Souvenirs from Alsace © French Moments
  • Home
  • Blog
  • 15 Souvenirs from Alsace you should bring back Home

LAST UPDATED: 9 February 2024

Fancy bringing a piece of Alsace back home? Known for its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, this region has treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a fan of fine wines, culinary delights, or traditional crafts, Alsace has something to satisfy all your souvenir desires. Many visitors wonder what souvenirs from Alsace to bring back for their family and friends. You’ll be spoilt for choice when you visit, from storks to Munster cheese. To help you decide, I’ve compiled a shortlist of 15 souvenirs from Alsace. If you have more ideas, please leave a comment below!

Souvenirs from Alsace © French Moments
Easter Souvenirs from Alsace in Riquewihr

Beyond Souvenirs: The Heart of Alsatian Culture

While the physical souvenirs you bring back from Alsace are tangible reminders of your journey, the stories behind them breathe life into your memories. Each item, from the aromatic wines to the handcrafted pottery, carries a piece of Alsace’s soul. Here’s a closer look at how these keepsakes are woven into the fabric of Alsatian culture:

Wine and Gastronomy

Alsace is a land of gourmet traditions. The wine route, winding through picturesque villages, is a journey through flavours and a dive into the region’s history. Each bottle of wine, from Riesling to Gewurztraminer, tells a story of centuries-old vineyards and the families who nurture them.

Artisan Crafts

The crafts of Alsace, like the decorated pottery from Soufflenheim or the Kelsch textiles, are testimonies to the region’s dedication to preserving its heritage. These items are more than just decorative; they’re utilitarian artworks, integral to daily life and special occasions.

Seasonal Delights

Seasonal treats, especially around Christmas, are a window into the heart of Alsatian festivities. The Christmas markets of Alsace are legendary, offering not just unique decorations but a festive atmosphere that combines joy, light, and community spirit.

Connecting with Tradition

Bringing home a stork cuddly toy or a piece of traditional Kelsch cloth is more than a nod to Alsace’s symbols; it’s a way to keep the region’s traditions alive in your home. These symbols, from the stork, believed to bring good luck to the distinctive patterns on the Kelsch, connect you directly to Alsatian culture.

Souvenirs from Alsace © French Moments
Souvenirs from Alsace in Kaysersberg

In essence, the souvenirs from Alsace are not just items you pack in your suitcase; they’re stories, traditions, and a little bit of Alsatian magic. They serve as bridges between cultures, inviting you to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of life in this enchanting part of France.

Christmas store in Strasbourg © French Moments
Christmas windows in Strasbourg

Souvenirs from Alsace in the food section

What souvenirs from Alsace should you bring back home?

  • Alsatian wine, of course! It’s the easiest gift to find (especially along the wine route). You’ll be spoilt for choice: riesling, gewurztraminer, sylvaner, crémant…
  • And don’t forget Alsace’s fruit-based brandies and liqueurs: kirsch (cherry), quetsche (damson), pear, quince and Gewurztraminer marc.
  • The renown of Kronenbourg beer, originating from Strasbourg, is a testament to the region’s brewing heritage, dating back centuries. This iconic brand, known to all, opens the door to exploring a myriad of Alsatian artisanal beers. Each offer a flavour palette as rich as it is varied, from light and refreshing blondes to deep and aromatic ambers.
  • Some take a vacuum-packed choucroute garnie (sauerkrut) for easy transport.
  • At Christmas time, Alsatian cookies (bredalas, bredles or bredeles) and gingerbread from Gertwiller.
  • Foie gras from Strasbourg. This renowned quality product can be bought in jars.
  • A jar of confiture d’églantine (rosehip jam) made from the fruit of the wild rose.
  • A good farmhouse Munster cheese. Vacuum-packed, its smell won’t spread to the boot of the car. We tried it on a plane journey, and the other passengers didn’t smell a thing!
  • Finally, we can’t talk about Alsace without mentioning the venerable Kugelhopf!
Souvenirs from Alsace - Kugelhopf © French Moments
Kugelhopf
Souvenirs from Alsace © French Moments
Alsatian gingerbread
Souvenirs from Alsace, munster © French Moments
Munster cheese
Souvenirs from Alsace - Bredeles © French Moments
Christmas cookies from Alsace

Souvenirs from Alsace in the crafts section

Handicrafts are mainly well-developed in Alsace, helping to reinforce the image of a region proud of its traditions.

  • Decorated pottery made in Soufflenheim is very popular. They are used to prepare Alsatian specialities such as kugelhopf and baeckeoffe. There is pottery for terrines, moulds (especially for kugelhopf), plates, dishes and jugs. Salt pots from Betschdorf are used to preserve food. Avoid them if you are travelling by train or plane and are limited by weight.
  • Suzel white wine glasses with their characteristic green feet. These are the best glasses for enjoying Alsace white wine.
  • A stork cuddly toy for children (and adults). They come in all sizes.
  • Kelsch cloth decorated in the old-fashioned style. These include tablecloths, napkins, tea towels, table runners and placemats. They are embroidered with images of people in traditional costumes, storks, hearts or vines. There are also kelsch fabrics for aprons, cushions, curtains and little hearts.
  • Traditional Christmas decorations sold at Christmas markets: baubles, small wooden objects, Advent wreaths, garlands, table decorations, candles, etc., and wooden games.
  • And in Strasbourg, you’ll find plenty of umbrellas in the colours of the European flag!
Souvenirs from Alsace - Alsatian Pottery © French Moments
Alsatian Pottery
Kelsch fabric © French Moments
Kelsch fabric
White storks © French Moments
White storks
European flags in Strasbourg © French Moments
European flags in Strasbourg
Christmas store in Strasbourg © French Moments
Christmas windows in Strasbourg
About the Author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

All photos © French Moments except when indicated.

Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

>