Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg means emperor's mountain, and the ruined keep on the crag above the village was an imperial fortress guarding the road into Lorraine; the climb takes about fifteen minutes and the tower can be entered. Below, the Weiss runs through the middle of the village under a fortified bridge of 1514 with a small chapel built onto it. Albert Schweitzer was born here in 1875 and a museum occupies his birthplace. The church holds a carved and painted altarpiece of 1518 by Jean Bongartz. The village won a national popular vote as France's favourite village in 2017, which raised its visitor numbers sharply.

The main sights

• The imperial keep - a ruined tower on the crag, climbable in a quarter hour.
• The fortified bridge - a 1514 crossing with a chapel built onto it.
• The Schweitzer house - a museum in the doctor's birthplace.
• The carved altarpiece - a 1518 painted retable in the parish church.

When to go

April to October for wine and walking, December for the Christmas market which is one of the busiest in the region. Autumn is the best combination of colour and space.

Things to know

Since the 2017 vote it is crowded most of the year, and the Christmas market makes the lanes almost impassable. Parking is outside and fills early. The castle path is steep and rough.

Nearby

Riquewihr lies northeast; Colmar is southeast.

Key facts