Located in the heart of Alsace, between Strasbourg and the Vosges Mountains, Saverne is a charming town known for its historic architecture, picturesque streets and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer holiday, there are plenty of things to do in Saverne and the surrounding area.
From the impressive Château des Rohan to the spectacular Haut-Barr Castle, the famous Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane and the villages along the Marne-Rhine Canal, the region offers a wonderful mix of heritage, nature and outdoor activities.
Saverne is also an ideal starting point for exploring Alsace by boat. With Riverly, you can rent a comfortable houseboat without a licence and spend a week discovering the region at your own pace.
Saverne and the surrounding area at a glance
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Château des Rohan: one of Saverne’s most recognisable landmarks, located in the town centre.
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Saverne Old Town: explore charming streets and admire traditional Alsatian architecture.
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Haut-Barr Castle: enjoy spectacular views over the Alsatian plain.
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Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane: discover an impressive engineering achievement on the Marne-Rhine Canal.
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Lutzelbourg: visit a picturesque village surrounded by forests and hills.
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Dabo Rock: admire panoramic views from this remarkable natural landmark.
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Marmoutier and Graufthal: discover the region’s heritage and unusual rock houses.
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A week on a houseboat: explore Saverne and the Alsatian countryside from the water with Riverly.
1. Visit Château des Rohan, Saverne’s iconic landmark
Château des Rohan is one of the most famous sights in Saverne. Located in the town centre, this impressive building is often referred to as the “Little Versailles of Alsace” because of its monumental façade.
Built in the 18th century for the Prince-Bishops of Strasbourg, the château is a striking example of classical architecture. Today, it houses a museum and cultural spaces, hosting exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth taking the time to admire the building from the outside and enjoy the square in front of it.
2. Explore Saverne’s Old Town and Maison Katz
Saverne’s historic centre is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Its colourful façades, traditional Alsatian houses and small streets create a welcoming atmosphere.
One of the town’s most remarkable buildings is Maison Katz, a beautiful Renaissance house dating from the late 16th century. Its richly decorated timber-framed façade makes it one of the highlights of the town’s architectural heritage.
Take your time wandering through the streets, stopping at a café or discovering the local shops. It’s a lovely way to experience the character of Saverne.
3. Discover Haut-Barr Castle and its spectacular views
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Saverne, Haut-Barr Castle is one of the most impressive sites in the area.
Known as the “Eye of Alsace”, this medieval castle offers exceptional views over the Alsatian plain and, on a clear day, as far as the Black Forest. Its remains are built on three sandstone rocks connected by a small bridge, creating a particularly striking setting.
The site is accessible via a walk from the surrounding area. It’s a great place for anyone who enjoys history, nature and panoramic views.
4. See the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane
Around 13 km from Saverne, the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane is one of the most fascinating sights along the Marne-Rhine Canal.
Opened in 1969, this impressive structure allows boats to overcome a difference in height of around 45 metres. Rather than passing through a series of traditional locks, boats are transported in a large water-filled carriage that moves along an inclined railway.
The site is a must-see for visitors interested in engineering and inland waterways. You can learn more about how it works and discover the history of this unique structure during a visit. Opening times and visitor activities may vary depending on the season.
5. Stop in Lutzelbourg, a charming village in the Vosges
Nestled in a green valley along the Marne-Rhine Canal, Lutzelbourg is a lovely village to explore.
Its peaceful atmosphere, stone houses and surrounding forests make it a pleasant stop during a trip through the region. You can also discover the ruins of Lutzelbourg Castle, which overlook the village and offer beautiful views of the valley.
The village is particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy walking, cycling and exploring small towns away from the main tourist routes.
6. Admire the views from Dabo Rock
Located in the Vosges Mountains, Dabo Rock is a spectacular natural landmark rising above the surrounding forests.
At the top, the Saint-Léon Chapel stands on the sandstone rock, offering impressive panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. The area is popular with walkers and nature lovers, with several trails to explore.
Dabo is a great destination for a day trip from Saverne if you want to discover another side of the region and enjoy its natural landscapes.
7. Discover Marmoutier and the rock houses of Graufthal
The area around Saverne is full of heritage sites and unusual places worth discovering.
In Marmoutier, you can visit the impressive Romanesque abbey church, known for its remarkable architecture and historical significance.
A little further away, the village of Graufthal is famous for its extraordinary rock houses. Built directly into the sandstone cliffs, these unusual dwellings were inhabited until the 20th century. Their colourful façades and unique setting make them one of the region’s most distinctive attractions.
These two places offer an interesting insight into the history and traditional architecture of Alsace.
8. Enjoy Saverne’s gardens and green spaces
If you’re looking for a quieter activity, Saverne also has some lovely green spaces to explore.
The Rose Garden is a particularly pleasant place to visit during the flowering season. It features a wide variety of roses and offers a peaceful setting for a relaxing walk.
The Botanical Garden is another option for nature lovers, with different plant species to discover in a green and carefully maintained environment.
These gardens are ideal for taking a break between visits and enjoying a slower pace of travel.
Discover Saverne and Alsace on a week-long houseboat holiday
What better way to explore Saverne and the surrounding Alsatian countryside than by travelling along its canals?
With Riverly, you can rent a fully equipped houseboat without a licence and set off on a 7-night round-trip cruise from Saverne. Your boat becomes your floating accommodation, allowing you to discover the region at your own pace, with a different stop along the water each day.
The Riverly itinerary “Nature and Historic Heritage” takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes and waterways of the region, including:
- Lutzelbourg, a charming village surrounded by wooded hills.
- Saint-Louis-Arzviller, home to the impressive inclined plane.
- Niderviller, a peaceful stop along the canal.
- Mittersheim, where you can enjoy the natural surroundings.
This itinerary is a great way to experience the Marne-Rhine Canal and discover Alsace from a different perspective. You can moor along the way, explore the villages and plan excursions to nearby attractions such as Haut-Barr Castle or Dabo Rock.
A houseboat holiday is also an accessible experience: no boating licence or previous experience is required. Before departure, the Riverly team provides a practical introduction to the boat and explains the basics of navigation.
Riverly offers a range of boats for 2 to 12 people, making it easy to plan a holiday as a couple, with family or with friends.
