Reviews: Colmar, Haut-Koenigsbourg and Ribeauvillé from Basel
The day’s itinerary
Meet at 9 a.m. at the coach parking next to the Tinguely Fountain, right in the centre of Basel.
- Colmar, 3 hrs. A stroll through the centre followed by free time, lunch at your own expense. Three hours is the longest stop in Colmar of the six excursions.
- The castle, 1 hr 15 mins, admission included. Self-guided visit with the brochure. Early afternoon, so it can be busy in season.
- Ribeauvillé, 1 hr 30 mins. A walk through the town beneath its three castles, with an optional wine tasting.
- Return to Basel around 6 p.m.
Choosing Ribeauvillé over Riquewihr was a decision I approve of: fewer crowds, and the view of Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre from the main street. The other castles visible in the area are on the page what to see around the castle.
What travellers say
Reviews fall clearly into two camps: praise for the organisation and the driver’s friendliness on one side, and criticism of the lack of guidance on the other.
The guide took very good care of us, and the three sites are stunning.
Enough time at each place. I wish the return time had been announced.
Well organised, easy-to-find meeting point.
Convenient, driver was kind and calm.
I was expecting a guide, but there wasn’t one. Still, I loved the castle.
What works
- The only departure from Basel, easy meeting point in the city centre
- Castle ticket included
- 3 hours in Colmar and Ribeauvillé instead of Riquewihr
- Driver described as calm, punctual and organised
Things to know
- Few comments: a brochure in English and German serves as a guide
- Ten hours, the longest day of the six
- No food or drink included, optional tasting
- Castle visit in the early afternoon, at peak times
Ask the driver for the return time at each stop as soon as you board the minibus and write it down—this is the most common feedback in reviews. Also, bring a credit card or some cash in euros: the castle doesn’t accept American Express, and small shops in Ribeauvillé don’t always take Swiss francs.
For whom
Those staying in Basel who want to see Alsace in a day without renting a car or changing trains in Colmar. German speakers, who have the brochure in their language. Those who prefer a long stop in Colmar over a series of villages.
Not for those who want a guided tour of the castle: in that case, take the train to Colmar and join the small guided group, which departs from central Colmar. For train and bus access from Sélestat, see schedules and access; to avoid the busiest days, see when to visit.
Two alternatives
Small groupFrom Colmar: Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle and villages, full-day small-group tour
Entry includedFrom Colmar: Alsace castle, villages and wine tasting
Frequently asked questions
Is there a guide during the castle visit?
Not exactly. The driver-guide manages the day and transportation, and you explore the castle on your own with the brochure in English or German. The ticket is included. For a guided tour, see the small group from Colmar.
How long does the day trip from Basel last?
About ten hours, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including three hours in Colmar, 1 hr 15 at the castle, and 1 hr 30 in Ribeauvillé. This is the longest of the six excursions. For the duration of the castle visit itself, see how long the visit lasts.
Where is the meeting point in Basel?
At the coach parking lot next to the Tinguely Fountain in the centre of Basel at 9 a.m. The return is at the same spot around 6 p.m. Other departure points are listed on all tours.