Colmar:
Unterlinden Museum & Isenheim Altarpiece
Colmar : Unterlinden Museum & Isenheim Altarpiece
Step into the cultural and spiritual heart of Colmar and explore one of Europe’s most powerful masterpieces at the Unterlinden Museum. This enriching experience blends art, faith, and history, centered on the world-famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a profound expression of Christian devotion and human suffering. Whether you are drawn by religious art, medieval history, or Colmar’s Alsatian charm, this visit offers deep insight and lasting inspiration.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the treasures of the Unterlinden Museum, home to the remarkable Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of religious art renowned for its intricate detail and profound spiritual message.
- Walk through the museum’s historic halls, discovering medieval and Renaissance artworks that tell stories of faith, devotion, and Alsatian heritage. Learn about the artistic techniques, symbolism, and historical context behind the Altarpiece, and appreciate how it has inspired generations of pilgrims and art lovers alike.
- Stroll through Colmar’s charming old town, with its timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and scenic canals that reflect centuries of history and culture. Pause at landmarks that celebrate the region’s artistic and religious heritage, enriching your visit with local stories and traditions.
- Conclude your experience with a reflective moment in the museum or nearby peaceful squares, leaving with a deeper understanding of Colmar’s spiritual and cultural significance.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions: Experienced tour guide, Entrance to Unterlinden Museum, Small group experience
Tour Exclusions: Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Colmar, optional donations, Entrance Fees
Distance: Approximately 1.5 km
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point: Please arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of Unterlinden Museum (1 Rue d’Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar, France). Your guide will meet you at the entrance. See the Google map for exact location.
Colmar: Unterlinden Museum & Isenheim Altarpiece
Step into the artistic and spiritual heart of Colmar on this immersive walking tour, where history, culture, and faith converge. Your journey begins at the Unterlinden Museum, home to the world-famous Isenheim Altarpiece. Here, you’ll explore the extraordinary artworks, learn about their historical context, and discover the stories behind the masterful creations that continue to inspire visitors today.
Next, admire the museum’s rich collection of medieval and Renaissance art, sacred relics, and intricate stained glass. Gain insight into the religious and cultural traditions of Alsace, and understand how the artworks reflect centuries of faith, devotion, and artistic excellence.
Stroll through the historic streets of Colmar, where every corner whispers stories of the past. Admire the half-timbered houses, quaint squares, and cobblestone streets that give the town its timeless charm. Pause to appreciate local landmarks and hidden gems that showcase Colmar’s rich heritage and vibrant community.
Along the way, uncover the history of the Dominican and Augustinian influences in the region, and see how faith and artistry intertwined to shape Colmar’s identity.
Your tour concludes back at the Unterlinden Museum, leaving you with a deeper understanding of Colmar’s artistic treasures, its spiritual history, and the enduring legacy of the Isenheim Altarpiece.
Colmar: Unterlinden Museum & Isenheim Altarpiece
Nestled in the heart of Alsace, France, Colmar is a charming town renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and spiritual heritage. At the center of its artistic treasures is the Unterlinden Museum, home to the world-famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of religious art that has captivated visitors for centuries. Art lovers and history enthusiasts alike are drawn not only by Colmar’s scenic streets and timbered houses but also by its deep cultural and spiritual significance.
The Isenheim Altarpiece
Created in the early 16th century by Matthias Grünewald and Nikolaus of Haguenau, the Isenheim Altarpiece was originally designed for the Monastery of St. Anthony in Isenheim. Its vivid depiction of Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and saints served to inspire hope and devotion, particularly for those suffering from illness. Today, it remains one of the most important religious artworks in the world, drawing thousands of visitors annually to admire its intricate detail and profound spiritual message.
Colmar’s Artistic and Cultural Heritage
Beyond the altarpiece, the Unterlinden Museum houses an extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, sacred relics, and historical artifacts. Wander through Colmar’s cobblestone streets, lined with colorful half-timbered houses, quaint squares, and centuries-old churches that reveal the town’s rich cultural and religious traditions. Explore local landmarks and hidden gems that illustrate how faith, artistry, and community have shaped Colmar over the centuries.
Experience the Town
Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences connecting art, history, and spirituality. Learn about the Dominican and Augustinian influences in the region, discover stories of devotion, and appreciate the unique blend of Alsatian culture and Christian heritage. Every corner of Colmar reflects a town where art and faith intersect, offering visitors a profound and inspiring journey.
Whether you are on a spiritual pilgrimage, an art-focused tour, or simply exploring the stories of Colmar, the Unterlinden Museum and the Isenheim Altarpiece provide a timeless experience that resonates long after your visit.
- Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
- Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
- Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
- Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
- Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
- Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
- Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
- Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.
- Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
- Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
- Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
- No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
- Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
- Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
- Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
- Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.
Plan Your Visit to Colmar
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and enjoy Colmar, a charming Alsatian town rich in art, culture, and history. Travel times are approximate and may vary with schedules and traffic.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Airport Meet & Assist Services
For a smooth travel experience, take advantage of Meet & Assist services available at major airports, including Strasbourg Airport (SXB) and Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL/MLH). A dedicated assistant will greet you, assist with luggage, check-in, and security, ensuring a stress-free start or end to your journey.
Note: This service is provided only within the airport. Especially useful for first-time visitors or travelers seeking a smooth arrival.
By Air
Strasbourg Airport (SXB) – ~65 km (~1 hour by car)
Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL/MLH) – ~110 km (~1.5 hours by car)
From either airport, you can rent a car, take a train to Colmar, or arrange a private transfer.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Colmar Train Station (TGV & regional lines)
From Strasbourg: ~30–40 minutes
From Basel: ~45–60 minutes
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Drive through scenic Alsace, passing vineyards, medieval villages, and rolling countryside.
From Strasbourg: ~65 km (~1 hour)
From Basel: ~110 km (~1.5 hours)
Parking options are available throughout the town, including near the Unterlinden Museum.
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional buses connect Colmar with Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and nearby towns. Timetables vary—check before traveling.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Colmar’s historic center is compact and highly walkable. Main attractions, including the Unterlinden Museum, historic streets, timbered houses, and canals, are easily reached on foot.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Colmar’s historic center is compact and highly walkable. Main attractions, including the Unterlinden Museum, historic streets, timbered houses, and canals, are easily reached on foot.
Where to Stay in Colmar
Find the perfect stay within walking distance of the Unterlinden Museum and the Old Town. Options include boutique hotels, guesthouses, and family-run B&Bs.
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Find the Best Local Stays – Book your unique local stays with Homestay 
Experiences & Activities
Make your visit unforgettable—explore Colmar’s museums, churches, cultural landmarks, or venture into nearby Alsatian towns.
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Be prepared for a comfortable walk through Colmar’s historic streets and cultural landmarks.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance on Safty Wings
Find your local luggage storage on LuggageHero
Religious & Devotional Items
Even if you cannot visit in person, you can bring Colmar’s art and culture into your home. Explore authentic reproductions, books, and souvenirs inspired by the Isenheim Altarpiece and the Unterlinden Museum.
Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items
Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon
Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and may vary depending on schedules, seasons, or provider updates. Always check current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
Combine train + local taxi or rental car for the smoothest arrival from Strasbourg or Basel—a perfect blend of comfort and flexibility.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.
To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.
Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups
If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.
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We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.