Alsace Walking Holidays
Traverse the most picturesque section of the Alsace Wine Route, a journey through time and taste
Immerse yourself in the unique charm of Thannenkirch, Ribeauville, Kaysersberg, Turckheim, and Eguisheim
Marvel at the panoramic views from the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg and the fortresses above Eguisheim
Experience the tranquillity of Lac Noir, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the Vosges Mountains
Savour the region’s renowned wines, each sip a testament to Alsace’s rich viticultural heritage
Enjoy the freedom of village-to-village hiking, with the assurance of our comprehensive logistical support
Enter the world of vineyards and green hills
Visit one of France's top wine-growing countries
Colorful houses and vineyards wherever you look
Walk through the most beautiful villages in France
The Alsace wine route
Live your fairytale in Eguisheim
Witness unforgettable views of the Alsace region
Kaysersberg's colourful townscape
Itinerary
Welcome to Thannenkirch, a tranquil village nestled amidst the lush greenery of Alsace. As you settle into the serene rhythm of this charming place, take the opportunity to explore its quaint streets, savour the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the unique Franco-Germanic culture. A visit to the nearby Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is a must. This restored 12th-century castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and the Rhine Valley.
Today, embark on a scenic walk from Thannenkirch to Ribeauville. As you traverse the path, you’ll be treated to stunning views of sprawling vineyards punctuated by the sight of mediaeval castles perched on distant hills. Upon reaching Ribeauville, a town steeped in history and tradition, you’ll be captivated by its well-preserved architecture, vibrant wine culture, and the enchanting tales of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre.
8 km; 170 m of elevation gain and 420 m of elevation loss
Your journey continues to Kaysersberg, a village that has earned the title of one of the most beautiful in France. The route is a visual feast, offering picturesque views of vineyards, half-timbered houses, and the serene Alsace countryside. Once in Kaysersberg, lose yourself in the maze of charming streets, and don’t forget to sample the local wines renowned for their subtlety and elegance.
10.5 km; 300 m of elevation gain and 300 m of elevation loss
Today offers a change of scenery as you take a train from Kaysersberg to Orbey, the starting point of your circular hike around Lac Noir. Nestled in the heart of the Vosges Mountains, this tranquil lake is a haven for nature lovers. The walk offers a refreshing contrast to the vineyard landscapes, with the quiet rustling of the forest and the peaceful lapping of the lake waters as your soundtrack for the day.
19 km; 910 m of elevation gain/loss
From Kaysersberg, your path leads to Turckheim, another gem in the crown of Alsace. As you walk, enjoy the beautiful views of vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, interspersed with rolling hills and charming Alsatian houses. Upon reaching Turckheim, explore the town’s mediaeval walls, old town gates, and the Turckheim Winery, where you can taste some of the region’s finest wines.
9 km; 245 m of elevation gain and 260 m of elevation loss
Today’s journey takes you to Eguisheim, the birthplace of the Alsatian vineyard. The route is a feast for the senses, with sprawling vineyards, vibrant fields of flowers, and the distant outline of the Vosges Mountains. In Eguisheim, explore the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with colourful, half-timbered houses, and indulge in the local wines, each sip a testament to the town’s rich viticultural heritage.
11.5 km; 250 m of elevation gain and 290 m of elevation loss
Your adventure continues with a loop walk taking you to the hills above Eguisheim, where ancient fortresses stand as silent witnesses to the region’s turbulent past. As you ascend, enjoy the panoramic views of Eguisheim and the surrounding vineyards, their neat rows of vines a stark contrast to the wild beauty of the hills. This walk offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and wine culture, encapsulating the essence of Alsace.
14 km; 500 m of elevation gain/loss
As your walking holiday in Alsace draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past week. From the tranquil vineyards to the bustling wine towns, from the serene Lac Noir to the majestic castles, you’ve experienced the best that Alsace offers. Depart from Eguisheim with a heart full of memories and a deeper appreciation of the Alsatian wine culture. Until next time!
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organisation
24/7 service and support during your holidays
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
7x accommodation with breakfast in 3/4* hotels
Luggage transfer
Description
Picture a journey that takes you through rolling vineyards, past mediaeval castles standing sentinel on verdant hills, and into the heart of charming villages that seem to have sprung from the pages of a fairytale. Can you imagine it?
You just caught the essence of our Alsace Walking Holidays, a voyage of discovery that meanders along the most enchanting section of the Alsace Wine Route, offering a symphony of sensory delights and a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.
In the heart of eastern France, where the Rhine River carves its path, lies Alsace, a region that is as rich in history as it is in natural beauty. Here, the Alsace Wine Route unfurls like a ribbon, winding through a patchwork of vineyards that stretch towards the horizon, their neat rows of vines a testament to the region’s viticultural heritage.
From the tranquil haven of Thannenkirch, with its panoramic vistas of the Rhine Valley, to the bustling town of Ribeauville, where ancient architecture whispers tales of a bygone era, every step on this journey is a step into a world of wonder.
The serene Lac Noir, cradled in the bosom of the Vosges Mountains, offers a refreshing interlude amidst the vineyard landscapes, while the picturesque towns of Kaysersberg, Turckheim, and Eguisheim, each with its unique charm and rich wine culture, add layers of intrigue to this captivating journey.
At Walking Holidays France, we book all the hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable place to rest after a day of exploration. We provide a detailed written handout with a day-by-day itinerary, GPS navigation with a user-friendly app, and local recommendations to help you make the most of your journey.
And because we know that the joy of inn-to-inn hiking lies in the journey and not in the logistics, we take care of luggage transfer, leaving you free to enjoy the walk and the wine.
Let the Alsace Wine Route unfold its secrets, one step, one village, and one bottle of wine at a time. After all, life, like a good wine, is meant to be savoured, not rushed.
Location
Things to know
Our walking holidays are designed to cater to a range of fitness levels. We offer everything from leisurely strolls through vineyards and coastal paths to more challenging mountain hikes. However, it’s always a good idea to have a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, our walking holidays can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the suitability of certain tours for children may depend on the specific itinerary and the child’s age and fitness level. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your family.
We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The terrain can vary from smooth paths to rocky trails, so footwear should have good grip and ankle support. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea in case of wet weather.
Yes, we recommend booking your walking holiday in advance. This allows us to secure the best accommodations and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for your adventure.
We carefully select our accommodations to enhance your walking holiday experience. Depending on the tour, this could range from charming local inns and bed and breakfasts to more luxurious hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and proximity to our walking routes.
Our tours are primarily self-guided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, we provide detailed itineraries, route notes, and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. For those who prefer a guided experience, please contact us to discuss the options.
France is a year-round destination, but the best time for a walking holiday depends on the region. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, some regions, like the French Alps, are best enjoyed in the summer, while others, like the French Riviera, offer pleasant walking conditions even in winter.
Safety is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we have contingency plans in place. This could involve suggesting an alternative route or activity for the day. We also provide support and advice on how to handle different weather conditions.
Self-guided
HASSLE-FREE
TRUSTED BY MANY
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
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