Guebwiller walks

Guebwiller is a small wine-growing town. As the "capital" of Florival, it is nonetheless well worth a visit. In addition to major tourist attractions such as the Saint-Léger and Notre-Dame churches and the Théodore Deck Museum, there are several other points of interest, such as the Parc de la Marseillaise, the military cemetery and Neuenbourg Castle and its grounds. Of course, there are other lesser-known curiosities along this route.

A short walk from Guebwiller will take you through the Alsatian vineyards to the Croix de la Mission, where you will have a beautiful view of Guebwiller, the Grand Ballon and, above all, the Alsace plain.

A long hike taking you through four communal forests: those of Lautenbach, Guebwiller, Bergholtzzel and Orschwihr. It features four climbs with an elevation gain of around 150 to 250 metres, the gradient of which varies depending on the section. There are numerous points of interest, including the town of Guebwiller, the viewpoint in the Bergholtzzell Communal Forest, and the Oelberg Calvary. The walk offers the chance to discover the remains of several castles as well as the Hochfelsen rock formation. Furthermore, it takes you around a small peak rising to an altitude of 688 metres: the Engelstein.

A themed walk exploring the castles around Guebwiller.

This walk offers beautiful views of Guebwiller and the Florival, and allows you to explore the old quarries of Buhl as well as the ruins of Hugstein. It can be combined with a visit to Guebwiller: industrial wastelands and villas, Saint-Léger Church, the Dominican Convent, the former Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, the Deck Museum, etc.

An easy walk full of discoveries that passes through the beautiful Grossberg clearing (look for its totem tree!). Nearby is the Heidenbuckel menhir, which was once used as a ceremonial site. Further on, we arrive at Dietrichstein, which was probably a place of sacrifice in the 8th century BC.

This hike will take you up to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, rising to 1,424 metres. From the summit, weather permitting, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and even as far as the Alps. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from coniferous and deciduous forests to clearings and pastures. As you gain altitude, you’ll notice how the flora of the Vosges changes.

This walk visits Guebwiller woodlands. While walking, enjoy different very nice spots ideals to take pictures and learn about various vegetal species (indicated by numbers). This walk is very nice to keep fresh in summer times. However, be careful when raining, it can be quite slippery!

A long circular walk connecting two towns in the Haut-Rhin: Guebwiller and Rouffach. What makes this circular walk unique is that it mainly passes through vineyards. Other crops can be seen in the first part of the walk, but the bulk of the route is through vineyards. The return leg is particularly interesting, featuring chapels, a nature reserve and some remarkable views. The route passes through several charming villages

Starting from the Guebwiller cemetery, this hike will allow you to discover the Bergholtz quarries, the Col du Dreibannstein and the Croix de Mission with beautiful views of Guebwiller, the Grand Ballon and the entire Alsace plain.

Two circular routes around Buhl: varied route offering beautiful views and sights. Several variations or shortcuts are possible.

This short walk presents no particular difficulties. It starts in the town of Soultz, notable for its rich Renaissance heritage, and takes you through the surrounding forest and vineyards. At Nez de Soultz, you can enjoy a beautiful view over the towns of Soultz and Guebwiller.

The hike starts in Jungholtz and crosses the communal forest of Guebwiller to take you to the Col de Peternit. Hike between the Guebwiller and Rimbach valleys, among conifers and deciduous trees. The hike can also be done by mountain bike.

Bergholtz is a small village with just over 1,000 inhabitants. Situated on the Wine Route, this route allows you to explore its narrow streets and discover its almost hidden heritage. The walk is suitable for everyone, and you can also have a picnic there and take your children to play in the playground on the outskirts of the village. Among the places of interest are the old Vauban Canal and Saint-Gall Church

This walk takes you to Hugstein Castle. It is mainly through woodland and offers the chance to spot wildlife or, at the very least, the many tracks they leave behind.

The Grand Ballon is a legendary peak in the Vosges. It is easily accessible by car. More experienced hikers can reach it on foot via various hiking trails. One of the longest routes starts from Soultz. The climb is steady on the first day and the descent is steady on the second. The more athletic can complete this hike in a single day, but to fully enjoy the scenery, it is better to do it over two days. This hike will leave you with lasting memories of the view from the summit at over 1,400 metres above sea level.

Randonnée presque quasiment en montée qui permet de relier Soultz, sympathique village culturel, au Col du Grand Ballon où vous pourrez passer la nuit avant d'aller le lendemain matin au sommet. Bien que cette étape soit courte en kilomètres, elle comporte un important dénivelé à ne pas négliger. Mais que de beautés en revanche entre les forêts et points de vues remarquables dans la dernière partie du parcours.

Bergholtz-Zell is a small Alsatian village situated in the heart of a vineyard. It is bordered by a wooded hill to the west. This short route offers a pleasant stroll through the heart of this wine-growing village. The main point of interest is a visit to the Mont Calvaire de l’Œlberg. This walk can easily be combined with a visit to the neighbouring village of Orschwihr or Bergholtz.

