We will be in the area leaving Bern early on a Sunday morning in early Sept. and headed to possibly Strasbourg for the night to catch the following morning high speed train to Paris. As I remember from past trips to Europe, not much is open on a Sunday. We had thought about stopping in Freiburg for a few hours, then head to Colmar, and end our day in Strasbourg. What would be the best way to spend a Sunday? Don't want to waste time in a place if nothing much is open. Not really looking for museums. Mostly shops, or a nice little clock shop, and just enjoying the town. Thanks.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
French shops still tend to take Sunday seriously as a day of rest. There will still be some restaurants open for lunch. Central Colmar is picturesque to wander around in general.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32791 posts
Almost all German shops will be closed on a Sunday, some restaurants will be open, and hotels. They really roll up the place.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
And the same applies to Switzerland. So even if you stay in Bern, all the shops will be closed on a Sunday. Many restaurants stay open, especially in tourist areas, but that is all. All 3 countries are close on Sundays.
Bern --> Freiburg im Breisgau --> Colmar --> Strasbourg difficult by train.
Bern --> Basel (change) --> Colmar --> Strasbourg is OK, travelling up the left side of the Rhine.
Bern --> Basel (change) --> Freiburg im Breisgau --> Offenburg (change) --> Strasbourg is also OK, travelling up the right side of the Rhine and crossing over at Strasbourg.
But, there is no train route Freiburg im Breisgau --> Colmar. That involves train + bus, and will have a very limited service (if any) on a Sunday.
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1161 posts
Wow great information. Looks like Freiburg is out - will just head straight to Colmar then Strasbourg that day. Thanks!