Situated at the border with Germany, Alsace has a long history dating back to pre-roman times. It’s an area where battles have been fought and Alsace was invaded and switched back and forth several times between France and Germany. Now, a part of France, it shares its cultural identity with both countries. The German and French influence is visible among other things in the names of towns and cities as well as in their language. Alsatian is an Alemannic dialect related to Swabian and Swiss German. Since the end of the Second World War, however, when Alsace was annexed by France, most Alsatians speak primarily French.

Here you can find more about the fascinating history of the region: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsace.

Together with my nephew and friends, I spent a few days in this lovely part of the world that had been unknown to me until now. I was charmed by the beautiful timber frame homes and lush gardens in the villages and towns, by the warm and friendly people, and the gorgeous landscape. Alsace or Elsass is definitely worth a visit.

And the food was excellent. I loved the so-called Flammekueche or La Tarte Flambée, a kind of thin pizza-like dish:

The Alsace is also a famous wine region with a perfect climate to produce mainly white wine, Riesling and Gewuerztraminer among others.

One of the most fascinating sights was the amazing castles that tower above the countryside. Here are a few pictures of Haut-Koenigsbourg (note the combination of German and French in the name of the castle).

Artistic and functional: A “Kachelofen” or a tiled stove with beautiful carvings.

Near the castle is another fascinating sight: the castle Kintzheim above the town with the same name. The highlight there, aside from the castle itself, is the Volerie des Aigles (Flight of the Eagles) with its birds of prey show. Here these endangered animals are raised and protected.

After a few fun-packed days, we’re back in Switzerland to relax for a while. There is an extensive heat wave all over Europe. In Switzerland, we find some shelter from the heat in lakes, swimming pools, and forests.

On my morning walk through the forest, I discovered these wood sculptures carved into the left-over trunks of trees that had been cut down. Enjoy!