Cernay (Haut-Rhin) walks

Cernay is a small town with a population of 11,000. It is situated at the entrance to the Thur Valley. This route allows you to discover much of Cernay’s heritage, starting from the town’s historic centre. The walk begins near Saint-Étienne Church and then heads towards the suburbs, which bear witness to the town’s industrial past. The route then winds back and forth between the suburbs and the town centre, allowing you to discover as many historical and cultural sites as possible.

This hike, which presents no major difficulties, allows you to explore the immediate surroundings of Cernay and then, after crossing the vineyards and the Loh plateau, to enter the oak forest above Steinbach. A number of vantage points offer sweeping views across much of the Alsace plain as far as the Black Forest. On a clear day, certain spots also provide breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

Starting from the village of Uffholtz, you will walk to Wattwiller, passing through the vineyards on the hill overlooking the two villages.

A lovely walk starting from the centre of the charming village of Uffholtz. It circles the bucolic Loh plateau, where orchards, vineyards, meadows and crops alternate. It ventures into the Uffholtz communal forest to enjoy a refreshing shaded passage halfway along a very open route where the sun can be intense. On the way back, the walk follows the Egelbach stream.

Set off to meet the storks of Cernay from the charming little village of Uffholtz, passing by numerous points of interest and beautiful views of the region. In good weather, you will also be able to see the Alps!

Uffholtz is a small village with 1,700 inhabitants. Located near Cernay, it is known to cyclists as the starting point for the ascent of the Hartmannswillerkopf and the Grand Ballon. This short route, which can be extended to include a visit to the neighbouring village of Wattwiller, allows you to discover all its heritage: Saint Erasmus Church, the 1914–1918 Shelter and its park, Schaecher Chapel and the Plague Cross, dating from 1565.

We did this hike in winter. There are a few difficulties, but overall it's a pleasant hike.

This beautiful, short hike is based directly on the guide of the same name published by the Cernay Tourist Office.

Located in the south of the Haut-Rhin, Wattwiller has long been known for its thermal springs. Today, its water is still used in our bottles. This route allows you to discover much of its heritage, notably its four fountains, the Church of Saint John the Baptist and the François Schneider Foundation museum. This route includes a short detour that gives you an overview of the village. To round off the route, we recommend combining it with a visit to neighbouring villages such as Uffolthz or Berrwiller.

A beautiful hike from Wattwiller to Hartmannswillerkopf, then Molkenrain, Freundstein with the remains of the castle, and back through the bunkers and trenches of the First World War. There are many places to eat along the hike. Just under 7 hours of walking, not counting long breaks.

Accessible walk with two magnificent viewpoints from the Rehbrunnel rock (Wotan Oak shelter) and the Hirlenstein rock.

Located above the village of Wattwiller, nestled against the slopes of the southern Vosges, this hike is ideal if you want to enjoy views overlooking the village, walk through vineyards or enjoy the coolness of the forest. The start and end points are at the car park in front of the François Schneider Foundation. The route is not difficult and the paths are very well marked.

The existence of the Cantine is directly linked to the Great War of 1914–18. German and French troops fought for control of the summit of the Hartmannswillerkopf, known locally by the abbreviation HWK, which offered a breathtaking view of the Rhine plain. The German sector 2 headquarters was established in casemates.

A pleasant short walk in summer as it is well shaded. Easy parking.

The Ostein farmhouse inn, located along this hike, is a great place to quench your thirst before continuing on to Steimbach. A stop at the Ostein rock offers breathtaking views of the entire valley and the Grand Ballon.

A cool forest walk on the southern slopes of the Hartmannswillerkopf massif, a major site of remembrance of the Great War. Forest trail along a steep ravine, waterfall, drier conditions at higher altitudes, passage at the Hirtzenstein rock and return to the starting point. The route is punctuated with remnants of the fighting that raged in 1915.

Vieux-Thann is best known for its industrial heritage. However, there are green spaces that allow you to escape this atmosphere entirely. This route takes you to discover them all. The walk passes by Saint-Dominique Church and Place Bernard Thierry-Mieg, as well as the Espace Rammersweier. Other points of interest along the route include the town hall and Place Scherrer.

The Hartmannswillerkopf (Viel Armand in French) was the scene of fierce fighting throughout 1915. Losses amounted to 50,000 dead, evenly divided between the two sides. This hike pays tribute to these soldiers by following part of their trenches. It begins with the ascent of the massif, following the German fortified trenches to the summit where the necropolis is located. The return route descends via the French side, the "Chemin des Dames".

The route allows you to discover part of the town of Wittelsheim, its historical and natural heritage, and above all its mining past, thanks to the Potash Mine Memory Circuit. The route partly follows the Wittelsheim Discovery Route and the new Anneau Bleu route, marked by the Club Vosgien.

A small village with just over 1,000 inhabitants, Berrwiller is situated near the Wine Route. It is a village in the countryside. This route takes you on a tour of the entire village, exploring its pleasant streets close to the farming community. The highlight of the route is undoubtedly Berrwiller Church.

A very beautiful walk around a lake with views of the Vosges mountains and a bird observation post.

A lovely family walk through forests and along riverbanks. Discover this dam, built between 1979 and 1982, which regulates the water table and ensures the supply of drinking water to the Mulhouse conurbation and its surroundings. It is a protected area; come and spot the birds in its nature reserve.

A circular walk around Michelbach dam with views over the Swiss Alps and 'Le Grand Ballon d'Alsace' on a clear day. Perfect spot for wildlife spotting. Along the way there are many signs giving some information about what to see and the history.