BREISACH

Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 36 miles north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl.


I am going to visit Breisach Germany in December. What the best thinks to tour on my own?

CHATGPT

Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine River, offers a mix of history, scenic views, and festive vibes in December. Here are some of the best things to explore on your own:

1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansmünster)

  • Perched atop Münsterberg Hill, this iconic Gothic cathedral offers stunning architecture and panoramic views of the Rhine, Breisach, and neighboring France. Don't miss its stained glass windows and the frescoes inside.

2. Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt)

  • Breisach's Christmas market, typically held on weekends, is a delightful spot to enjoy local crafts, festive foods, and mulled wine. Check for dates and locations in the town center.

3. Rhine Promenade

  • Take a peaceful walk along the Rhine River. The promenade offers lovely views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby Vosges Mountains in France.

4. Historical Old Town

  • Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Breisach's Old Town, lined with quaint houses, cafes, and shops. Explore the local bakeries for authentic German pastries.

5. Museum of City History (Museum für Stadtgeschichte)

  • Learn about Breisach’s fascinating history, from its Roman roots to its strategic importance in the Middle Ages.

6. Blue House (Das Blaue Haus)

  • Visit this historic building, which now serves as a cultural and meeting center, to experience local art and history exhibits.

7. Tour the Vineyards

  • Breisach is in the heart of the Baden wine region. Walk or bike through the vineyards and sample local wines at one of the many wineries or wine taverns.

8. Rheinschifffahrt (Rhine River Cruise)

  • Even in winter, short cruises on the Rhine offer a unique perspective of the town and its surroundings. Check local operators for availability in December.

9. Visit the French Border (Neuf-Brisach)

10. Local Dining

  • Enjoy hearty German cuisine at local restaurants. Try specialties like Flammkuchen, Sauerbraten, and seasonal dishes featuring wild game or festive sweets like Lebkuchen.

Breisach is compact and easy to explore on foot, but dress warmly for December weather. Its charm is perfect for a quiet, self-guided tour!


INCLUDED EXCURSION: 
Freiburg Yuletide Market & Organ Concert
Duration: 4 hours (Sightseeing, Easy)


Enjoy Christmas Festivities and Music

Discover Freiburg, the city known for its medieval old town and enchanting Christmas markets. Admire the scenery on a panoramic drive to the city, situated on the southern edge of the Black Forest, followed by a stroll through the historic center. Follow your guide as you learn the history of Freiburg and the Christmas traditions of the past and today. A highlight of your walk is the medieval Freiburg Münster, dating back to the 13th century. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the Gothic-style cathedral has more than 90 gargoyles guarding it. Pause and admire the detailed figures dotted around the stunning landmark. Visit the Christmas market in the city’s main square and delight in the bright lights and decked-out stalls of this festive setting. Enjoy an organ recital before returning to your ship.

$$ EXCURSIONS: 

Festive Colmar & Riquewihr
Duration: 8 hours (Sightseeing, Meal, Moderate

Visit the Christmas Markets of the Alsace

Experience the historic charms of Colmar and Riquewihr, and their colorful Christmas markets. The small towns in the Alsace region of France are known for their quaint cobblestoned streets, half-timbered houses and beautiful canals.
 
Meet your guide and travel by motor coach to Colmar for a guided walking tour of its historic center. Admire the early Renaissance buildings, picturesque alleys and the Gothic architecture of St. Martin's Church. Afterward, you will enjoy free time to explore the delightful Christmas market stalls.
 
You will rejoin your guide for lunch at a local restaurant where you will savor authentic Alsatian cuisine, an interesting infusion of French and German fare.

Continue to the nearby town of Riquewihr, home to vibrant shops and a quaint Christmas market. Enjoy time at your leisure to browse the stalls and sample local delicacies if you wish.


Medieval Staufen & Schnapps Distillery
Duration: 4 hours (Sightseeing, Special Interest, Culinary, Moderate*

Stroll Storied Old Town and Visit Renowned Distiller

Explore the charming town of Staufen and sample the wares of a renowned schnapps distillery. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, Staufen is known for its association with Faust, the protagonist of the famous German legend. Join your guide on a stroll through the Old Town, its cobblestone streets lined with many examples of colorful 16th-century architecture. Learn about the town’s history and Faust’s bargain with the devil. Admire views of the ruins of medieval Stauf Castle, set high on a terraced hilltop. Cap your tour at the Schladerer distillery, a family-run business that has been practicing their craft for nearly two centuries. Gain insight into their innovative production process and enjoy a few samples of their delicious schnapps, a clear brandy distilled with fruit. Afterward, discover more of Staufen on your own, before returning to your ship.


Medieval Staufen & Wine
Duration: 4 hours (Sightseeing, Special Interest, Culinary, Moderate)

Stroll Storied Old Town and Missbach Winery

Explore the charming town of Staufen and sample the wares of an organic winery. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, Staufen is known for its association with Faust, the protagonist of the famous German legend. Join your guide on a stroll through the Old Town, its cobblestone streets lined with many examples of colorful 16th-century architecture. Learn about the town’s history and Faust’s bargain with the devil. Admire views of the ruins of medieval Stauf Castle, set high on a terraced hilltop. Enjoy free time to further explore Staufen, then transfer to the small town of Ebringen for a visit to the Missbach winery, family-owned since 1758. Learn about the production methods and the winery’s pioneering role in producing organic wines, then head to the rustic cellar for a tasting of several different wines. Afterward, you will return to your ship.


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