European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 3, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Rique Wihr a amps Sharon Kilday Tarrani the Iii River flows serenely through the area Between Rique Wihr and the German Border. Though Rique Wihr is Well preserved it does not have the unreal Disneyland Quality of Rothenburg Germany s famed walled City. Part of the reason is that Rique Wihr s first priority is win making while Rothenburg seems to exist solely for tourists. The town is at its Best from Spring through Early fall. It begins around easter when the Vineyard lined hillsides turn Green with new life. On the buildings in town windowsills railings and trellises spill Over with blossoms and the shops galleries wine cellars and guest houses come alive with activity. Rique Wihr is located in the Alsace Region of France about 15 Miles West of the Rhine River. To get there from Germany take autobahn a-5 to the Riegel exit North of Freiburg. Follow local roads to Cross the Rhine and the Border Between Sasbach and Marck Olsheim. Continue on to Ribe Auville then turn South on the route Duvin d Alsace alsatian wine Road to Rique Wihr. During the off season november to april some businesses in Rique Wihr close. According to Claudine Kiedaisch at the Rique Wihr tourist office Only three hotels remain open All Winter. All hotels and shops Are open from april through nov. 11. Approximately 200 hotel rooms 50 rooms in private Homes and 50 apartments Are available for visitors. There is also a Campground outside the City. Kiedaisch said accommodations Are usually easily obtained even during the High season if visitors arrive before 3 . She advises visitors planning to arrive on a weekend or after 3 . To Call ahead for reservations. During september and october hotels Are usually fully booked for the town s grape Harvest festival. Town landmarks Worth seeing include a the postal museum located in the onetime Royal residence of the counts of Wurtemberg. A the Dolder museum with a 16th-Century weapons collection. A the thieves Tower with its display of torture instruments. For More information Contact the office de tourism synodical initiative 2 Rue de la 1ere Armee f-68340 Rique Wihr France Telephone 89-47-80-80. If calling from outside France be sure to add the proper country code. A Norm Zeigler the Dolder or prison Tower is part of the City s nearly intact town Wall. January i 1992 stripes Magazine 5