As an option on our Viking cruise, we can spend a half day in Colmar on a Saturday in mid-September, but I understand that it is often crowded and that the emphasis on tourism can detract from some of the city's nicer features (history, culture, architecture) - any recent positive or negative experiences there? Thanks
Posted by
Canada
103 posts
I was in Colmar during the opening weekend of their Christmas Market a few years ago, which is a very busy time. I didn't find a greater emphasis on tourism than you would see in most places and enjoyed it very much.
Posted by
London
1571 posts
We were in Colmar in late May for the bank holiday weekend and had a lovely time. I imagine it will be a bit less crowded in September.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10440 posts
I was in Colmar in June when the temperature reached 101 degrees! It was still very crowded and very touristy. It was also very picturesque. I ended up walking around a bit and then seeking refuge in the museum which was much cooler.
I think it will make a difference whether you do this near the beginning or end of your cruise. At the beginning, these old half timbered houses may make you gasp and think you’ve been transported into the Beauty and Beast movie. At the end of your cruise, particularly after Strasbourg, it may seem like it is not as unique of an experience.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8686 posts
Colmar won’t be any more crowded than Strasbourg. Both are major tourist destinations. We visited both in May 2023 and there were plenty of tourists in each.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9485 posts
We were in Colmar for a few days in September in 2024. It was certainly busy, and yes, there were lots of tourists in the old center, but that is to be expected. We had a nice time, could avoid the worst of the crowds and tour groups.
Your experience may vary depending on whether this is an organized guided tour as a group, or you are simply transported there and allowed to roam. Obviously, being amid one of the groups going to the main stops in the town, you can't avoid the groups; on your own you can get off the main path and find some less populated area.
I seem to recall on itineraries your other option that day might be Freiburg, it would be similar in crowds (but it would be market day there), and maybe some type of activity near where the ship docks in Breisach, that would be less crowded, but may not be of interest to you, the town of Breisach itself sort of pales compared to Freiburg and Colmar.