Alsace Vineyard Trails

Hiking between the vineyards of Alsace | Charles Hawes

Vineyard in the Vosges Mountains, Alsace region

The charming town of Turckheim | Charles Hawes

chapelle st Sébastien marcheurs

The charming countryside of France's Alsace | Charles Hawes

Hiking between the vineyards of Alsace | Charles Hawes

Vineyard in the Vosges Mountains, Alsace region

The charming town of Turckheim | Charles Hawes

chapelle st Sébastien marcheurs

The charming countryside of France's Alsace | Charles Hawes

Want to win a Camino trip for two?Join our Active Travel Community

Duration

7 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

6 nights in 2-3 star hotels

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Price

$990USD

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Inclusions
Accommodation
Cabins
Bike Information
Trail Surface
Grading
About your leader
Departure dates
Book now
Trip reviews
Why travel with us
Related articles
Videos
Similar trips
Suggested extensions

Overview

Trip Code: JVO

Trip highlights

A Walking Holiday Through the Vosges Mountains
Castles and Fortified Mediaeval Villages
Vineyards and Wine Tasting
Hiking Through Lush Green Landscapes

Attractive medieval walled villages steeped in history await you as you walk through the rolling hills and vineyards of Alsace. Their ornate houses are coloured by flower filled wooden balconies and surrounded by old fortifications, charming landscapes and many other sites of historic interest. This route is unquestionably the finest available on the flanks of the Vosges Massif; a green and mountainous corridor wedged between Lorraine in the west, Germany to the north and east and Switzerland to the south. Between the medieval village of Turckheim and Obernai there is plenty to see, such as the fortified village of Dambach that still retains its medieval centre. The walking occurs at altitudes of between 400m and 760m with plenty of sweeping views along the way. The Alsace is a popular area for lovers of good food and fine wine.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Traveller Rating

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Turckheim

Arrive in Turckheim, a mountain village set above the vineyards mostly known for its surrounding medieval wall. Accommodation: A 3* hotel built in typical Alsatian style.The rooms are very comfortable and the atmosphere is friendly. The hotel offers delicious traditional cooking. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk to Riquewihr via Katzenthal, Ammerschwihr, and Kaysersberg 16.4km (4-5hrs)

We descend at the end of the day through forest and vineyards to Riquewihr, a medieval museum of a town with fortifications dating back to the 13th century. Many of the old buildings have dovecots and are built round central courtyards. Accommodation: Extremely comfortable, modern 3* hotel with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and terrace. It is situated at the gates of the village and has been chosen for its quietness and cleanliness. 16 km / 9.9 miles, + 600m

Meals: B

Day 3
Walk to Thannenkirch via the 3 chateaux of Ribeaupierre and Dassenberg mountain 13.3 km (4-5hrs)

We enjoy wide views today over the plains of Alsace as we climb to 645m past the ruined chateaux of St. Ulrich and Gisberg to the small mountain village of Thannenkirch. Accommodation: A lovely flower bedecked modern building in a mountain village, built in the traditional style.This 3* hotel has a good restaurant and boasts a cellar bar where you can sample excellent Alsatian wines. 11 km / 6.8 miles, +520m

Meals: B

Day 4
Continue to Chatenois 12.9km (4-5hrs)

There is a wonderful chateau at Haut Koenigsbourg with panoramic views of the valleys below. There is also the chance to visit the Eagle Centre before descending through the vineyards to Chatenois, a delightful small typical Alsace billage Accommodation: A very small family-run 2* hotel, built in traditional style. The rooms are comfortable. 12.5 km / 7.7 miles, +270m

Meals: B

Day 5
Walk past a chateau, a medieval town and vineyards en route to Andlau 19km (6hrs)

A medieval town surrounded by ramparts. The route then goes on to Neue Matten, Bernardville, taking you along wooded paths and through vineyards until you reach your overnight stop at Andlau. Accommodation: A very welcoming 3* hotel located in the famous Kastelberg Grand Cru vineyard, at the edge of Landlau. 19 km / 11.8 miles, +550m

Meals: B

Day 6
A hilly walk to Obernai 22km (6hrs)

From Andlau we start by walking through Mittelbergheim, dominated by the ruins of the Chateau d’Andlau and Chateau Landsberg. From here it is hilly walking via Mont St. Odile. Some steepish climbs today offering fine views. You climb to St. Odile - a monastery situated on a rocky promontory. You descend to Ottrot before walking on to Obernai. . Accommodation: This beautiful 3* hotel is a 14th century building located in the centre of Obernai. 20 km / 11.4 miles, +745m

Meals: B

Day 7
Arrangements end after breakfast

Depart Obernai 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
6 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfers
Information pack including route notes & maps
Emergency hotline
GPX flies of the walks will be sent to you

What's not included

Lunch & Dinner
Entrance fees
Travel insurance
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Taxe de sejour (city tax) 0,50 - 1,50 Euros per day, per person, locally payable to the accommodations

Grading

moderate

This moderately graded walk( grade 3) should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly terrain. Day Stages: In the region of 11kms (7 miles) to 20kms (16 miles) per day with average altitude gains of 550m. 4 to 7 hours walking per day.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 24 Oct

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$990USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$290
Solo Traveller SurchargeUSD$450

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.