Breisach, Germany, may not have the name recognition of larger cities like Berlin or Munich, but don’t let that sway your decision of whether or not to visit. Set within the Rhine Valley, Breisach is home to historical landmarks, picturesque vineyards producing Riesling and Pinot wines, and a charming, compact historic old town.
There’s plenty to see and do here, whether it’s wandering the medieval cobbled streets, sampling local wines, or enjoying a picnic along the Rhine. From its vineyards to nearby natural escapes, Breisach proves that small towns can leave a lasting impression.
Why Visit Breisach, Germany
Old Town
There are many compelling reasons to visit Breisach, Germany. For starters, its location serves as a gateway to the Black Forest and Alsace, just across the French border. The medieval town center has the quintessential cobbled streets that many European cities are known for, making it easy to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
Modern-day Breisach is just as intriguing. It sits along the Rhine and is within one of Germany’s best wine regions. Many vineyards and wineries offer guided tours and tastings where visitors can sample local Riesling and other regional varieties.
History & Culture
Old Town
While historians are not sure of the exact year Breisach was founded, the city’s history goes back over 4,000 years. The earliest milestone was in the year 369, when Emperor Valentinian I issued an edict in Breisach calling for new fortifications along the Rhine, which has long been a vital trade artery in Europe.
While today, the river is primarily a scenic spot for boat rides, you can still see remnants of the city walls and gates. Barges chug up and down on their long journey between the North Sea and the Black Sea, a reminder that the Rhine is still a major trade route.
Its hilltop location and proximity to the river have long made Breisach the center of power struggles and sieges. Power over Breisach shifted several times between the French and Germans.
The town suffered its most considerable damage during the Thirty Years’ War, most notably during the Siege of Breisach in 1638. Centuries later, about 85% of Breisach was destroyed in World War II, but the town was carefully rebuilt to preserve its historic character.
Vineyard
From a cultural lens, Breisach also has a strong connection to both wine and architecture. Throughout the year, the German city hosts various wine and viticulture festivals and events celebrating the local community. Architecturally, a wander through Breisach’s cobbled streets takes you past buildings highlighting both German and French influences.
Wildlife & Nature Near Breisach
Kaiserstuhl Hills
Beyond the historic Breisach city streets, there is plenty of nature and wildlife to explore. Located about an hour away by car, Breisach serves as a gateway to the Black Forest. It’s one of Germany’s most famous natural regions, and for good reason. Within the forest, you’ll find dense woodlands, rolling hills, and scenic hiking trails leading to expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
On any given day, you might spot wildlife ranging from deer and foxes to wild boars, badgers, and a variety of bird species. Depending on the season, the forest comes alive with wildflowers, ferns, and other foliage.
Another nearby natural attraction is the Kaiserstuhl Hills, best known for their vineyards, orchards, and grasslands. If you visit in spring or summer, wildflowers bloom and butterflies flit about. Wildlife spotting is also rewarding here, from rabbits and deer to hedgehogs. Many paths run through the vineyards, letting visitors enjoy immersion in nature.
Taubergiessen Nature Reserve
For a different type of adventure, consider heading to Taubergiessen Nature Reserve, located along the Rhine floodplain. Canoeing and guided boat tours are popular ways to explore the area. However, walking paths are also available for visitors who prefer to explore on foot. Birdwatchers may want to time their visit for the spring or fall months, as many species migrate during this time.
Tips for Visiting Breisach
Breisach
If you’re planning to explore nearby areas, such as the Black Forest or a vineyard or two, it’s best to get an early start. Starting early allows ample time to get there and back, and plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.
The medieval cobbled streets of Breisach’s old town are easy to explore on foot and are less time-sensitive. The area is relatively compact, though hilly in places, so comfortable shoes are recommended. You really only need a few hours to see the main attractions, like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Rathaus, or town hall.
While mornings and early afternoons are ideal for sightseeing around the hilltop old town, late afternoons and early evenings are perfect for enjoying cafés and wine bars with views of the Rhine. The river actually forms the border between Germany and France but thanks to the Schengen Agreement, you can walk or drive across with no formal border crossing.
Things to Do & Attractions
Breisach Old Town
Old Town
Exploring Alt-Breisach on foot gives you a real sense of the town’s history. Most of the buildings were rebuilt after World War II, but the streets still follow the original medieval layout. You’ll see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, cobblestone streets, historic-style buildings, and parts of the old fortifications.
Take your time exploring Breisach, as there are plenty of details to notice along the way. You might pass through centuries-old gates, see German landmarks like the Radbrunnenturm, or come across the entrance to a wine cellar where visitors can sample wines from nearby vineyards.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Built between the late 12th century and the 15th century, St. Stephen’s Minster dominates the town of Breisach and the Rhine Valley. It showcases both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, a reflection of its prolonged construction period.
After admiring the cathedral’s exterior, step inside to view more unique architectural and artistic highlights. Some of the first things you’ll notice are the ribbed vaults, the pulpit from 1597, wood carving, and even a faded fresco of The Last Judgment by Martin Schongauer. There is also a silver reliquary, created in 1496, that holds the relics of Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasius.
