and is a real haven of peace. A must see, really!

11. Visit a winery

Obernai is ideally located on the Alsace Wine Route: you will be spoilt for choice on the winegrowers to visit and to taste! Here is the list of my favorite winemakers in Alsace (but of course, I don’t know them all!).

12. Visit the Maison de la Choucroute

Obernai is located right next to the part of Alsace where sauerkraut is produced, in Krautergersheim and Meistratzheim. Some sauerkraut factories can only be visited during guided tours that take place a few times a year, but the Maison de la Choucroute of the Choucrouterie Le Pic is open all year round and allows you to learn a lot!

13. Cycling around Obernai

Don’t hesitate to take a bike ride along the Route des Vins, it’s just magnificent! The tourist office offers electrically assisted bicycles for rent, it can be practical 🙂

14. Admire the works of Spindler marquetry

The famous Spindler marquetry workshop is located in Boersch, just outside Obernai. The workshop is not open to the public, but you can discover the works of marquetry in the gallery open to the public.