My husband and I are spending 5 days in Alsace this September, flying into Strasbourg and out of Bern. We would very much like to day trip to Germany to have a beer in an authentic beer garden. We are hoping to avoid renting a car. Could anyone recommend a town and beer garden to visit, including the public transportation route from anywhere in the Alsace? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8506 posts
Heidelberg is a good choice. I think about 2.5 hours by train from Strasbourg, but not direct.
Posted by
Green Bay
20250 posts
I'd say the beer gardens in Alsace are pretty authentic. Perhaps Freiburg, from Colmar with a combination bus/rail, takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours each way.
Posted by
Albany
161 posts
Only five days in Alsace? Why do you need to go anywhere else than that region to experience the food and culture of a mixed French/German experience, including beer? We based ourselves in Strassbourg, and made day trips to Colmar, Winzenheim, and Obernai, all different and wonderful.
Posted by
San Francisco
14580 posts
Hi,
I agree with Obernai, a lovely place as a day trip from Strasbourg. If you're going by train, take the S-Bahn from Strasbourg to Offenburg, change there to trains going to Germany. Instead of Heidelberg (a bit far?), how about Rastatt?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
You have some good tips above. Focus on the destinations that sound most interesting and easy to get to, instead of which side of the border they're on. Since Alsace belonged to Germany a few times, the two cultures share a lot.