This route is unquestionably the finest available on the flanks of the
Vosges Massif; a green and mountainous corridor wedged between Lorraine on
the west, Germany to the north and east and Switzerland to the south. The
walking takes you to pretty mediaeval villages full of twisting streets,
small squares and picturesque half-timbered houses adorned with neat
window boxes all typical of the Alsace.
Attractive
mediaeval 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. Between the mediaeval village of Turckheim (where you can still
find the last nightwatchmen in France) and Obernai there is certainly
plenty to see, such as the fortified village of Dambach that still retains its mediaeval
centre. We visit the villages of Niedermorschwihr, Ammerschwihr,
Kaysersberg (with its castle overlooking the plain of Alsace) and
Thannenkirch, a village that maintains many traces of its rich history.
Riquewihr has a mediaeval centre and a perfectly preserved double city
wall. There are fortifications dating from the 13th and 14th centuries at
Ribeauville, Barr, and Ottrott. You will climb to the summits of
Steinkoepfel, Schoentzel, Odilienberg or Mont Saint Odile (an ancient
monastery perched proudly on a rocky spur). You can explore the 12th
century fortresses of Haut Koenigsbourg, Haut Ribeaupierre (overlooking
the village of Ribeauville), Ramstein and Ortembourg. 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. The
cuisine is a mix of French and German influence, the wines; Sylvaner,
Riesling, Gewurstraminer and Pinot Blanc are all produced in this area
where many opportunities can be found to sample them at ‘caves’ along
the way.
6
nights/7 days - Our first night is spent in Turckheim,
a traditional Alsatian 2* hotel where you will receive a warm
welcome and superb cuisine. Then we stay in a comfortable, modern 3*
hotel with a sauna and terrace. It is situated by the old fortified
gates of the village of Riquewihr. The evening meal is
arranged in a typical restaurant in the village. On night 3 we stay
at a flower-bedecked modern 3* building or a guesthouse in the mountain village of Thannenkirch,
built in the traditional style. There is a good restaurant and
entertainment on some nights. Then, in contrast, a very small,
traditional family-run 2* hotel in the delightful village of Chatenois
with a beautiful dining room. Night 5 is spent in the lively market
town of Andlau at a modern 3* hotel where the food is
remarkable. For the final night you will stay in a beautiful 2*
hotel in Obernai.
Sherpa
Notes
Waymarking
The trail follows in the main well established paths and is comprehensively waymarked.
Accommodation
and Meals Dinner, bed & breakfast in simple country inns (2 & 3*) some Logis de France.
Start
and End of Tour
Nearest airports are Basel/Mulhouse and Strasbourg then train to Colmar, take bus or taxi to your hotel in Turckheim 5km by road from the train station.
For return, train from Obernai to Basel/Mulhouse or Strasbourg (tickets not included
in the holiday price).
