Kehl is a German port city on the Rhine River, directly across from Strasbourg, France. River cruise ships dock here to provide easy access to Strasbourg’s historic center, accessible via a pedestrian bridge. The port serves as a convenient gateway for exploring Alsatian culture, Christmas markets, and the European Parliament district.

Quick FactsDetails
LocationBaden-Württemberg, Germany, on the Rhine River
Distance to Strasbourg1.5 km (0.9 miles)
Walking Time to France15-20 minutes via Passerelle des Deux Rives
Port FacilitiesModern docking area with easy ship access
Currency in KehlEuro (same as Strasbourg)
Languages SpokenGerman (primary), French widely understood
Best Known ForGateway to Strasbourg, cross-border location
Bike Rental AvailableYes, near port and town center

We pulled into Kehl early in the morning, and I have to say, it’s one of those ports that surprises you. The town itself is pretty low-key and charming in that quiet German way, but what makes it special is how ridiculously close you are to Strasbourg. Seriously, you can walk across the Passerelle des Deux Rives footbridge in about fifteen minutes and suddenly you’re in France. It’s such a cool feeling to have breakfast in Germany and lunch in a completely different country without breaking a sweat. The bike path along the Rhine is gorgeous too, and we saw plenty of people just cycling between the two countries like it was the most normal thing in the world.

What I really appreciated about Kehl is that it doesn’t try too hard. There’s a nice pedestrian zone with some shops and cafés where you can grab a proper German coffee and pastry, and the locals are genuinely friendly. If you’re not in the mood to dash off to Strasbourg, spending time in Kehl itself is actually pretty pleasant. The port area is well-organized and easy to navigate, which makes getting on and off the ship stress-free. It’s one of those stops where you feel like you’re getting two destinations for the price of one, and honestly, that’s a pretty sweet deal.

Want to know more about cruise ports throughout Germany? We’ve got comprehensive guides covering all the major stops along the Rhine and beyond.

Getting From the Ship to Strasbourg

The beauty of docking in Kehl is the simplicity of getting to Strasbourg. Most cruise lines offer shuttles but honestly you don’t really need them unless mobility is a concern. The walk is flat, scenic and incredibly straightforward.

Walking Route

  • Distance: Approximately 1.5 kilometers from most docking locations to Strasbourg city center
  • Time: 20-25 minutes at a leisurely pace to reach the Grande Île
  • Route: Follow signs to “Passerelle des Deux Rives” from the port area
  • Bridge crossing: The pedestrian and cycling bridge is well-marked and offers fantastic views
  • Accessibility: Completely flat with smooth surfaces, wheelchair and stroller friendly

Insider tip: The bridge itself is worth a pause. It’s designed by architect Marc Mimram and sits exactly on the border between Germany and France. There’s even a line marked on the bridge showing where one country ends and the other begins. Tourists love taking photos with one foot in each country, so if you want that shot without crowds, do it on your way back to the ship in the late afternoon.

Public Transport Options

The Strasbourg tram system extends right to Kehl, which not everyone realizes. This is particularly useful if you want to explore different parts of Strasbourg beyond the central tourist area.

  • Tram Line D: Connects Kehl Bahnhof (train station) directly to Strasbourg
  • Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during the day
  • Journey time: About 10 minutes to Place de l’Homme de Fer (central Strasbourg)
  • Ticket cost: Around €2.20 for a single journey (buy from machines at stops)
  • Getting to the tram: Kehl Bahnhof is about 10 minutes walk from most ship docking areas

Money-saving hack: If your ship is staying overnight or you’re planning multiple trips between Kehl and Strasbourg, buy a 24-hour pass (around €4.70). It covers unlimited travel on all trams and buses in the Strasbourg-Kehl area. The machines accept credit cards but having some euro coins makes the process faster.

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Bike Rentals

This is where Kehl really shines if you’re into cycling. The entire Rhine corridor here is part of the EuroVelo 15 route, which means pristine bike paths and plenty of rental options.

