Illfurth walks

The fighting of the First World War raged in the Sundgau region from August 1914 onwards. The French blew up the Dannemarie viaduct and the front stabilised and extended from the Vosges to the Swiss border. The front line ran a few kilometres from Illfurth, near Heidwiller. During this tour, you will discover several bunkers that served a variety of purposes, including ammunition depots, observation posts and artillery emplacements, as well as several casemates.

This walk will introduce you to the small village of Heidwiller, which offers everything a walker could wish for: in its centre stands a castle dating back almost a thousand years, to the north lies a peaceful canal, and to the south, a hill offering an exceptional view of the region. Add to this a short nature trail and a variety of forest paths, and you have the perfect combination for a successful walk!

Here, you can easily travel through the centuries, from the Britzgyberg oppidum to the German military cemetery in Illfurth. However, as you cross the vast Altenberg massif and the unspoilt village of Luemschwiller, you might think for a moment that you have managed to suspend time.

It is in late February and early March that you should go to meet spring in the forest of Saint-Bernard. This is where the snowdrops appear, signalling the end of winter.

A short hike in the foothills of the Jura to discover the renovated Grand Canyon in Zillisheim, passing by the German cemetery from World War I and the Saint-Brice Chapel in Illfurth.

Passing through the pretty village of Flaxlanden and its Lourdes Grotto, discover a First World War military site in the hills above Zillisheim. Learn a little about nature with the discovery trails along the route and enjoy the many views that await you along the way!

The Chemin des Planètes, created by the Astroaspach club in partnership with the municipality of Aspach, is a 3 km route that offers an original way to discover our solar system through educational panels depicting the distance between the planets to scale: 1 metre walked represents 2,100,000 km in space. From the Sun to Neptune, what a journey!Along the way, you can also enjoy a stroll through the Litten Forest, its chapel (1862) and the village’s rural surroundings, walk through the narrow streets of Aspach and, at the end of the trail, cross the Jardin des Libellules (a community garden dedicated to water conservation and biodiversity).

The Riedweiher Pond, located near Galfingue, lies right in the middle of a small, very picturesque communal woodland. The walk takes you through the village and along the paths of this grove. As most of the paths are not signposted by the Club Vosgien, I recommend using the map in addition to the description.

On this route through the fields, you will take a small section of the Circuit de la Mémoire (Memorial Trail) with signs recounting the military exploits of the First World War. You will also have the opportunity to walk around the lake, which is impressive in size and pleasant in all seasons, with numerous benches dotted along the route.

A wooded hill separates the Ill and Thalbach valleys. As you walk along it, you will discover an old vineyard, a quarry marked by tragedy, a botanical trail and the story of an unfortunate general. When you reach the Emlingen lime kilns, the 19th century suddenly springs to life, frozen in stone and iron.

This route invites you to discover the village of Bernwiller and its surroundings, with a quick detour into the forest to sit for a moment in front of the small Notre-Dame de l'Unterholz Chapel and admire it.

The scene of the terrible battle of 19 August 1914, the Talrain Forest, situated "Auf dem Berg" (literally: On the Hill), which overlooks the villages of Emlingen and Wittersdorf, offers views of Altkirch and the Black Forest and will teach you more about the key figures in this battle via the Path of Remembrance, part of which this route follows.

The circular route offers a partially shaded section covering around 60 to 70 per cent of the trail, with gentle slopes. It follows the route of the historic Igetalweg (partly paved), which farmers once used to reach their fields with ox-drawn carts thanks to its gentle, even gradient. Do not use this circular route in strong winds.

A walk to discover Brunstatt and its hills, mostly through fields, with beautiful views of the Vosges mountains.

An easy walk that allows you to take in the forest air. Not far from Altkirch town centre, there are some beautiful views and the Erlen pond, where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings.

This route takes you on a walk through Bruebach and its surroundings, mainly through the surrounding woods.

This forest route allows you to discover the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Chêne, the Steinbaechlein and hundred-year-old oak trees.

A short, leisurely walk, half of which is in the shade.

The route runs almost entirely through the forest, in the shade of the trees or exposed to the icy wind in winter. You may spot a few roe deer startled by your presence if you keep quiet. The route is straightforward but features numerous fallen trees that you’ll need to go round.

A lovely walk with very varied scenery, including forests, countryside, and views of the Jura, the Black Forest, the Vosges and the pretty village of Wittersdorf below, as well as Altkirch.

The Great War (1914–1918) left its mark, and the village of Ammertzwiller bears witness to this. Walk along the forest paths and learn more about this conflict by discovering various relics and stories on this remembrance route.

A peaceful route offering beautiful views of the villages south of Bruebach, with the city of Basel on the horizon and the entire Alpine range as a backdrop. You’ll frequently be able to admire the German-speaking Swiss Alps straight ahead, with the Eiger and the Jungfrau and their magnificent pyramidal peaks, and at the other end, on the right-hand side, when the weather permits, Mont Blanc.

For geologists, this part of the Sundgau facing the Porte de Bourgogne is called the Fossé de Dannemarie. The landscape is gently undulating, with only one wooded hill emerging. At its summit stands the church of Gildwiller, where gazes and prayers converge.