Soultz-Haut-Rhin is a small town with a population of 7,000 located at the gateway to the Florival Valley. It is home to two museums: the Nef des Jouets (Toy Museum) and the Bucheneck Museum. This walk takes you on a tour of the town and other historical sites such as the old railway line, the Capuchin monastery of Saint-Maurice, the old synagogue, memorials and various green spaces.

A long hike, almost flat, but covering a significant number of kilometres. This route will take you through villages and towns such as Hartmannswiller and Cernay. When conditions allow, the view stretches as far as the Alps. Apart from the theme of religion, which is very prominent with the various small churches and the Thierenbach Basilica, the theme of the First World War is also present on the way back. Most of the hike is in open country. Only a quarter of the hike is covered between Wattwiller and the basilica of Thierenbach.

A walk exploring the fortified castles around Guebwiller

A moderately challenging hike which, as the paths wind their way, offers beautiful views of the Rimbach Valley, the Alsace plain and, of course, the summit of the Grand Ballon. Crossing the little Kaltenbach valley with its trees and moss-covered rocks, its small waterfall and the remarkable 1914–1918 baths is a real treat.

This walk between Soultz-Haut-Rhin and Jungholtz takes you along the Way of the Cross from the Rote Rain Memorial to the famous Thierenbach Basilica, before crossing the village of Jungholtz to reach Mittelbourg and its vineyards, and finally returning to the starting point near the stork park in Soultz/Wuenheim.

A hike mostly through woodland on the lower slopes of the Grand Ballon, passing the charming Kohlschlag Farm Inn at the foot of the Col Amic. The return route to Sainte-Anne goes via the Holzwasen shelter.

A circular walk leading to the Ebeneck hilltops, offering superb views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and, weather permitting, the Alps on a clear day.

A route alternating between paths and trails through the forest with some stunning views. Starting from Orschwihr, this route takes you to the summit of the Petit Ballon via the Col de Bannstein and then the Col de Boenlesgrab.

An easy walk (except for a slightly steep initial climb) that passes through the beautiful and wild pink sandstone quarries of Buhl. The pretty quarry trail continues to the famous Menhirs de l'Appenthal and its cyclopean wall. The walk ends along the vineyards, offering a beautiful view of Hugstein Castle and passing by the strange birthing chair, which is said to have been used in ancient times for childbirth.

This hike could also be called 'Les Balcons de Buhl' (the Buhl balconies). It crosses the Buhlois vineyard, offering magnificent views of the Florival and the Grand Ballon. An additional point of interest is that the circuit crosses old abandoned red sandstone quarries in the Vosges.

This route offers a comprehensive tour of the three beautiful sandstone quarries above Guebwiller, which were in operation until the early 20th century. Starting north of Buhl, the route crosses and explores the major sandstone quarries of this massif, those of Buhl, as well as Guebwiller and Bergholtz. This route will take you beneath and above the quarries, passing through the Col du Dreibannstein, which features a Club Vosgien shelter and tables. After skirting the quarry walls, the route offers views of Guebwiller, its Grand Ballon and the Florival valley. The quarries and the very pleasant trails are a delight for the region’s rock climbers. But they also appeal to hikers, with views of the valley, the Vosges, the plain, the sandstone cliffs, and more...

Issenheim is a small town with a population of 3,000. It was formerly known for the Gast spinning mill. This mill was one of the largest in the region and processed wool into yarn. It is also the starting point for this walk. The first part runs along the banks of the Lauch, passing Villa Spetz and Saint-André Church. The return journey is via Rue de Guebwiller, passing in front of the chapel of the former Antonine convent of Saint-Joseph.

This long hike will allow you to enjoy the many views offered by the Col Amic and the climb to the Grand Ballon. You can also stop for refreshments at the various farm inns located along the route. It's the ideal way to spend a sporty day in the open air on the highest peak in the Vosges.

A beautiful hike on Hartmannswillerkopf mountain, also known as "The Man-Eater", where a battle took place during the First World War. You can discover various historical remains (old cemeteries, old shelters, ruins, trenches) and a magnificent view of the Alsace Plain.

The route takes us to the Bollenberg hill, then winds its way through the vineyards on the Rouffach side. Beautiful views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and the Jura mountains. We then cross over to the other side, into the Vallée Noble vineyards, interspersed with the limestone hill of Zinnkoepfle. On the way back, we pass through the village of Westhalten.

This route is open through the vineyards and takes you around the Bollenberg massif, a limestone site renowned for its fine wines. The markings are easier to find if you do the circular loop clockwise. It is possible to do the tour in the other direction, although the markings are less easy to find.

Orschwihr is a small village situated in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. As it is right next to Bergholtz-Zell, you can combine this walk with a visit to that village. This route takes you past Saint-Nicolas Church, the Japanese pagoda tree, Saint-Wolfgang Chapel and other points of interest. It is a family-friendly walk that can easily be completed in 1½ hours, taking your time.

