Uncovering 500 Years of Strasbourg's Untamed Neighborhood

Looking for things to do in Strasbourg that go beyond the Cathedral? Krutenau, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, is a great place to start — and its name alone tells a story. Krutenau means "impassable place", an old word for a swamp. For centuries, this corner of Strasbourg has done everything in its power to live up to that name: narrow lanes, half-timbered courtyards, a bohemian, student-filled energy just ten minutes from the postcard calm of the Cathedral. Its roots go back to the Middle Ages, and the neighborhood is still layered with that history today — in its street names, its churches, and its half-forgotten legends.

Take the story behind the Zurichois fountain: in 1576, messengers from Zurich rowed down the Rhine and the Ill to reach Strasbourg in just 24 hours, carrying a pot of millet porridge — said to still be warm on arrival — to prove how fast the city could count on their help in case of danger. The fountain, the square and the street still carry their name today.

For families looking for things to do in Strasbourg with kids, there's now a free way to explore this heritage: the "Krutenau, the Untamed Neighborhood" treasure hunt on Amuseemus. Six steps, ages 5 and up, about 45 minutes on foot, available in 7 languages — an easy, budget-friendly outing for anyone planning family travel in Strasbourg.

Wondering where to go in Strasbourg today? Start the free Krutenau treasure hunt and turn a simple walk into a proper little investigation into 500 years of local history.

A free, easy way to dig into Strasbourg's rich heritage with the whole family — one riddle at a time.