  • Rental locations: Several shops near the pedestrian zone in Kehl and at Strasbourg’s Place de la Gare
  • Cost: Typically €10-15 per day
  • Vélhop system: Strasbourg’s bike-share program has stations in Kehl (day pass around €5)
  • Cross-border note: Most rental shops allow you to take bikes between Germany and France without issues

Local secret: The bike path along the Rhine north of Kehl toward Auenheim is absolutely stunning and barely used by tourists. You’ll pass through riverside forests and see herons fishing in the shallows. It’s the perfect pre-lunch ride if you want to work up an appetite before hitting the Strasbourg restaurants.

What to Do in Strasbourg

Let’s be honest, most people are docking in Kehl specifically to see Strasbourg, and with good reason. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in France.

Top Attractions

  • Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame): The pink sandstone Gothic masterpiece dominates the skyline. Don’t miss the astronomical clock inside (demonstrations at 12:30 pm daily). You can climb the 332 steps to the platform for phenomenal views.
  • La Petite France: The quintessential Alsatian neighborhood with half-timbered houses, canals and cobblestone streets. It’s ridiculously photogenic but gets absolutely mobbed by mid-morning.
  • Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts): Medieval fortifications with great views back toward La Petite France.
  • European Parliament: Strasbourg is one of three EU capitals. The modern glass Parliament building offers tours (book ahead online) and represents a completely different architectural vibe from the old town.
  • Palais Rohan: Actually three museums in one baroque palace – decorative arts, fine arts, and archaeology.
  • Place Kléber: The main square, perfect for people-watching with a coffee.

Timing Your Visit

Time of DayRecommended ActivityWhy
8:00-9:30 AMWalk to Strasbourg, explore La Petite FrancePractically empty of tourists, golden morning light
9:30-11:30 AMCathedral visit, climb the towerBefore the tour bus crowds arrive
12:00-2:00 PMLunch at a winstub (traditional restaurant)Experience proper Alsatian cuisine when locals eat
2:00-4:00 PMMuseum visit or neighborhood explorationIndoor activities during peak crowd times
4:00-6:00 PMWalk back via different route, explore KehlCrowds thin out, lovely light for photography

Pro tip: If your ship is in port during Christmas market season (late November through December), Strasbourg hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The entire city transforms and it’s genuinely magical. However, be prepared for serious crowds and book any sit-down restaurants well in advance. The market extends across multiple locations throughout the old town.

What to Do in Kehl Itself

What to Do in Kehl Itself Save This Pin

Don’t write off Kehl as just a jumping-off point. If you’ve visited Strasbourg before or you want a more relaxed pace, Kehl has its own charms.

Kehl Highlights

  • Marktplatz: The market square hosts a weekly market (Wednesday and Saturday mornings) with local produce, flowers and German specialties.
  • Catholic Church of Our Lady of Peace: Modern architecture worth a quick look, built after World War II.
  • Rhine promenade: A peaceful walk along the river with benches and green spaces.
  • Shopping street (Hauptstraße): German stores, bakeries and cafés without tourist prices.
  • Garten der Zwei Ufer (Garden of Two Shores): A transnational park that spans both sides of the Rhine, symbolizing French-German cooperation.

Where to Eat in Kehl

The food scene in Kehl is unpretentious and genuinely local. You won’t find the refined Alsatian cuisine of Strasbourg here, but you’ll get hearty German food at reasonable prices.

  • German bakeries: Grab a Brezel (pretzel) or Apfelstrudel for breakfast. They’re everywhere and always fresh.
  • Cafés along Hauptstraße: Perfect for a proper German coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen).
  • Biergarten options: Several spots near the Rhine serve local Baden wines and beers.

Quirky fact: Because Kehl is right on the border, many restaurants accept both German and French customers throughout the day. You’ll notice menus often printed in both languages and staff seamlessly switching between German and French depending on who walks through the door. It’s fascinating to watch this linguistic ballet.

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Shopping Guide

In Strasbourg

  • Alsatian wine: The region produces excellent Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Crémant d’Alsace. Look for cave (wine shop) specialists rather than tourist shops for better quality and prices.
  • Foie gras: If you eat it, Strasbourg is famous for it. Vacuum-packed versions can be taken home.
  • Pottery and ceramics: Traditional Alsatian designs with the distinctive blue and white patterns.
  • Gingerbread (pain d’épices): Mireille Oster on Rue des Dentelles is the real deal, not the tourist stuff.
  • Linens and textiles: Beauvillé makes gorgeous Alsatian-print tablecloths and napkins.

