Alsace Wine Route and Black Forest
Where French vineyards meet German forests — a journey of taste and tarmac.
Alsace Wine Route and Black Forest
This four-day driving adventure combines the romance of the Alsace Wine Route with the thrilling roads of Germany's Black Forest. Starting in the historic city of Strasbourg, you'll wind your way through the heart of one of France's most picturesque wine regions — a 170km ribbon through 70 villages and over 1,000 wine producers. You'll have the opportunity to sample world-class Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, and to immerse yourself in the unique Franco-Germanic culture of Alsace. The journey then crosses the Rhine into Germany, where you'll take on the legendary Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (B500). Paved since 1932, this iconic 60km road offers 10% gradients, dense forest canopy, and a mix of challenging corners and fast, sweeping sections. The route concludes in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden.
## The Drive
**Road Surface:** 9/10 | **Scenery:** 9/10 | **Technical Difficulty:** 6/10
**Best Season:** May-October
**Recommended Cars:** Grand Tourer, Sports Car, Convertible
"Where the vineyards of Alsace meet the dark pines of the Schwarzwald, you find a road that feeds every sense — not just the one behind the wheel."
The Stable
Quick Facts
192 Miles, 4 Rally Points
A curated driving experience through some of the most beautiful roads in the region.
Discover the Alsace Wine Route and Black Forest Route
This route pack includes 4 expertly curated rally points across 192 miles of stunning driving roads. Become a member to unlock the full interactive route map and detailed driving notes.
See What's Inside
Explore a sample of the Alsace Wine Route and Black Forest route pack. The first 2 Rally Points are fully visible — become a member to unlock all 4 segments plus insider tips for every stop.
What You Get
Trip Planning Essentials
Route-specific logistics to help you plan ahead. Fuel stops, cell coverage, reservation requirements, and recommended apps for this drive.
Fuel Stops
Fuel is readily available in the larger towns like Strasbourg, Colmar, and Baden-Baden. However, stations can be sparse along the rural Alsace Wine Route and the Black Forest High Road (B500). It is recommended to start each day with a full tank.
Cell Coverage
Cell service is generally reliable in the towns and villages. Expect intermittent coverage and data service in the more remote areas of the Black Forest, particularly in the valleys and denser forest sections of the B500.
Advance Bookings
Reservations are highly recommended for all Michelin-starred restaurants, especially Schwarzwaldstube and L'Alchémille, which require booking months in advance. It is also wise to book accommodation well in advance, particularly during the summer and Christmas market seasons.
Driving in Villages
The wine route villages are charming but have narrow, cobbled streets. Park on the outskirts and explore on foot to avoid navigating the tight lanes. Most villages have designated parking areas for visitors.
Strasbourg & Northern Wine Route
Strasbourg to Obernai
Spend the morning exploring the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Strasbourg, including the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the charming streets of La Petite France. In the afternoon, begin your journey on the Alsace Wine Route heading south to the picturesque town of Obernai.
Depart by 9:00 AM to enjoy the morning light in Strasbourg's La Petite France. Aim to leave Strasbourg by 2:00 PM for a leisurely drive to Obernai.
The route from Strasbourg to Obernai is a mix of city driving and well-maintained country roads. Expect some traffic leaving Strasbourg, then smooth, flowing roads through vineyards. The approach to Obernai is straightforward with good signage.
Heart of the Wine Route
Obernai to Colmar
Today is dedicated to exploring the most famous section of the Alsace Wine Route. You'll drive through a succession of charming half-timbered villages — Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim — each with its own unique character. Take your time to stop, wander, and sample the local wines.
Depart Obernai around 10:00 AM. This allows for a full day of exploring the villages. Arrive in Colmar by 6:00 PM to check into your hotel before dinner.
This section is on the famous Route des Vins d'Alsace. The road is generally well-paved but can be narrow through the villages. Expect slow-moving traffic and be prepared to pull over frequently for photos. The roads between villages are winding but not challenging.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Unlock the Complete Alsace Wine Route and Black Forest
Get the full route pack with all 4 Rally Points, detailed driving notes, plus 6 curated stops with insider tips, parking notes, and reservation guidance.
Food, Wine & Experiences
Wistub Brenner
Colmar
A classic Alsatian winstub (wine tavern) in the heart of Colmar's Little Venice, known for authentic, hearty local dishes.
Don't Miss: The Choucroute garnie, a classic Alsatian dish.
Book at least a week in advance, especially for weekend dining.
Paid street parking is available nearby, but can be limited. The Parking Rapp underground garage is a 5-minute walk.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Accommodation
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Unlock the full Alsace Wine Route and Black Forest
Reviews & Ratings
2 reviews
Two countries, one perfect route
The combination of Alsace's fairy-tale villages and the Black Forest's mountain roads is inspired. The Stable found the perfect crossing points and the wine tasting stops in Alsace were exceptional. A truly European driving experience.
Charming and exhilarating
One moment you're winding through vineyards past half-timbered houses, the next you're carving through Black Forest switchbacks. The contrast is wonderful. The Stable's restaurant picks on both sides of the border were superb.
Everything You Need
Downloadable Roadbook
Offline-ready PDF with route notes, maps, and curated stops for use without signal.
Link Hub Access
Mobile-first navigation with tap-to-drive Rally Points, designed for in-car use.
Restaurant Recommendations
Curated dining with parking notes, reservation tips, and what to order.
Hotel Suggestions
Car-forward accommodations with valet, secure parking, and character.
Winery & Experience Access
Tasting room details with appointment guidance and parking notes.
Ongoing Updates
Routes are continuously updated with new stops, seasonal tips, and community feedback.
Save 30% with annual billing
$99/year for Global access — only 100 of 100 spots left
Pre-Drive Checklist
Get your car, gear, and documents ready with a checklist tailored to this route.
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Where to Eat and Stay: Alsace Wine Route and Black Forest
The best dining and accommodation for drivers tackling the Alsace Wine Route and Black Forest. From Europe restaurants to car-friendly stays, here's where The Stable recommends you stop along the way.
L'Alchémille: A Michelin-Starred Taste of Alsace in Kaysersberg
After a spirited drive through the Alsace wine route, L'Alchémille in Kaysersberg offers a Michelin-starred dining experience that is deeply connected to the region's terroir.
Schwarzwaldstube: A Three-Michelin-Star Detour in the Black Forest
After a spirited drive through the winding roads of the Black Forest, Schwarzwaldstube offers a culinary destination worthy of the journey, rewarding drivers with a world-class, three-Michelin-star dining experience.
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"Where the vineyards of Alsace meet the dark pines of the Schwarzwald, you find a road that feeds every sense — not just the one behind the wheel."
The Stable