Fancy a stroll through the woods for a few hours? This route is perfect for you. Although it’s not difficult, it still lets you discover some of the “secrets” of this part of the Sundgau and make the most of a lovely time spent outdoors.

The Rebberg district of Mulhouse is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Alsace. For the duration of your walk, forget that you’re right in the city centre as you wander through the various streets and alleyways of this impressive neighbourhood, which is striking both for its ever-present greenery and its many breathtaking mansions.

Rantzwiller, a small village in the Sundgau region, is a lovely place to live. The area around the village, particularly the hamlet of Heilhof, is well worth exploring and offers some lovely views.

Enjoy the omnipresent greenery along this route, the forest and views of four mountain ranges.

A long hike with superb views of the Vosges, the Black Forest and the Jura. There are numerous points of interest with information boards, benches and water points along the route.

The "Au fil de l'eau" circuit, between the Doller and Leimbach rivers, crosses a magnificent oak-lined avenue before entering the Vorwald oak forest, passes by two series of blockhouses, then the Müatergottesgartla Chapel, and reaches the banks of the Doller via farmland north of Reiningue. The entire route is marked with the Anneau Vert (Green Ring) sign by the Club Vosgien de Guewenheim

This is an undemanding hike, ideal for a Sunday stroll with the family. This circular runs along the banks of the Ill and allows you to discover the "Japanese Bridge" behind the Mulhouse swimming pool, as well as the "Bois des Philosophes" near the University.

Hirtzbach is well worth a visit. The castle, English park and opulent residences of Unterdorf are neatly lined up on either side of the stream, whose banks are beautifully flowered in summer. Along the way, a rural and wooded detour leads to the site of the vanished village of Sankt-Glückern and the Landfürstenweyer, the Princes' Pond, with its still waters.

Along this trail of bunkers, explore fortifications dating back to the First World War, built by the German army. After the fighting in the summer and autumn of 1914, the Haute-Alsace front stabilised on along the line of Cernay-Dannemarie. The commune of Burnhaupt-le-Bas remains on the German side. In December 1914 and January 1915, the French offensive in this sector regularly broke the German lines at the cost of many lives.

Below the Hochistross, the high road from Altkirch to Basel, villages dot the Thalbach valley. The old grain mill in Hundsbach has recently been restored, much to the delight of artists and history lovers.

A short walk in the woods near Mulhouse town centre. Very busy at weekends during the warmer months, it’s also a popular spot around 5 pm for dogs to run free and play.

A hike starting from Hirtzbach that passes through Largitzen and Heimersdorf. There are many remnants of theFirst World War along the route.

A hike through the beautiful Sundgau forests dotted with ponds, with no major difficulties except for the walking time. There are many places to stop for a snack along the route.

This trail will allow you to discover Mulhouse as it was in the 19th century, during its industrial textile boom. Find the locations of former factories, mansions and remnants of this unprecedented development.

Discover historic Mulhouse with this tourist trail! You will admire the most beautiful buildings in the city centre.In about an hour, you will stroll through the medieval streets, observing the houses that have marked the history of the city...

A family walk offering the chance to discover some of the attractions of Lutterbach, a town steeped in history and culture, home to one of the four basilicas of Alsace and a famous brewery rich in history, before enjoying the Bois de Lutterbach, the south-western part of the Forêt du Nonnenbruch (Marais des Nonnes), criss-crossed by numerous walking trails and serving as the urban area’s green lung. This walk is accessible via Lutterbach railway station (Haut-Rhin).

When you think of hiking in Alsace, the Vosges mountains spring to mind. But the Alsace plain also offers some very pleasant walks. This is the case with this short, family-friendly circular in the Bois de Lutterbach, on the outskirts of Mulhouse. This walk is completely safe and accessible to almost everyone. Most of the route is through forest. The highlight of the hike is halfway along the route: the Gros Chêne de Pfastatt (Pfastatt Great Oak).

Set off to discover the contemporary artworks scattered throughout Mulhouse. From the city centre to the Promenade William Wyler, along the Nouveau Bassin, where sculptures and installations interact with the water and trees. In just a few steps, let yourself be guided by iconic creations that reveal the city's daring spirit.

During a heatwave, we mainly seek shade or cool places. That is why this route was created. Enjoy this peaceful walk, far from the noise. To complete the circular route, return to the city centre.

Come and discover the works of the many street artists who adorn the city's walls and even... road signs! Clet, C215, Jana & Js are among those who embellish the streets of Mulhouse. Before starting this route,please note that street art is ephemeral, so some of the works may no longer be there when you take your walk. However, we invite you to keep your eyes peeled, as they may well be hidden.

A lovely walk in the Sundgau starting from Willer.

This family walk will give you the chance to discover Mulhouse’s tradition of painted walls.From giant murals to the tiniest graffiti, street art is everywhere in Mulhouse: on walls, pavements, letterboxes and even on road signs!You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled!

A short walk around Lake Reiningue.

Between the two villages of Riedisheim and Rixheim lies a third, Leibersheim, which ceased to exist five centuries ago. You will also pass by the cemeteries of these two villages, one of which dates back more than two centuries. Finish by climbing the Fuchsberg hill to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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