In Kehl

  • German chocolate: Cheaper than in France and just as good.
  • Pharmacy products: German pharmacies (Apotheke) stock different brands than you’ll find elsewhere, and locals swear by certain products.
  • Kitchen gadgets: Germans make incredibly practical kitchen tools. Check housewares shops along Hauptstraße.

Currency reminder: Both Kehl and Strasbourg use the euro, so you don’t need to worry about exchange rates. However, German shops tend to prefer cash more than French ones, where cards are universally accepted.

Transportation Beyond Strasbourg

If you’re an experienced cruiser who’s already seen Strasbourg or you want to venture further afield, you’ve got options.

Wine Villages of Alsace

The famous Alsace Wine Route runs through dozens of picture-perfect villages south and west of Strasbourg. Without a car, reaching them requires planning but it’s doable.

  • Obernai: One of the prettiest wine towns, about 30 minutes by train from Strasbourg.
  • Colmar: The jewel of Alsace, but realistically needs a full day. It’s about 30 minutes by train from Strasbourg, so factor in the journey time from Kehl.
  • Train access: Strasbourg’s main station (Gare Centrale) has regular connections to Alsatian towns.

Reality check: Unless you have a very long port day or your ship stays overnight, trying to reach Colmar or distant wine villages is pushing it. You’ll spend more time on trains than actually enjoying the destination. Save it for a dedicated Alsace trip or book a shore excursion that handles the logistics.

Baden-Baden

Germany’s famous spa town is northeast of Kehl, about 45 minutes by regional train. If you’ve done Strasbourg before and want something completely different, the thermal baths and belle époque elegance of Baden-Baden make for an interesting alternative.

Practical Information and Tips

Money Matters

  • ATMs: Readily available in both Kehl and Strasbourg.
  • Credit cards: Widely accepted in Strasbourg, slightly less so in smaller Kehl shops.
  • Tipping: Service is included in restaurant bills in both countries, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.

Language

English is widely spoken in Strasbourg’s tourist areas and at the major sights. In Kehl, you’ll find less English but pointing and smiling works just fine. Here’s a fun linguistic quirk though – many older residents in both Kehl and Strasbourg speak Alsatian, a Germanic dialect that sounds like a blend of German and French. You won’t need it, but you might hear it.

Bathrooms

Public restrooms in Strasbourg typically cost €0.50-1.00. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette offer free facilities if you need them. In Kehl, the public facilities near Marktplatz are clean and inexpensive.

Weather Considerations

  • Summer: Can get surprisingly hot. The walking and sightseeing in Strasbourg’s old town means lots of sun exposure. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
  • Rain: The Rhine valley gets its share of drizzle. Pack a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
  • Winter: Christmas market season is cold. Layer up and wear comfortable waterproof walking shoes.

WiFi Access

Your ship’s WiFi usually works fine in Kehl since you’re docked. In Strasbourg, many cafés offer free WiFi to customers. The city also has some free public hotspots around major squares.

Shore Excursion vs Independent Exploration

Kehl is one of those ports where going independent makes tremendous sense for most people.

When to Book a Shore Excursion

  • You have mobility concerns and want guaranteed transportation
  • You want to visit wine villages or Colmar and prefer not to navigate trains
  • You’re interested in specific historical context and want an expert guide
  • It’s your first time and the security of being back to the ship on time is worth the premium

When to Go Independent

  • You’ve been to Strasbourg before and want to explore at your own pace
  • You want to linger over a long lunch without watching the clock
  • You’re comfortable with basic navigation and reading maps
  • You want to split time between Kehl and Strasbourg rather than focusing solely on France
  • You’re on a budget – the shore excursion markup for Strasbourg is significant given how easy access is

Time management tip: If you’re going independent, note your ship’s all-aboard time and work backwards. Give yourself at least 30 minutes buffer to walk back from Strasbourg. Traffic on the bridge doesn’t exist but you might stop for photos or get distracted by a shop. Ships wait for their excursions but won’t wait for independent stragglers.

