Europa Hotel Kehl

Strasbourg

This breathtaking city is also the capital of beautiful Alsace and geographically we are in the north-east of France, very close to the border with Germany. In fact, Strasbourg is considered the capital of Europe, as it is also home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The city was founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus and was then known as Argentoratum.

A must is the famous cathedral, Cathédrale Nôtre-Dame, which is considered the centre of the city and also the centre of the old town. Between 1647 and 1874, it was the tallest building in the world with its 142-metre tower, until that record was surpassed in 1874 by the tower of St. Mary's Cathedral. Nikolajs kirche in Hamburg. It's not hard to be impressed that 1000 years ago it was possible to build such a magnificent cathedral. Although parts of the church are still built in the Romanesque style, the cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in the area.

Also visit "Petite France", a picturesque neighbourhood in the old town, located between the rivers and south of Grande Ile. Here you'll find the city's most beautiful buildings, cobbled streets, romantic little bridges and canals that criss-cross the pretty quarter. Grande Ile is an island created by the flow of the rivers and is located in the middle of Strasbourg.

Christmas market in Strasbourg

Open 26th November to 24th December - You can visit the Christmas market's own website with current information

For many, the Christmas markets in Strasbourg are one of the greatest experiences of the festive season. There is a real magic in the air when Strasbourg's Christmas markets with Christmas trees, lights, wooden huts and traditional mulled wine open every year from the end of November.

In Strasbourg, the Christmas markets help to link the festive season with spiritual faith and culture, and it's not for nothing that the Christmas markets were voted the best Christmas destination in Europe in 2013.

It is almost 450 years since the first Christmas market called "Christkindelsmärik" became a tradition in Strasbourg, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Since then, the city has continued the tradition, providing visitors with a hospitable and authentic experience of a lifetime.

The Christmas markets in Strasbourg remain one of the places you simply have to visit at Christmas time.

Musée Les Secrets du Chocolat

Not far from Strasbourg, along the Colmar wine route, you counter a small chocolate museum, 'The Secrets of Chocolate', which is a truly unique place in Alsace. Experience the creation of chocolate and try the different types and learn the difference between the different cocoa beans and how they turn into chocolate.

Obernai

Located 25 km southeast of the city of Strasbourg, in the heart of Alsace in France, the small town of Obernai is a nice stop on a driving holiday. The town has only about 11 000 inhabitants, but attracts plenty of tourists every year, not least because of its excellent wines and renowned gastronomy. Its location along the Alsace wine route also contributes to the influx of visitors. The larger city of Strasbourg, with the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice, has contributed to a revival of the formerly rural area.

Visit the Domaine de la Léonardsau museum and discover the town's old castles and ruins.

Fort of Mutzig

Fort de Mutzig, also known as 'Fort Kaiser Wilhelm II', is located near the town of Mutzig in the Bas-Rhin region of France. The fortress was built by the Germans towards the end of the 19th century and the purpose of Fort de Mutzig was to defend Strasbourg. Interestingly, it was the first new fortification to be built in German territory, following the invention of high explosives, which rendered many types of masonry fortifications obsolete at the stroke of a pen.

The beautiful scenery is also an experience in itself, so make sure you bring your camera along for the ride.

Haguenau

Take a driving holiday to the small town of Haguenau, located in Alsace Haguenau Nord, about 35 km north of Strasbourg. Today, the town is home to over 35,000 inhabitants and has acted as a hub throughout history thanks to its central and beautiful location, in the middle of a large forest of over 14,000 hectares. Surrounded by greenery, Haguenau, with its 580 shops and markets, is also a good place to stop for a spot of shopping. There are restaurants and bars and in fact it's quite a lively little town.

Haguenau was founded around 1115 by Frederick Borgne and after a rich and turbulent period including fire and German takeover, Haguenau is today the largest centre of employment in northern Alsace.

The city has two museums and there are many monuments in the heart of the city.

Ottenhöfen

The charming village of Ottenhöfen has around 1,800 inhabitants and is peacefully located between mountains and orchards. The town is a good starting point for hikes in and around the town. Ottenhöfen is known for its nine historic mills and a beautiful waterfall, which you can pass on your walk. You can also take a slightly harder 5km walk up to the top of the Karlsruher Grat cliff. Once you reach the top, the walk will be worth it for the stunning views. However, it is also possible to reach the cliff top by a slightly longer but easier route.

