The 14 most beautiful walks in Alsace

Activities

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Romane

Published on 20/09/2025

Alsace, a multi-faceted region nestling between the Vosges and the Rhine, offers hikers an exceptional playground. From the peaks of the Vosges to wine trails, glacial lakes and perched castles, this land of contrasts reveals its most beautiful secrets through these 14 must-do hikes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, Alsace will meet your expectations with its varied landscapes and breathtaking panoramas.

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1. Les Roches trail

Considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Alsace, the sentier des Roches is a must for thrill-seekers. This legendary 17-kilometre route, with 500 metres of ascent, takes you from the Col de la Schlucht to the summit of the Hohneck (1,363 m), the third highest peak in the Vosges. The trail offers spectacular sections carved out of the cliffs, with exceptional panoramic views over the Vosges massif, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest. Be warned: this hike requires excellent physical condition and mountaineering experience.

Difficulty: Difficult | Duration: 6h | Distance: 17 km | Difference in altitude: 500m

2. Ribeauvillé’s three châteaux

This historic walk takes you to discover the three emblematic châteaux that dominate Ribeauvillé (68150, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 2,500 reviews). The 6-kilometre route, with a 385-metre gradient, takes you past the Château de Saint-Ulrich, the Girsberg and the Haut-Ribeaupierre. These medieval remains offer breathtaking views over the Alsace vineyards and the Rhine plain. The walk also passes through the magnificent Ribeauvillé vineyards, combining historical heritage with the discovery of Alsace’s terroir.

Difficulty: Medium | Duration: 1h30 | Distance: 6 km | Difference in altitude: 385m

3. Around the Black and White Lakes

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One of the most popular hikes in the Alsatian Vosges, this route takes in two glacial gems: Lac Blanc and Lac Noir. This 12-kilometre route, with a 400-metre ascent, offers a varied landscape of dense forests, peat bogs and open ridges. The two lakes, of glacial origin, are jewels of unspoilt nature in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. The trail also passes by the Belmont observatory, offering a panoramic view of the Vosges.

Difficulty: Medium to difficult | Duration: 3h30 | Distance: 12 km | Difference in altitude: 400m

4. Mont Sainte-Odile and the pagan wall

A spiritual Mecca in Alsace, Mont Sainte-Odile (67530 Ottrott, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 8,000 reviews) combines hiking and pilgrimage. This 11.7-kilometre walk, with a 600-metre gradient, takes in the famous convent of Mont Sainte-Odile, perched at an altitude of 763 metres. The route follows part of the mysterious Pagan Wall, an 11-kilometre-long Celtic fortification that surrounds the plateau. The panoramic views over the Alsace plain are exceptional, and you can visit Strasbourg below during your stay in Alsace.

Difficulty: Difficult | Duration: 4h | Distance: 11.7 km | Difference in altitude: 600m

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Strasbourg on foot and on your own

Make the most of your stay in Alsace to explore the European capital and its architectural treasures. Our audio tour guides you through Petite France, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the European institutions. It’s an immersive experience that perfectly complements your Alsatian hikes by introducing you to the urban heritage of this exceptional region.

5. Le Grand Ballon

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The highest point in the Vosges at 1,424 metres, the Grand Ballon is one of the most beautiful walks in Alsace. There are several routes up to this iconic peak, notably from Le Markstein (68610 Linthal, ski resort). The 8-kilometre route, with a 300-metre ascent, passes through high thatch landscapes typical of the Vosges. On a clear day, the view from the summit stretches from the Swiss Alps to the Black Forest, taking in the entire Alsace plain.

Difficulty: Medium | Duration: 2h30 | Distance: 8 km | Difference in altitude: 300m

6. Lac des Truites and Lac Vert

This magnificent 9-kilometre loop takes you to discover two hidden gems of the Vosges: Lac des Truites (or Lac du Forlet) and Lac Vert. The route, with its 401-metre gradient, crosses the Deux Lacs Biological Reserve, offering total immersion in unspoilt nature. Lac Vert, with its characteristic emerald colour, is one of the most photographed sites in Alsace. This hike also provides an opportunity to observe exceptional flora and fauna, including wild blueberry bushes in summer.

Difficulty: Medium | Duration: 2h30 | Distance: 9 km | Difference in altitude: 401m

7. Haut-Koenigsbourg castle

Perched at an altitude of 757 metres, Haut-Koenigsbourg castle (67600 Orschwiller, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews) is one of the most visited attractions in Alsace. This medieval fortress, restored by Emperor Wilhelm II, can be reached via several hiking trails. The 5-kilometre route, with a 250-metre ascent from Thannenkirch (68590, a small Alsatian village), passes through beautiful pine forests and offers exceptional views over the Alsace plain and the Vosges mountains.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Duration: 1h45 | Distance: 5 km | Difference in altitude: 250m

8. Le Donon

A sacred mountain in the Vosges du Nord, the Donon rises to 1,009 metres and is a site steeped in history. This 6.6-kilometre hike, with a 330-metre ascent, takes you to the summit where the remains of a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Mercury still stand. The route from the Col du Donon (67130 Grandfontaine) passes through magnificent coniferous forests and offers panoramic views of the northern Vosges. The reconstructed temple at the summit bears witness to the spiritual importance of this site since Antiquity.

