Alsace/Germany in July/Aug

[cheezncrackers]

DH wants to go to this area next summer, because he has family connections there (geographical - we wouldn't be visiting anyone). We have two teen boys and I'm a bit worried that DH's idea of fun (basically a driving trip around the area) will be utterly dull for them and would be better done once they're off at uni and we're on our own.

I've been to Alsace (the French bit) when I was a DC and remember it was beautiful, but pretty towns don't make for a fun summer holiday when you're 14 and 17! The only thing I can see that might be semi-fun for them is Europa Park, but I don't know the area well and maybe I'm missing things? Does anyone on here know Alsace/Baden well? We will be driving from the UK and I see Lake Constance is only about 2.5 hours from Strasbourg, so spending some time by the lake would be possible.

Edited to say: DS1's idea of a good time is not too much travelling around, a decent gym, beach and chill time, and DS2 likes quality pool time. They both enjoy doing active things like walks, but not if it's really hot (above mid-20s celsius). They both enjoy eating out and trying new foods.

We are holidaying in French Alsace this summer. It’s been a sunny 24+ every day, one day was “feels like” 37 degrees (actual temp 35).

We have made 4 stops - the key has been to plan meticulously so nothing feels like an effort, and pack light so we aren’t packing and unpacking constantly.

If Europa Park is in budget it is great and you’d want two or three days (one whole day for Rulantica or at least an afternoon there) and one or two for the park. The water park at Rulantica would absolutely hit the spot for your lads (especially late evening - it’s open til 10pm) and the park itself is good - a handful of really good rides if they like big coasters. The theming is beautiful and the food is good too.

We have tacked on two days touring Alsacien villages - there’s no way I’d have attempted that with a teenager unless I’d mollified them with three mega days at Europa Park first though. And my teen is a girl who likes to mooch souvenir shops. I skipped Strasbourg and Colmar and we headed into Lorraine for a week of cycling and kayaking at the Centreparcs.

If I was you, head deeper into Germany and find some mountains - someone is bound to come along in a moment with a long list of things to do.

Europa Park is THE amusement park and not to be missed. You could easily spend 2 or 3 days there. There also Rulantica which is Europa Park’s water park and Badeparadies which is a huge water park in Titisee.
The Tellure park has caving tours, an underground escape game and an underground via ferrata for teens and adults.
Choco Story in Colmar is great fun. There’s a tour round the chocolate factory, lots of free chocolate, chocolate sculptures and you can pay extra for a 45 min workshop with a chocolatier.
There’s a big lake called Kruth-Wildenstein in the south of Alsace which is beautiful but also has swimming, canoeing, pedal boats, a tree adventure park, fishing, climbing, underwater diving, etc…
Strasbourg has a massive bike park with different areas, so there’s something for whatever they’re into. It has a beginner zone, cross-country, freestyle, skateboards, jumps etc….

That is GREAT info - thank you both! A water park and lots of active stuff is just what they will enjoy. DH and I would love to potter around pretty towns and do some museums and maybe we can squeeze in a few of those, but the focus will have to be on entertainment or our holiday will just be hell!

There are good outdoor municipal pools on the German side, and the Baggersee south of Strasbourg is sort of like a beach.

Every child (subject to eating meat and dairy) will love tarte flambée/flammkuechen. A bit like pizza but more moreish. You order one and eat it between 4 or 6 or 10 of you, then another, then another.

Haut Koenigsbourg is a restored medieval castle that is pretty cool.