In summer, you can take the steam train, which runs on the line from Ottenhöfen, through the Acher Valley and to Achern. The line is only 11 km long, but it's a beautiful ride. While you're in Ottenhofen, of course, try some of the local specialities, such as the Schwarzwaldertorte cake or locally brewed schnapps.

Waterfalls All Saints

Near the town of Oppenau in the Black Forest you will find the beautiful Wasserfälle Allerheiligen , which were hidden until the 19th century. In 1840, a path was created to access the valley where the falls are located. The waterfall consists of 7 falls, the longest of which - the middle one - reaches 13 metres. The name "All Saints" does not come from the divine sight, but is called this because the area, for centuries, belonged to the Premonstratensian monastery of All Saints. Today only the remains remain, which you will find a few hundred metres from the waterfall.

Bouxwiller

Drive to Bouxwiller in France, which is also one of the most beautiful towns in northern Alsace, known for its architectural and historical treasures. The town has retained its charm with its half-timbered houses and narrow streets and around the castle park you can still admire the buildings that were once part of the Cathedral.

Bouxwiller is an active town that also attracts many tourists, especially in summer, but the famous Christmas market is certainly an experience too, and starts in early December. Bouxwiller is also known for its big hill, Bastberg, from where there is a great view over the whole area, which by the way is also known for its many witches!

Bouxwiller dates back to Roman times and was already mentioned in a document in the year 725. There are a number of museums in the town, Pays de Hanau and Musee Judeo-Alsacien, and it's easy to spend days in the charming little town. Find a cheap weekend break for the whole family in Alsace with child-friendly hotels and plenty of exciting things to do in the area, including those for children.

Black Forest

The Romans gave the Black Forest its name: "Silva Nigra" - the black forest and the Black Forest is today one of the most romantic destinations in Germany. There are many opportunities for scenic excursions. Try, for example, "Die Schwarzwald Panoramastrasse". This stretch is 70 km long and offers countless beautiful viewpoints. In clear weather, it's actually possible to see the Alps! You can start the tour in Waldkirch (near Freiburg) and continue along steep mountain roads to St Peter's Monastery. Then on to the mountain Kandel to St. Märgen with the famous monastery church. A tour like Schwarzwald-Tälerstrasse is a beautiful romantic road in the northern Black Forest.

Ruhestein National Park Centre

Ahead of your trip in the Black Forest, it might be useful to have some information and guidance. At 900 metres above sea level, the Ruhestein National Park Centre has staff on hand to assist with tour planning, answer questions and provide tips. The visitor centre also houses a small permanent exhibition which provides information about the beautiful area, the geology, the rare animal species and the history of the Black Forest.

EuropaPark Rust

Go on a cheap  car holiday in Europe and visit Germany's largest - and Europe's second most popular - amusement park! Here, the whole family can have a great experience with everything ranging from carousels and wild slides to adventures and virtual reality. EuropaPark Rust is an obvious destination for a visit during a family holiday.

Château Dietrich

Château Dietrich, also known as the Reichshoffen Castle, is a fantastic castle with a lot of interesting history attached to it. The lovely grounds are also surrounded by a beautiful park. The castle was originally founded and built for the Duke of Lorraine in 1232, but after wear and decay the beautiful pink sandstone castle was rebuilt and today belongs to the wealthy Jean de Dietrich family.

Museum of the Battle of 6 August 1870

This unique museum is completely dedicated to the battle that took place on August 6, 1870 in the Franco-Prussian War and which ended with a French defeat. The battle was between France and Prussia's leadership and the southern German states of Baden, the Kingdom of Bavaria and Württemberg. The war led, among other things, to the start of the Third Republic following the capture and subsequent surrender of Emperor Napoleon III. As for Germany, after the war it was united under Prussia's leadership. Further consequences for France were the loss of Alsace and Moselle, which remained German for 48 long years.

The museum exhibits swords, firearms, uniforms and helmets as well as everything a soldier in the French army in 1870 needed in the art of survival. There are also many beautiful paintings and a total of 1,300 fascinating objects on display, all bearing witness to the tragic past.

Caracalla Spa

During a holiday in Baden-Baden, it's a must to visit the famous Caracalla Therme, a modern take on a traditional thermal bathhouse. Here you can indulge your senses with a wide range of different saunas, pools and wellness experiences. Perfect for a relaxing day in the luxurious surroundings of Baden-Baden.