Münsterplatz
Münsterplatz
If you’ve made it to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you’ve also found Münsterplatz, a lively square in the heart of Breisach’s old town. The square is also home to the Altes Rathaus and a bronze fountain called the Münsterbrunnen designed by Klaus Ringwald.
The square is the town’s social hub and where most big events take place, from seasonal festivals and live music performances to local markets. With cafés and restaurants lining the perimeter, it’s a perfect spot for coffee, lunch, or simply watching the world go by.
Museum of Breisach City History
Museum of Breisach City History
For a deeper dive into Breisach’s past, spend an hour or two at the city history museum, set within the Rhine Gate. A relic in its own right, the Rhine Gate is one of the few remaining vestiges of Vauban’s Baroque fortifications.
The museum houses exhibits detailing the town’s approximately 4,000-year history, going all the way back to the Stone Age. The detailed city model is a must-see and is especially helpful for visual learners. This map illustrates how Breisach evolved over the centuries and where medieval walls, gates, and key buildings once stood.
You’ll also find religious artifacts, historical maps and documents, artwork, and military memorabilia which include weapons and armor from conflicts like the Thirty Years’ War.
Local Markets and Craft Shops
Marktplatz
Breisach offers a variety of local shopping experiences. A weekly market at Marktplatz features fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, honey, and baked goods. While this market is mainly frequented by locals doing their grocery shopping for the week, it can be fun for visitors, too.
While Marktplatz is only held on Saturdays, you can shop for local handicrafts any day of the week. Stores specialize in arts and crafts from the region, which include items such as handcrafted glass pieces and cuckoo clocks, which originated in the Black Forest, among others. You may also find items such as handmade pottery, textiles, and hand-poured candles.
Festivals and Wine Events
Wine
Breisach’s identity as a wine town makes it a natural host for festive events. The Kaiserstuhl Wine Festival, also known locally as the Pinot and Rock Festival, is a four-day celebration held from late August to early September. It features wine, live music, and plenty of revelry.
Another highlight is the Breisacher Stadtfest, a traditional town festival with music, parades, food stalls, and local crafts that brings the community together in celebration.
Cycle Along the Rhine River
Rhine River
One of the best ways to tour Breisach and the surrounding area is by bike. The city sits on the EuroVelo 15 route, a mostly flat cycle path that follows the Rhine. From Breisach, cycling through the hills of the Kaiserstuhl wine region makes for an easy 10–15 mile round-trip and offers a chance to stop at local wineries.
Another option is to cross the river into France and visit Neuf-Brisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its star-shaped fortifications.
Explore the Black Forest
Black Forest
No trip to Breisach is complete without a visit to the Black Forest. Depending on where you go, the drive takes 30 minutes to just over an hour. Freiburg is the closest gateway, only about half an hour away, and is often considered the best jumping-off point.
Before heading deeper into the forest, take some time to enjoy Freiburg’s old town, or ride the Schauinslandbahn cable car for panoramic views over the city and hilly, wooded countryside.
Visit Colmar, France
Colmar, France
Just across the Rhine, about 30 minutes by car, you’ll reach Alsace in France. The medieval town of Colmar is the highlight here, with pastel-colored half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets, and canals. The Petite Venise or Little Venice district is especially photo-worthy. When you’re done exploring, you can relax with a glass of Alsatian white wine.
Food & Drink
Flammkuchen
Breisach may be a relatively small city, but don’t let that deter you from exploring its culinary side. From cafés offering outdoor seating to fine dining establishments serving traditional dishes that showcase both German and French culinary influences, there’s plenty to enjoy.
There are a few local specialties definitely worth trying. Flammkuchen is a thin, crisp flatbread topped with crème fraîche, sliced onions, and small pieces of bacon. It’s similar to pizza and always makes for a flavorful meal. Spätzle, an egg-based pasta, is a staple in southern German cuisine and is especially popular during the winter season.
Black Forest gâteau
For something sweet, try Black Forest gâteau, a delicious chocolate-and-cherry cake layered with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Some versions also include a splash of cherry brandy.
When it comes to wines, Breisach is best known for white varietals like Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. For reds, you’re likely to see Spätburgunder, which is a Pinot Noir, on the menu.
Asparagus
If you happen to visit between mid-April and late June, you’ll get to experience Spargelzeit, or asparagus season in Breisach. During this time there are local festivals celebrating all things asparagus and plenty of chances to buy fresh asparagus from local farmers and enjoy tasting menus in restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
Breisach
Breisach is enchanting at practically any time of year. In spring, the vines are just coming into leaf and there will be wildflowers in the Black Forest. Summers are generally hot and sunny, with average highs around 82–90°F.
In fall, the vines are harvested, which can be a joyful time to visit; the harvest is usually in full swing in September and October. The deciduous trees in the Black Forest are assuming their fiery autumnal hues in fall, too.
December sees the beginning of the festive season, with cold days and sometimes, snowfall. Like many towns along the Rhine, Breisach celebrates with a traditional Christmas market.
Old Town
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