Difficulty: Medium | Duration: 1h45 | Distance: 6.6 km | Difference in altitude: 330m

9. The Hohwald waterfall

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This 10.5-kilometre family hike takes you to discover the Hohwald waterfall (67140, protected natural site), one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alsace. The 568-metre ascent takes you through magnificent spruce and fir forests to reach the Chaume des Veaux. The 20-metre-high waterfall is a refreshing sight, particularly popular in summer. The trail also passes the Andiau spring, the source of this beautiful waterfall.

Difficulty: Medium | Duration: 2h45 | Distance: 10.5 km | Difference in altitude: 568m

10. The Hohneck via Lac de Schiessrothried

This demanding 12.2 kilometre hike takes you to the summit of the Hohneck (1,363 m) via the peaceful Lac de Schiessrothried. The 612-metre ascent from Le Gaschney (88250 La Bresse ski resort) takes you through breathtaking scenery of glacial lakes and Vosges ridges. The Schiessrothried lake, nestling in a glacial cirque, is a contemplative stop-off before the final ascent to the Hohneck. The panoramic views from the summit take in the whole of the Vosges massif.

Difficulty: Difficult | Duration: 4h10 | Distance: 12.2 km | Difference in altitude: 612m

11. The Grands Crus wine trail

Discover the wine-growing soul of Alsace on this 17-kilometre trail through the prestigious Alsace Grands Crus between Riquewihr (68340, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 5,000 reviews), Hunawihr and Ribeauvillé. This gentle hike, with a 200-metre gradient, takes you through exceptional terroirs such as Schoenenbourg and Sporen. The route passes through picturesque villages with half-timbered houses and offers plenty of opportunities for wine tasting in the local cellars. The perfect way to immerse yourself in the Alsace Wine Route.

Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 4h | Distance: 17 km | Difference in altitude: 200m

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Colmar on foot and on your own

Complete your exploration of the Alsace vineyards by discovering Colmar, the capital of Alsace wines. Our audio tour guides you through Little Venice, the half-timbered houses and the emblematic museums. It’s a not-to-be-missed tour that will give you a better understanding of the history and wine-making traditions of this exceptional region.

12. Lake Kruth

Perfect for families, this easy 5.5-kilometre walk around Lac de Kruth (68820, artificial lake) offers a rejuvenating stroll in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. The trail, which has an ascent of just 147 metres, runs along the banks of this artificial lake created in 1964. Surrounded by fir forests and dominated by the Ventron massif, this peaceful spot is an excellent introduction to hiking in Alsace. The route alternates between undergrowth and open banks, offering fine views of the surrounding mountains.

Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 1h10 | Distance: 5.5 km | Difference in altitude: 147m

13. The Vieil Armand battlefield

This historic hike on the Hartmannswillerkopf massif plunges you into the history of the First World War. The easy 3.4-kilometre route, with a 135-metre gradient, takes you on a tour of this open-air museum where more than 30,000 French and German soldiers lost their lives. The site, nicknamed “Vieil Armand” (Old Armand), contains many perfectly preserved trenches, concrete shelters and memorials. A moving walk that combines historical remembrance with the discovery of the Vosges countryside.

Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 1 hour | Distance: 3.4 km | Difference in altitude: 135m

14. Lake Michelbach

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This 4.5-kilometre family walk around Lac de Michelbach (68700 Cernay, nature reserve) is an ideal way to discover Alsace’s wildlife. This artificial lake, created in the 1980s and classified as a nature reserve in 1997, is home to many species of aquatic birds. The easy trail, with an ascent of just 125 metres, takes you all the way around this 62-hectare lake. It’s the perfect way to teach children about environmental protection while enjoying the Alsatian countryside.

Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 1 hour | Distance: 4.5 km | Difference in altitude: 125m

In conclusion, Alsace offers an exceptional diversity of walks to suit all abilities. From the peaks of the Vosges to wine trails, historic sites and glacial lakes, each route reveals a unique facet of this exceptional region. These 14 walks are an invitation to discover Alsace’s natural and heritage treasures, while enjoying unforgettable views of one of France’s most beautiful regions. Don’t hesitate to explore Alsace’s towns and cities too, for a complete experience of this land of a thousand faces.

FAQ

When is the best time to go hiking in Alsace?

The best period is from May to October, with a preference for June to September. Autumn offers magnificent colours, particularly in the Alsace vineyards. Winter is ideal for snowshoeing on the Vosges ridges.

What equipment do you need for hiking in Alsace?

Bring hiking boots, clothing suited to the variable weather conditions in the mountains, a first-aid kit, water and food. For difficult routes such as the sentier des Roches, via ferrata equipment may be recommended.

Can families hike in Alsace?

Absolutely! Alsace offers a whole host of family-friendly walks, including the tour of Lac de Kruth, Lac de Michelbach and certain sections of the Grands Crus wine trail. These easy routes are a great way to introduce children to hiking while discovering the beauty of the Alsatian countryside.

Where can I find out more about hiking in Alsace?

Local tourist offices, the Club Vosgien website, FFRandonnée topoguides and applications such as Visorando are all excellent sources of information. IGN maps are still essential for safe walking.