Walking the Alsace Wine Route

Arrive at Sélestat train station (20 mins by train from Strasbourg) from where you will be transferred to Thannenkirch (20 mins).Thannenkirch is a peaceful village, nestled in the green rolling hills of Alsace, a few hundred metres above the plain and vineyards. Adorned with handmade woodworks and carvings, wander through this beautiful village and take in the peace and quiet. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening (included) and prepare yourself for your first day of hiking.

Dinner:Thannenkirch

Your walking adventure begins with a beautiful walk to Ribeauvillé. Ascend steadily on a pleasant path through the forest. Arrive at the ruins of the ‘Trois Châteaux’, three medieval castles which make up an impressive part of the Alsace landscape. Enjoy the panorama from the third castle, views over the town of Ribeauvillé and a sea of vineyards open up. Descend to the town, taking your time to soak in the views.

Ribeauvillé is a lively, picturesque town brimming with pretty half-timbered houses, medieval towers and churches. Why not visit the "Cave de Ribeauville"to learn more about the local wine production?

Elevation Gain/Loss:+170/-393m

Today you’ll be walking through the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. The trails are undulating and the scenery beautiful; surrounded by lush green vineyards and picturesque villages whose spires dot the horizon. Arrive in Riquewihr, a walled medieval town which has been amazingly preserved. Half-timbered and brightly coloured buildings host a range of shops, restaurants and museums. Continue through vineyards and onto a balcony path above Kayserbserg which leads to the Chateau de Kaysersberg. Descend into the town which was voted ‘France’s Favourite Village’ in 2017.

Elevation Gain/Loss:+293m/-292m

Take a local bus to the village of Orbey, nestled in the heart of the Vosges Regional Park. This optional walk is strenuous but one of Alsace’s classic walks. Follow the trail through alpine-like pastures before ascending through the forest to reach a panoramic path high above Lac Blanc, a picturesque lake at 1,100m above sea level. Descend to Lac Noir, before a gentle amble through hamlets and dairy farms brings you back to Orbey. (please note that buses do not run on Sundays; ensure this day falls on another day of the week if you are keen to do the optional walk)

Alternatively, take it easy today and spend the day at leisure in Kaysersberg. Wander the streets and take in the medieval architecture of the town. Enjoy a leisurely evening meal at one of Kaysersberg’s many restaurants. Local specialities include tarte flambée, coq au Riesling, choucroute, cordon bleu, munster cheese and pretzels. All to be washed down with a glass of local white wine of course!

Follow the Chemin de Compostelle through vineyards and some shady forest sections. Walking through the authentic villages of Ammerschwihr, Katzenthal and Niedermorschwihr give a glimpse into the everyday lives of the Alsatian inhabitants. Evidence of the wine production and trade is prevalent, and the vineyards you walk through will likely be being tended by the winemakers.

Arrive in Turckheim, another historical delight. The nightwatchman makes his rounds through the town every night at 10pm (May-October) as in the olden days, singing in the Alsatian dialect. Keep an eye out for nesting storks on the tops of the half-timbered houses.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +185m/-204m

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast including French classics such as pain-au-chocolat and croissants. Here in Alsace, you will also find "Kugelhopf" in the breakfast buffet, a soft sponge cake with sultanas and nuts which the locals like to dunk into their morning coffee.

A steep but short incline takes you out of Turckheim and into the woods. The rest of the day’s walk is spent between calm forest trails and open vineyard paths. On a clear day, enjoy views of Germany’s Black Forest on your left and on your right a smattering of ruined castles perched high on the hills. Eguisheim is one of France "Plus Beaux Villages" and it's easy to see why. Beautifully ornate, its fountains, traditional houses and colourful flower boxes are a real treat.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +168m/-199m

Today you have the option of a loop walk or a day of leisure in the town. The loop walk takes in four of the castles that sit high on the hills surrounding Eguisheim.

Alternatively, spend the day in Eguisheim, enjoying the atmosphere of the village, sampling one or two of the local wine producer’s wares. Eguisheim has a range of traditional restaurants to choose from. Be sure to enjoy a fine evening meal to mark the end of your Alsace walking adventure.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +544m/-544m

From Eguisheim, a private transfer to Colmar train station is included (10 mins). From Colmar, you can reach a number of French and European destinations by train. If you have more time to explore the area, why not consider one of our adventures in the nearby Black Forest?