Couvent du Bischenberg walks

The eleventh stage of the journey through the Vosges proposed by Passion Vosges magazine, published by Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace and L’Alsace, is also one of the longest of the trip. Starting from the vineyards, it will take you through the foothill forests via the Ungersberg Pass before reaching the small town of Châtenois and its ramparts. A report on this eleventh stage by Olivier Terrenère can be found in Passion Vosges.

I suggest an online hike. The starting point is Barr station, which is easily accessible by train from Strasbourg. The finish is at Obernai station, from where you can easily catch a train back to Strasbourg; there are services every hour on weekdays. The route will take you through the villages of Barr, Saint-Nabor, Bernardswiller and the town of Obernai, first through the vineyards and then into the forest on the slopes of Mont Sainte-Odile. You’ll be able to admire the ruins of the imposing Château du Landsberg (12th century). You can visit Hohenbourg Abbey, founded in 680 by Saint Odile, patron saint of Alsace, and admire the ruins of Niedermünster Abbey below. Enjoy exploring!

This route is the first part of thefourth stage of a seven-day tour of the Alsatian side of the Vosges mountains. Most of the route is on forest roads in good condition. The signage is excellent, consisting of signs with an orange or red mountain bike logo and the letters TMV (Traversée du Massif Vosgien).

Vine growing is an integral part of the Alsatian landscape. There is also a route named after it. This route is the fifth stage of the vineyard walk and connects Dambach-la-Ville to Obernai. There are numerous vantage points, indeed they are almost everywhere outside the villages. The villages themselves are very typical, with pretty half-timbered houses and undeniable charm. The region’s heritage is equally well represented.