Alsace Wine Route Day 1

 Today’s walk began in  Kayserberg and ended in Ribeauville. A total of about 6 miles through the vineyards. A lovely French Uber driver took us from Colmar to Kayserberg to begin today’s journey. His name was Omar. He was very friendly and engaged us in lively conversation (mainly in English) about family and politics and the environment. 

After a coffee and nutella crepe, we hiked up a hillside path to explore the ruins of this castle built in 1265! 

Kayserberg is the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. There are informational kiosks featuring his reflections on reverence for life throughout the village.

 Albert Schweitzer monument. 

 

We wandered through a lovely outdoor village market admiring the beautiful fruits and vegetables. We bought golden apricots that were unbelievably sweet. 

All along the vineyard roads are statues like this. 

An amusing advertisement for a pastry shoppe. 

A typical village square with fountain. This one features a statue of Saint Augustine. 

Unusual cattails outside a church. I’ll have to look these up. 

Most of the medieval Alsatian villages are walled with ramparts, towers and gates. 

Our evening meal at Cafe Fritz was salads with warm goat cheese, a tarte flambee with escargot and onion soup. 

After dinner we ended the day with a hike above the village of Ribeauville. Incredible views!