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Food and Drink Recommendations

Must-Try Alsatian Dishes

Strasbourg sits in Alsace, a region with seriously good food that blends French technique with German heartiness.

  • Tarte flambée (Flammekueche): Think super-thin crust pizza with crème fraîche, onions and bacon. It’s everywhere and it’s delicious.
  • Choucroute garnie: Sauerkraut with about seventeen different kinds of pork and sausages. Not for the faint of heart or small appetites.
  • Baeckeoffe: A slow-cooked casserole of three meats, potatoes and white wine. Comfort food at its finest.
  • Kougelhopf: The iconic Alsatian cake baked in a distinctive fluted mold. Slightly sweet, perfect with coffee.
  • Bretzel: Yes, pretzels originated here (Germans and French both claim them). Fresh from a bakery, they’re leagues better than what you’ve had before.

Where to Eat in Strasbourg

Winstubs are traditional Alsatian restaurants, usually cozy with wood paneling and checkered tablecloths. They’re where you want to eat for authentic local food.

  • Winstub S’kaechele: Tiny, family-run, absolutely authentic. Cash only. Get there early or book ahead.
  • Le Clou: Another proper winstub in La Petite France. Tourist-friendly but hasn’t sacrificed quality.
  • Maison Kammerzell: Stunning half-timbered building next to the cathedral. More upscale but the setting is unforgettable.
  • Christian: A local institution for tarte flambée. Often packed, which tells you everything.

Booking note: Popular restaurants in Strasbourg fill up, especially during cruise season when multiple ships might be in port. If you have your heart set on a specific place, book a few days ahead online. Many take reservations through TheFork or their own websites.

Wine Guidance

Alsace produces some of France’s most distinctive whites. Unlike most French wines, Alsatian wines are labeled by grape variety rather than region, making them easier to navigate.

  • Riesling: Dry here, not sweet like German Rieslings. Crisp, elegant, food-friendly.
  • Gewürztraminer: Aromatic, slightly spicy, pairs beautifully with Alsatian food.
  • Pinot Gris: Full-bodied and rich, handles heavier dishes.
  • Crémant d’Alsace: Sparkling wine made in the Champagne method but a fraction of the price. Excellent quality.

Wine buying tip: Restaurant wine markups in Strasbourg are significant. If you find a wine you love, note the producer and buy it at a wine shop instead. You’ll pay a third of the restaurant price.

Bonus Tips Only Regulars Know

  • The bathroom code: In Strasbourg restaurants, they often give you a code to unlock the bathroom. It’s usually printed on your receipt. This is to discourage non-customers from using facilities.
  • Market day advantage: If you’re in Kehl on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, the market has amazing fresh produce and prepared foods. Grab supplies for a picnic in the Garten der Zwei Ufer.
  • Pharmacy shopping: German pharmacies sell Haribo at much better prices than tourist shops. Stock up on the good stuff made where it was invented.
  • Border crossing quirk: Your phone might ping between German and French cell towers as you walk across the bridge. If you have roaming charges, make sure your EU roaming is activated to avoid surprises.
  • Photo opportunity: The view of La Petite France from the Barrage Vauban terrace is superior to the crowded Ponts Couverts and way fewer people know about it.
  • Early cathedral access: The cathedral opens at 7:00 AM for prayer. If you show up that early, you’ll have it practically to yourself for about an hour before the tourist hordes arrive.
  • Bike path secret: The Rhine bike path continues south from Kehl to Breisach. If you’re on a multi-day cruise hitting both ports, you could theoretically bike from one to the other (about 60 km), though the logistics of getting luggage moved make this more theoretical than practical.
  • Museum pass: If you’re planning to visit multiple museums in Strasbourg, the Strasbourg Pass includes admission and public transport. Calculate whether it makes sense for your itinerary.
  • Bridge alternative: There’s also the Pont de l’Europe road bridge connecting Kehl and Strasbourg, but it’s designed for vehicles and much less pleasant for pedestrians. Stick with the Passerelle des Deux Rives.

