DAY 1:
Arrive in Sélestat
The charming city of Sélestat is home to the humanist library, one of Alsace’s great treasures. Sélestat was for a time at heart of Alsatian culture and there are numerous interesting sites to visit.
Sélestat is on the Strasbourg - Colmar railway line and trains run hourly. Strasbourg or Bale/Mulhouse Euro Airport are the most convenient.
Overnight: Auberge des Allies**, Sélestat
The Auberge des Allies is a fabulous eaterie with 15 tastefully refurbished and good sized rooms. Located in the heart of the old town the Elisabeths family have owned it since 1958 and is the place to eat in town with a traditional cooking to gourmet standard, yummy!
DAY 2:
Walk to Thannenkirch
After a 20 minute bus ride to Liepvre you have a choice of following the GR532 through the forests of the Vosges Natural Park to Thannenkirch or alternatively the longer route goes via the mythical mountain of Taennchel, whose red sandstone was believed by the resident druids to be “energising”.
Thannenkirch, the village of the carvers, lies nestled amongst the forest at the foot of Taennchel and offers a splendid panorama over the plain of Alsace and the Black Forest.
Walk: 8 km or 12km
Overnight: Auberge de Melkerhof ** or Hotel La Meunière**, Thannenkirch
The rustic Auberge de Melkerhof enjoys a tranquil setting in the heights of Thannenkirch. Corinne and Thierry restored the 1832 farm house, which boasts nine individual rooms and a lovely restaurant, which specializes in authentic regional cuisine featuring the freshest of produce.
Located in the heart of the village the recently refurbished Hotel La Meunière has a traditional atmosphere and great views of the Rhine and Black Forest.
DAY 3:
Thannenkirch circular walks
Today’s loop from Thannenkirch visits the impressive medieval Château du Haut Koenigsbourg (entrance fee). The 12th Century pink sandstone castle was restored in 1908 by German Emperor Wilhelm II. It offers a journey back through 9 centuries of history and wonderful views.
Walk: Choice of 3 walks. 11 - 13km
Overnight: Auberge de Melkerhof ** or Hotel La Meunière**, Thannenkirch
DAY 4:
Thannenkirch to Ribeauvillé
Following the GR5 as it contours through the peaceful forests of the Vosges foothills you pass the ruins of the three castles of Ribeauvillé (Haut-Ribeaupierre, St Ulrich & Girsberg). Just before reaching Ribeauvillé you can visit Notre-Dame de Dusenbach. A small chapel and convent nestled in a tiny hidden fold of the mountain, which have been a place of pilgrimage since medieval times.
Ribeauvillé is a picture perfect town of colourful overhanging houses and narrow streets overlooked by three castles dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Walk: 7 km
Overnight: Hotel de la Tour***, Ribeauvillé
Located right in the center, of town the Hotel de la Tour is a bright and cheerful hotel faithful to the generous Alsatian traditions of hospitality. The hotel has 31 individually decorated rooms, a small bar, sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, tennis court and rental bikes
DAY 5:
Ribeauvillé circular walks
Choose from two lovely walks through the vineyards around Ribeauvillé. The first goes via the ruins of Reichenbery castle to Bergheim. The second shorter walk visits the stork park east of Hunawihr.
In the afternoon you can enjoy a wine tasting of the local Vins d’ Alsace. (Included)
Walk: Choice of 2. 10 or 4 km
Overnight: Hotel de la Tour***, Ribeauvillé
DAY 6:
Ribeauvillé to Kaysersberg
A delightful walk through some of the prettiest countryside in Alsace as you follow the “chemin de Santiago de Compostela” to Kaysersberg. The walk passes through beautiful vineyards to the village of Hunawihr. Be sure to visit the fortified church.
Your route continues to the picturesque village of Riquwihr, where there are several small museums, to reach the town of Kaysersberg.
Kaysersberg is dominated by a ruined castle which serves as reminder of its strategic importance and violent past. Today it is considered by many to the most beautiful city in Alsace. Stroll past the colourful half timbered houses, visit the Albert Schweitzer or wine museum or enjoy one of several lovely walks in the surrounding countryside.
Walk: 12 - 14km
Overnight: Hotel Les Remparts***, Kaysersberg
Within walking distance of the historic old town the Hotel Les Remparts offers you calm and comfort. The hotel has 44 contemporary rooms, a sauna, games rooms and dozens of excellent restaurants within strolling distance.
