Alsace Mountains & Vineyards

Name: Alsace Mountains & Vineyards
Brand: UTracks
SKU: AMV
Rating: 4.67 (3 reviews)

The picturesque region of Alsace is perfectly suited to self guided walking

Walking the wine trails in Alsace

Vineyard in the Vosges Mountains, Alsace region

Street in Eguisheim, Alsace, France

Walkers in Alsace

Countryside of Alsace, France | Nick Kostos

Scenic walking in Alsace, France | Nick Kostos

The picturesque region of Alsace is perfectly suited to self guided walking

Walking the wine trails in Alsace

Vineyard in the Vosges Mountains, Alsace region

Street in Eguisheim, Alsace, France

Walkers in Alsace

Countryside of Alsace, France | Nick Kostos

Scenic walking in Alsace, France | Nick Kostos

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

7 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

6 nights in 3 star hotels

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Price

$1290USD

Overview

Trip Code: AMV

Trip highlights

Walking through the heart of the Alsatian vineyards
Exploring the authentic villages and castles which are full of historical intrigue
Experiencing the nature and landscapes of Ballons des Vosges Nature Park
Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Munster Cheese
Sampling some of the many excellent wines in local ‘caves’

Well marked paths and quiet country backroads provide the perfect setting to explore one of the most picturesque regions of France. Wander along the cobblestone streets of quaint villages and be impressed by the architecture of Romanesque and Baroque churches. Sample some of the Alsace's finest gastronomic delights as you travel through undulating farmland, orchards and vineyards. You will be able to discover the summits of the Vosges, unusual and stunning 'balloons' or round topped hills as you trek through the valleys of this spectacular region.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Eguisheim

Eguisheim is one of the most beautiful villages on the wine route, just 8km from Colmar. Wine making has been an important industry in the area since the Middle Ages and was largely developed by the Bishops of Strasbourg. During the afternoon you can warm up your legs with a walking tour of the old town, where remnants of a fortified castle that was constructed in the 13th century are visible, or relax and sample some of the great wines of the region in one of the many cafés in town.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk to Turckheim (4-5hrs)

Following breakfast at the hotel the walking day begins. The first ascent leads to "3 Chateaux" in Eguisheim (600m/1970ft) and later on to Hohlandsbourg Chateau, which offers a panoramic view over Colmar and the Alsace plain dotted with numerous villages. You spend the night in the beautiful town of Turckheim, where each evening at 10pm a night watchman in traditional 16th century costume sings as he switches off the streetlights. Distance: 14km/8.7mi, ascent/descent: +606m/1988ft, -578m/1896ft

Meals: B

Day 3
To Kaysersberg (4-5hrs)

Today's walk takes you from Turckheim to Kayserberg, the birthplace of Dr Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize winner, crossing Grand Cru vineyards. Kaysersberg is dominated by a high fortress which stands as a reminder of the strategic importance of the town and its turbulent past. There will be time in the afternoon to explore or relax with a local vintage. Distance: 14km/8.7m, ascent/descent: +698m/2290ft, -675m/2214ft

Meals: B

Day 4
To Munster via Labaroche and the Croix de Wihr Pass (6-7hrs)

This morning you leave the wine region to walk in the Vosges. It is a long day of hiking and we suggest setting out early. From Kaysersberg (at 250m/820ft) you ascend to the village of Labaroche and the summit of Petit Honack (927m/3188ft). After the Croix de Wihr Pass (840m/2756ft), the path leads to Munster in the heart of the Vosges Massif. The Munster Valley is the home of the famous Munster cheese made with cow's milk. It is claimed that the distinct flavour of the cheese is obtained from the flora in the pastures and the ancient production methods which have changed little over the years. Distance: 23km/14.3mi, ascent/descent: +1216m/3989ft, -1102m/36158ft *This stage can be shortened by taking a taxi from Kaysersberg to Trois-Epis (walking 14km/8.75mi).

Meals: B

Day 5
Ascend towards Wasserbourg and the village of Wintzfelden (5hrs)

You leave Munster and ascend in the direction of Wasserbourg (746m/2448ft). You pass the summit of Mühlenkopf (805m/2641ft) and descend further into the valley to discover an area with vineyards and the village of Wintzfelden. Distance: 15km/9.3mi, ascent/descent: +817m/2680ft, -836m/2742ft

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk through the Rhine Valley and return to Eguisheim (4-5hrs)

Taking a beautiful terraced path dominating the Rhine Valley, you walk in the direction of Gueberschwihr, a medieval town with numerous 16th to 18th Century wine-growers' homes made of timber and stone. Along the way you will see Celtic religious sites and an abbey, before returning to Eguisheim to end your walk. Distance: 17km/10.5mi, ascent/descent: +532m/1745ft, -679m/2227ft

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes Eguisheim

Arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices.
6 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked & GPX tracks
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to and from Eguisheim
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Entrance fees
Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Transfers
Excess luggage
Hotel taxes may apply - these are payable locally and range from €0.8-€3 per person per night
Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate

The daily walks are around 6 hours and between 14 and 23km/8.6 and 14.2mi. The daily ascents and descents as shown under each day's itinerary (max is day 4: +1216m/3989ft, -1102m/36158ft). The trails are well defined. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers.

Departure dates

Daily from 30 Mar to 5 Oct

Notes

High Season

Note:

High season 1 Jun - 29 Sep, supplement applies

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Priceper person from

$1290USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$380

*Prices listed are per person

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