Photography Tips

  • Best morning light: La Petite France facing east catches beautiful morning sun around 8-9 AM.
  • Cathedral shots: You can’t fit the whole façade in frame from the square in front. Walk down Rue Mercière for better angles.
  • Bridge photos: The Germany-France border line on the Passerelle is most visible in the middle of the bridge. Look for the marker on the ground.
  • Avoid: Photos in La Petite France between 11 AM and 2 PM when it’s absolutely mobbed with tour groups.
  • Golden hour: Late afternoon light along the Rhine in Kehl is gorgeous if you walk north from the bridge.

Accessibility Considerations

Kehl to Strasbourg is one of the more accessible river cruise port combinations, but there are some things to know.

  • Flat access: The entire walk from ship to Strasbourg center is flat and paved. No stairs required.
  • Bridge access: The Passerelle des Deux Rives is fully wheelchair accessible with smooth surfaces.
  • Strasbourg streets: The old town is cobblestoned which can be bumpy for wheelchairs or walkers. The main tourist routes are manageable but side streets get trickier.
  • Cathedral access: Ground floor is accessible, but the tower climb is obviously not. There’s no elevator.
  • Tram option: All Strasbourg trams are low-floor and wheelchair accessible, offering an alternative to walking if needed.
  • Museum access: Most major Strasbourg museums have elevator access and accessible bathrooms.

What to Skip

Not everything deserves your limited port time.

  • Boat tours in Strasbourg: They’re fine but you’re already on a river cruise. Unless you have tons of time, skip it.
  • European Parliament tours: Unless you’re specifically interested in EU politics, it’s pretty dry and takes significant time. The outside photo op is enough for most people.
  • Tourist menus: Restaurants advertising “tourist menus” in multiple languages near major sights are universally mediocre. Walk two blocks away and you’ll find better food at better prices.
  • Colmar attempts: Unless you have 10+ hours in port, trying to squeeze in Colmar on the same day as Strasbourg means you’ll enjoy neither properly.

Combining Kehl with Other Rhine Ports

Most Rhine cruises hit multiple German ports. Understanding how Kehl fits into the bigger picture helps you avoid duplication.

If you’re also stopping at Breisach am Rhein’s cruise port, that’s the other gateway to France, typically used for Colmar excursions. Rüdesheim am Rhein is all about wine and the romantic Rhine gorge. Cologne’s cruise port gives you a major German city with the famous cathedral. Understanding what makes each stop unique helps you plan how to spend time at each one.

River cruises along the Rhine typically include several German ports, each with distinct character. Mainz offers Roman history and Gutenberg heritage. Koblenz sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Mannheim and Ludwigshafen are often used as gateways to Heidelberg.

The nearby city of Karlsruhe can be reached from Kehl for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Speyer offers a magnificent Romanesque cathedral and Jewish heritage sites. For those continuing north on the Rhine, Düsseldorf provides modern art and fashion, while Bonn is Beethoven’s birthplace.

Day trips from various Rhine ports might take you to Frankfurt am Main for banking history and modern skyscrapers, or Wiesbaden for thermal baths and belle époque architecture. The charming town of Boppard along the romantic Rhine offers vineyard chairlifts and medieval fortifications.

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I need my passport to walk from Kehl to Strasbourg?

Technically yes, always carry it. Germany and France are both Schengen Area countries so there are no border controls or checkpoints. You’ll walk right across without anyone asking to see documents. However, you’re legally required to carry ID when traveling internationally, and your ship will emphasize bringing passports on any shore day regardless. Don’t be the person who leaves it on the ship and then has a random issue.

Is it better to use euros from Germany or France?

They’re identical. A euro is a euro regardless of which country issued it. German-minted coins work perfectly in France and vice versa. The only thing you might notice is that coins have different national sides – one side shows the country of origin – but this doesn’t affect their value or usability anywhere in the eurozone.

Can I use my ship’s breakfast instead of eating in town?

Absolutely, and many people do. River cruise ships typically serve breakfast until 9 or 9:30 AM, which gives you plenty of time to eat on board and still get to Strasbourg before the crowds hit. That said, grabbing a croissant and coffee at a Strasbourg café is part of the experience if you’ve got the time and inclination.