DAY 7:
Kaysersberg Circular Walks
Today you are spoilt for choice with three outstanding circular walks from Kaysersberg. The easiest visits Kientzheim and its wine museum. The medium walk wanders through the forest to St Alexis Chapel and the Hunter’s Inn, returning to Alsace via a pretty river. The longest, most scenic option, starts from Orbey and visits the lovely Lac Blanc and Lac Noir.
Walk: 7– 14km
Overnight: Hotel Les Remparts***, Kaysersberg
DAY 8:
Kaysersberg to Turckheim
The low route follows the route de Compostela through vineyards to Turckheim, whilst the high route goes via the Les Trois Epis mountain resort and Galz monument. Both are splendid and which you choose depends on how much time you wish to spend wine tasting en route.
Turckheim retains its authentic historical character, with fortified towers and medieval houses. Famed for its Brand wine, which is among Alsace's finest the ancient fortified town attracts gourmets from around the world.
Walk: 12 - 17 km
Overnight: Auberge du Brand***, Turckheim
The warm and friendly Auberge du Brand has 9 comfortable rooms and an outstanding restaurant. Run by the delightful Celine you will love it.
DAY 9:
Onward Travel
There are frequent bus and train connections from Turckheim to Colmar and onto the airport.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point along the walk. You might also like to add an additional few nights in Colmar,also known as petite Venice, which has so much to see and do.
Grade & Fitness
This walking holiday is graded Easy. Daily walks are a mixture of country paths and forest trails. Daily distances range from 4 to 22 km and you have a choice of walks each day as well as optional rest days.
Navigation
Most walks are way marked and we provide you with detailed route notes and maps for you to follow.
Accommodation
We specifically select your accommodation in local, family run 2 - 3 star hotels and inns to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay in France. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
Detailed descriptions of the accommodation is included on the itinerary tab.
Alternate accommodation
During high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning and dinner is included on 1 night. Many of the inns have excellent restaurants and each night you will be spoilt for choice of local restaurants. Every village has a patisserie so you can buy lunch before you set off or stop en route.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation when you change hotels. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Getting to Sélestat
Alsace has two airports. Strasbourg Entzheim (SXB) and Bale/Mulhouse Euroairport (MLH or BSL), which is served by low cost carriers.
From Strasbourg Airport catch the train (9min/2.30€/3 per hour) to Strasbourg Main Station. From Strasbourg main station, trains leave hourly from 6h51 until 20h51 to Sélestat (17 mn trip), on the Strasbourg to Bâle line. Price : 8.20€, sold at the desk or from machines.
From Bale/Mulhouse Euroairport a convenient shuttle bus leaves from the French side every 15 to 30min for the train station of Saint-Louis and costs 2€.
From Saint-Louis to Sélestat : on weekdays, trains leave hourly to Sélestat (47mn trip), on the Bâle-Strasbourg line. On week-ends, they are less regular and you may have to change train in Mulhouse. At the moment the last direct train leaves Saint-Louis at 20h00 on Saturdays and 21h30 on Sundays but this is subject to change. Price : 14.80€
Alternatively the TGV from Paris to Strasbourg takes 2h20 and a few trains go directly from Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport to Strasbourg (and reverse).
Getting from Turckheim
Regular local trains connect Turckheim to Colmar where you can catch the train to either airport.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.
How fit do I need to be?
The walking is graded easy and walk distances range from 4 - 22 km (3 - 13 miles) although there is a choice of walks each day. You can also choose to have rest days or extend the walks if you wish.
It is still an active holiday and we suggest you do some training prior to the trip and are comfortable walking an average of 10 - 12 km (6 - 7 miles) each day.
Which is the best airport to fly to?
Strasbourg has a slightly shorter journey time but Bale/Mulhouse Euroairport may have more reasonable flights. Both are only a short transfer by rail/shuttle.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as Alsace is extremely popular, especially in the summer months. Please note you can start this holiday on any day of the week except Monday. Even if you are booking last minute we will always try and accommodate your plans so do give us a shout.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
When is the best time of year?
The best months for walking are in the summer months between June and September when the weather is fair. Spring and Autumn are also very good times for walking as the air is a little cooler for walking and the colours are wonderful.