The wine-growing village of Orschwihr is situated in a small valley between the Florival and the Vallée Noble. It is separated from the plain by the Bollenberg, a hill with a Mediterranean climate, where numerous animal and plant species thrive (praying mantises, hoopoes, orchids...).

A pleasant circular on the heights of Rimbach-près-Guebwiller in beautiful forests, passing through Münsteraeckerle and Judenhut. Halfway through, why not stop off at the very friendly and cosy Ferme Auberge du Glasshütte?

Wuenheim is a small village of 800 inhabitants, situated between Soultz and Cernay. With a history deeply rooted in winegrowing, this route takes you past various winegrowers’ houses that withstood both world wars. Indeed, the village of Wuenheim was severely affected by the First World War. This route allows you to discover Wuenheim’s wine-growing heritage, whilst exploring the theme of the village’s reconstruction following the First World War and learning about the impact that conflict had on the village.

An easy route that will take you through the dry meadows of Bollenberg overlooking the Alsace plain, between vineyards and mountains.

Starting from Wuenheim, this circular route will take you through the vineyards of Ollwiller after a short stretch through the forest.

A short walk through the forest before setting off to explore the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Thierenbach.

Starting from Wuenheim near Soultz, this hike offers a wealth of historical and cultural heritage discoveries, taking you through beautiful forests in the foothills of the Vosges mountains to Col Amic on the Route des Crêtes, passing historic sites from the 1914-1918 war near Hartmannswillerkopf: Zimmermann Cross, Baratin Shelter and Sicurani Chapel, then return via the Kohlschlag farm inn, Holzwasen, St Anne's Chapel, Notre-Dame de Thierenbach Basilica and the Jewish cemetery in Jungholtz.

A long walk with a relatively gentle gradient, but one that is nevertheless recommended for hikers who are reasonably experienced walkers. History enthusiasts will be delighted by the walk across the Vieil Armand or Hartmannswillerkopf battlefield and by discovering the many monuments linked to the history of the First World War.

A beautiful hike around the Murbach Valley with elevation gain and length suitable for experienced walkers. Mainly in the forest, it offers two beautiful viewpoints at the ruins of Hohrupf Castle and at the end of the walk at Ebeneck.

This hike will allow you to discover the Murbach valley and the ruins of Hohrupf Castle.

The hike starts in Murbach and allows you to discover several attractions in the valley: Murbach Abbey, the Notre Dame de Lorette Chapel and the ruins of an ancient castle, the Hohrupf.

This hike, suitable for those with some hiking experience and/or good physical fitness, will allow you to discover the Murbach valley and its famous abbey, which exerted political, spiritual and cultural influence over a vast territory for over a thousand years. Along the way, you can enjoy several views of the abbey and the Murbach valley, as well as tables and benches where you can rest or have a picnic.

Hartmannswiller is a small village situated at the foot of the Vieil Armand. It is best known for its church and its fortified cemetery. This walk allows you to discover other sites, marked by cultural information boards, such as the town hall, the well on Grand'Rue and the crosses. To round off your exploration of the area, you can combine this walk with a visit to the neighbouring village of Wuenheim.

Like the "South and North Trenches of Hartmannswillerkopf" hikes, this hike pays tribute to the soldiers of theFirst World War. This hike follows the German supply routes that fed the front. The Zeller canteen was the location of the German army's Sector II headquarters in 1914. Around this canteen, the pioneer village included a bookshop, dentist, hairdresser, kitchen, photographer and a chapel. Warning. Friday 12 May 2023. From (9) to (10), dangerous to approach, the owners of the Ollwiller estate almost let the dogs loose. Be very careful, do not approach the estate. Awaiting modification...

This short walk in the hills above Soultzmatt will take you to the Langenstein Menhir and a beautiful viewpoint over the Vallée Noble. You will then enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest, which you will walk through for most of this hike, as well as a beautiful meadow that you will cross.

This moderately difficult walk is relatively short. It is suitable for most walkers who, provided they have a minimum level of fitness, should find this route a pleasant half-day walk. Several heritage sites (crosses, a chapel, castle ruins, etc.) can be explored along the way.

The Hartmannswillerkopf (HWK, Viel Armand in French) was the scene of fierce fighting throughout 1915. Like the "South Trenches of the HWK" hike, this hike pays tribute to the combatants by following part of their trenches and shelters. It begins with an ascent of the northern slope of the massif and the German side to the summit, followed by a descent via the French side before passing by the Sicurani Chapel.

This route starting from Bollwiller will allow you to discover the village and its surroundings. Starting from the castle, visit the village centre and then set off to explore the rural hillside with its breathtaking view of the Vosges mountains. On the way back, pass through Cité Sainte-Thérèse, a former mining town typical of the region.

Westhalten is a small wine-growing village. It is the first village you come to when entering the Vallée Noble. This route offers the chance to explore the village and its crosses. You can combine this walk with a visit to the neighbouring village of Soultzmatt or go on other hikes in the area. You can also see the Petit Ballon on several occasions, as well as other Vosges peaks in the surrounding area.