What if I miss the all-aboard time?

River cruise ships are much more forgiving than ocean ships about this because they often don’t have the same tide and lock restrictions. That said, don’t test it. If you realize you’re going to be late, call the ship immediately (you should have emergency contact numbers). If you’re on a ship excursion, they’ll wait. If you’re independent and genuinely miss the boat, you’ll need to get to the next port at your own expense. From Kehl, that might mean a taxi to wherever the ship is going next, which could be expensive but at least you’re in mainland Europe with good roads.

Is Strasbourg safe?

Yes, very safe overall. It’s a prosperous city with heavy tourist traffic and visible security, especially around the European Parliament district. Use normal city smarts – watch your belongings in crowded areas, be aware of your surroundings, don’t flash expensive jewelry. Pickpockets work tourist areas like any popular European city, but violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The walk between Kehl and Strasbourg is safe at all hours you’ll be walking it.

Do shops close for lunch?

This is more of an issue in smaller French towns than in Strasbourg, but some shops still observe the long lunch tradition, closing roughly 12:00-2:00 PM. Major tourist shops and restaurants stay open, but if you’re trying to hit a specific boutique or specialty store, check their hours. German shops in Kehl typically don’t close for lunch. Also note that many shops in both countries are closed or have reduced hours on Sundays.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes, absolutely in both Germany and France. The tap water is perfectly safe and tastes fine. Restaurants will try to sell you bottled water but you can ask for tap water (carafe d’eau in French, Leitungswasser in German). On hot days, fill a water bottle before leaving your ship or at your hotel bathroom to save money.

Are there lockers or luggage storage?

Strasbourg’s train station has luggage lockers if you need them, though this is rarely necessary on a cruise since you’re returning to the ship. The cost is around €5-8 depending on locker size. There’s also a staffed left-luggage facility at the station.

What’s the deal with Sunday shopping?

German Sunday shopping laws are strict – most stores in Kehl are closed on Sundays except restaurants and some bakeries. France is slightly more relaxed, and many tourist shops in Strasbourg’s old town stay open on Sundays, especially in summer and during Christmas market season. If you need to buy something specific and you’re visiting on Sunday, head to Strasbourg rather than banking on Kehl shops being open.

Is there Uber or taxi service?

Yes, both. Taxis are available in both Kehl and Strasbourg. Uber operates in Strasbourg. Honestly though, you probably won’t need either unless you have mobility concerns or you’re trying to reach somewhere beyond the normal tourist areas. The walk is easy and trams are cheap and efficient.

Can I mail postcards from Kehl?

Sure, there are post offices and mailboxes in Kehl. Stamps for postcards are available at post offices, tobacco shops (Tabak), and some hotels. Mailing from Germany versus France makes no practical difference in terms of delivery time or cost to most destinations – both are reliable EU postal systems.

What if it rains?

Strasbourg has excellent museums that make for perfect rain day activities. The cathedral is also stunning in any weather and takes significant time if you really explore it. Palais Rohan’s three museums can easily absorb several hours. The covered shopping galleries like Galeries Lafayette keep you dry while browsing. Pack a compact umbrella or rain jacket and don’t let weather deter you – the city is beautiful even in the rain.

Are there any specific scams to watch for?

Nothing specific to Kehl or Strasbourg beyond standard tourist city stuff. Someone might approach you near major sights asking you to sign a petition and then demanding money – just say no and walk away. The “found gold ring” scam occasionally happens where someone “finds” a ring near you and tries to give it to you then demands payment. Restaurant bill padding is rare but always check your bill matches what you ordered. Overall, Strasbourg is pretty clean in terms of tourist scams compared to places like Paris or Rome.

Can I buy German products in Kehl and French products in Strasbourg without import issues?

Yes, EU customs union means no restrictions moving products between Germany and France. You can buy wine in Strasbourg and cheese in Kehl and nobody cares. The only restrictions apply when you’re taking things back to your home country. If you’re on a river cruise, you’ll be buying throughout and sorting out home country customs when you finally fly out. Just keep receipts for anything valuable.