Alsace Hiking

Arrive in Obernai, (transfer on your own to the hotel), south of Strasbourg along the Wine Route. Rail access from Frankfurt is also possible.

If you have the time, here are some sites to visit in Strasbourg : Petite France : The popular corner of the Grand Ãle (the Main Island) is where the Ãle river splits up into a number of canals, and cascades through a small area of half-timbered houses. Ponts Couverts : Towers and footbridges situated at the end of Petite France Cathedral, built from 1190 to 1439. Quartier Allemand (German District), the showcase of German neoclassical architecture in Strasbourg.

Today you start from your hotel and go to the Mont Saint Odile. You will then walk on to Barr covering about 17km with some hills and a forested trail. You can have lunch at the summit of the hills at the Mont St Odile then descend nicely to Barr. You are in tree cover most of the day which doesn't allow for long views, but you come out into the wine country around Barr and can sample some of the excellent local wines when you are back.

Distance : 17 Km (11 mi).

Elevation : 654 m.

Duration : 5 hours.

You have two hiking options today, but both take you through vineyard country and on to the Foret d'Andlau and the passing by the wine town of Bernardville before going on to Itterwiller. The short route will take about 3.5 hours and the long itinerary 4.5 hours.

Distances : 10 or 14 Km (6 or 9 mi).

Elevation : 480 m.

Duration 3.5 or 4.5 hours.

Wine tasting

Before your dinner, we will organize a wine tasting in order to discover the best wines of the area !

Your destination today is Ribeauville, but we will start with a taxi transfer at 9am to the Chateau of Haut Koenigsbourg. The castle is nestled at a strategic location on a high hill overlooking the Alsatian plain. From there, you will have a scenic hike back to Ribeauville, through the Forest de Ribeauville on the GR5 path. In the Middle Ages, Ribaeauville was the seat of the Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre - the Lords of Ribeaupierre (hence the town's name of Ribeauvillé).

NOTE : You won't have the possibility to buy lunch or snacks in Itterswiller before you leave on your hike. We suggest you get some snacks at the Haut-Koenigsbourg. The earliest you’ll find a food market (but no bakery) and restaurants is in Thannenkirch, which is half-way through on your itinerary.

Distance : 11 Km (7 mi).
Elevation : 242 m.
Duration : 4 hours.

Your destination today is Kaysersberg, a charmingly little village. You will hike in the vineyards in the morning to reach Ricquewihr, the perfect stop for lunch. Ricquewihr is a medieval town located in the heart of the vineyard, which is well known for its picturesque and its outstanding architectural heritage. Hiking in the forest in the afternoon, you will head to another remains of chateau to visit, just before Kaysersberg where you stay overnight.

Distance : 10 Km (6 mi).
Elevation : 432 m.
Duration : 3.5 hours.

You will first hike to Turkheim, known for its Gewurztraminer, traditional Alsatian cuisine, and stunning surrounding scenery. Then walk to Colmar, one of the most charming of all the Alsatian villages. Of interest are the various museums : (Unterlinden, Bartholdi, du Jouet), and the old town architecture (Old Customs House, Pfister House, Cathedral, etc.). Walking enthusiasts will enjoy Petite Venise, a typical quarter with very well-preserved old Alsace homes, the yacht harbour and the pedestrianized old town with its many shops.

Distance : 16 Km (10 mi).

Elevation : 217 m.

Duration : 4.5 hours.

You can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure. (Depart on your own). You have easy rail access from Colmar to Strasbourg, from where you can catch a train back to Paris or Frankfurt.