What can you do in the Kaysersberg Valley when it's hot?
When temperatures soar and the Alsatian plain swelters under the summer heat, the Kaysersberg Valley reveals all its charms. Nestled between the vineyards and the Vosges Mountains, our valley offers a wide range of activities designed to help you stay cool without sacrificing your vacation fun. Shady parks, outdoor pools, hikes through high-altitude forests, air-conditioned museums, and cool wine cellars: here’s your complete guide to enjoying the valley even in the heat. Check out our ideas for things to do when it’s hot!
1. The Kaysersberg Swimming Pool
When the heat really starts to intensify, nothing beats a good swim. In the summer, the Arc-en-Ciel Water Park in Kaysersberg features a beautiful, shaded 3-hectare park with a playground, a wading pool, water play areas, multi-sport fields, and beach volleyball courts…
Inside the aquatic center, you’ll find a lap pool, a 200 m² recreational pool, and a wading pool. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the cool water!
2. Get a bird's-eye view at Lac Blanc
One of the best ways to beat the heat in the valley? Head up to higher ground! The Lac Blanc resort offers a natural refuge at an elevation of over 1,000 meters.
Naturally fresher air
Nestled in a mountain valley, the Lac Blanc resort, located at an elevation of 1,200 meters, offers a wonderful playground for enjoying the fresh air and greenery.
Forest Hikes: Shade Guaranteed
Forest trails are ideal for walking without suffering from the heat. Under the canopy of the Vosges, the temperature drops by several degrees, and the sound of babbling brooks accompanies every step. Nestled at an elevation of 1,055 meters, this mountain lake offers an exceptional natural setting, combining forests, mountain peaks, and breathtaking panoramic views (please note that swimming in Lac Blanc and Lac Noir is prohibited).
Our selection of shaded hikes;
Find more accessible hikes on our website on the Hikes page, using the “forest, mountain” filters
💡 Tip for staying cool: Go for a walk early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or in the late afternoon. At higher elevations, it stays cool almost all the time under the trees, even in the middle of July.
High-Altitude Activities for the Whole Family
The resort offers a wide variety of activities to explore:
- Tricky Track’ rail sledge
- Lac Blanc Aventure Tree-top Adventure, with several trails, deep in the forest
- Barefoot trail for the whole family, a journey designed to awaken all your senses, featuring tree bark, pine needles, and water…
- Till and Froll Fun Trail for some family fun with a scavenger hunt in the mountains (using the roadbook).
- Bike Park to ride the downhill mountain bike trails! Get ready for an adrenaline rush.
💡 Good to know: Check the opening hours before you go.
3. Winery Tours
What would Alsace be without its wine cellars? The Kaysersberg Valley is surrounded by renowned vineyards, and the local winemakers’ cellars offer a twofold benefit in the summer: the natural coolness of the cellars (consistently between 12 and 15 °C) and the chance to discover the great wines of Alsace.
The Kaysersberg Valley is home to many passionate winemakers. Alsace wines truly reflect the region’s style: fresh, aromatic, and easy to enjoy.
Here are a few ideas for winery tours:
- Tours of wineries in the Kaysersberg wine region (Sigolsheim, Kientzheim), Ammerschwihr, and Katzenthal.
- Tastings of Alsatian grape varieties and Grand Crus.
🍷 Important reminder: Wine tasting is a pleasure to be enjoyed in moderation. Designate a driver or take public transportation to get home safely.
5. Relax on the terrace
In the mood for a gourmet break? In the Kaysersberg Valley, take a seat on the patio at one of our local producers’ establishments and savor a local specialty in a warm and welcoming setting. The artisans welcome you to share their passion and introduce you to the flavors of the Alsatian region.
In the heart of the villages, take the time to sample a local specialty while enjoying a pleasant evening together as the temperatures cool off.
4. In the shade in the parks
Lefébure Park in Orbey
Lefébure Park, located in the center of Orbey (behind City Hall), is a green space. With its century-old trees that filter the sun’s rays, it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing break in the heart of the village.
Practical Tips:
- Best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Plan a picnic in the shade (check out our recommendations for enjoying delicious local products).
- Stop by the “Marché des Saveurs d’En Haut” in the evening, it takes place every Wednesday starting June 24.
Albert Schweitzer Park in Kaysersberg
The park, featuring a bust in his likeness, offers a lush, shaded setting right in the heart of the medieval village. It’s a peaceful place to take a stroll, perfect for catching your breath between sightseeing stops, just a stone’s throw from Kaysersberg’s colorful streets.
6. The Valley's Museums: Culture in the Cool Air
When temperatures rise, the museums in the Kaysersberg Valley offer a great way to enjoy your stay while staying cool.
History, heritage, craftsmanship, and famous Alsatian figures: set out to explore four iconic sites that capture the spirit of our region.
The Movie Theater in Orbey
When summer temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a break at Le Cercle movie theater in Orbey. Located in the center of the village, its large auditorium is run by passionate volunteers and welcomes you to a comfortable setting with its 186 renovated seats. It’s the perfect outing to enjoy the big screen!
So, the next time the temperature rises, look no further: a cool escape awaits at the end of the valley. Explore, stroll, savor, and let yourself be surprised by all that this corner of Alsace has to offer, even under the summer sun.
Have a question? Ask Klia, our virtual guide
Klia, our chatbot, is available 24/7 to answer all your questions about the Kaysersberg Valley: weather, things to do, events, hiking ideas… Ask her your questions on WhatsApp—she’s full of ideas.
