Lahr/Schwarzwald walks

A pleasant walk through countryside and woodland. Paths accessible all year round.

A visit to my maternal grandparents’ village will take you deep into the Black Forest; as you climb a little higher, you’ll discover the village of Seelbach in the Schutter Valley.

An hour from Strasbourg, in the heart of the Black Forest (Germany), discover the ruins of Géroldseck Castle. A route along small country lanes, which can be completed on foot or by bike (between 4 and 5 hours on foot). After an initial uphill section, you’ll discover a superb 360-degree panoramic view of the Black Forest at the top of the ruins.

A lovely walk above Seelbach, alternating between woodland and meadows with beautiful scenery and the chance to discover lovely wooden sculptures. Please note that the start of the descent is sometimes quite steep.

A circular walk to visit Geroldseck and the Lützelhardt ruins, half through woodland and half across open countryside.

A circular route with virtually no elevation gain, through the shaded forest on the German side of the Rhine. Part of the route follows a signposted path known as the “Schnakenpfad” (the snail trail), which is approximately 7.5 km long. It is located near Lac de Gravier to the west, between the villages of Ottenheim-Schwanau and Meißenheim. This path is aptly named, as the locals also call it “Schnoogepfad” (the Mosquito Trail), because in summer it is teeming with them. The route alternates between small lakes, streams, charming little wooden bridges, footpaths, tracks of varying widths, tarmac roads and a few pavements at the start and finish in the streets of the village of Ottenheim-Schwanau. The whole route is easily accessible. There are several shelters with tables and benches along the way. Suitable walking shoes are nevertheless recommended. Dogs must be kept on a lead! The area is rich in wildlife and you’ll also come across beautiful wild geese.

A route through the Taubergiessen National Nature Reserve, in the German part of Rhinau, along the Old Rhine with views of Rhinau Island and a short detour to Europa-Park (Rust). This is a thousand-hectare nature reserve owned by the French commune of Rhinau on German territory (650 ha of forest and 350 ha of meadows or fields). I was lucky enough to spot roe deer, swans and herons.

A lovely, easy walk through the Grand Ried in Rhinau, taking you through fields and woodland near the Rhine, amongst springs and streams with exceptionally clear water, and past blockhouses.May be suitable for children.

Hike in the hills above Gengenbach. Car park next to a clinic. The route is accessible to all, with forest paths and small trails. The climb at the start is long but easy, and then you reach some small paths. At the end of the route, there is a magnificent view of the town of Gengenbach.

Who hasn’t seen them – the bright green and yellow cups, plates and egg cups featuring the Black Forest rooster and hen? This charming pair of chickens will also accompany you on the approximately 14-kilometre-long “Rooster and Hen Trail” through the holiday landscape of the Central Black Forest, Gengenbach and Harmersbach Valley.

The ‘Bibili’ Trail is a child-friendly section of the Hahn-und-Henne Circuit and is ideal for a relaxed family walk. From the Schwarzer Adler car park in Unterharmersbach, the trail leads along the Bächle stream to a water treading area with a barbecue site. Crossing meadows and passing through small woods, it heads to the opposite side of the valley and, after a short climb, returns at a leisurely pace. Along the way, a large playground and the Oberburehof wine tavern provide lovely spots for a break.

Explore a site home to the Ried d’Herbsheim Nature Reserve. It comprises the richest meadows in the area. In early spring, you can see patches of crocuses, as well as Siberian irises which flower from May to June. Conservation measures (in this agricultural area) have helped to avert the worst; the area features remarkable peat bogs typical of the Rieds.

A beautiful hike starting from Haslach that takes you to the Sacred Well and Chapel, the Urenkopf and the Devil's Pulpit rocks. Very pleasant in warm weather as it is mostly shaded but offers some beautiful views.

A superb walk taking in riverbanks, fields and wooded areas.

A family-friendly walk near Kenzingen.Today, variety is the order of the day. This tour takes us through vineyards and woods, past ‘wild’ animals, all the way to a climbing park. So every member of the family can find their own adventure!

The Mühlenbach Panoramic Trail is known as the ‘King of the Hiking Trails’. It offers an idyllic hiking experience amongst the unspoilt Black Forest valleys and farmsteads. The ‘Short Loop’ is designed to give a taste of the entire Panoramic Trail and can be extended to include the ‘Long Loop’ to create an excellent day’s hike.

Near the Pierre-Pflimlin Bridge, between Strasbourg (France) and Altenheim (Germany), the first part of the walk is a nature trail through the heart of the Rhine floodplain forest – the Auenwildnispfad – which allows you to explore one of the last remaining wild landscapes along the banks of the Rhine, where the river still shapes an environment rich in biodiversity. You’ll cross wooden footbridges, traverse small branches of the Rhine, walk over rustic bridges and discover viewing platforms offering beautiful views of the floodplain forest. Information boards explain how this unique ecosystem works and introduce the local wildlife: birds, amphibians, insects and beavers all find refuge here. The second part of the walk then alternates between forest paths, trails along the banks of the Rhine and the ‘Goldscheurer Baggersee’ gravel pit, all in a peaceful, shaded setting.

A short walk along the water's edge, pleasant in all seasons and appealing to adults, children and pets (on a lead) alike. With a bit of luck, you may see many animals, including kingfishers, as well as traces of beavers. In fine weather, this route is ideal for a picnic by the water's edge.

Hike between fields and forest near Nordhouse. Pass through the village of Hipsheim and return via the Rhône-Rhine canal. Pass by the Borne 2000 monument in Nordhouse.

A country circuit through forests, villages, fields and rivers.

This is a variation on route -1-, slightly longer and slightly less shaded.

A bucolic walk in the cool shade of the forest, along the water; ideal in hot weather.

An 8 km hike on flat terrain. The route passes through parts of villages (Eschau, Ohnheim, Fegersheim), follows streams through fields, crosses a grove and runs alongside a pond.

A short trip to the Nature Reserve on Rohrschollen Island at the gates of Strasbourg. A little-known getaway full of discoveries. Please note that dogs are strictly prohibited in the reserve, even on a leash. (5) June 2021: the city of Strasbourg has installed five rustic Highland Cattle cows on the island to clear the undergrowth beneath the power lines.

A very beautiful walk around Nesselried, alternating between vineyards and woodland. 

A lovely walk from Kalikutt with no particular difficulties. The first part is an ascent to the ‘Mooskopf’ summit and its tower. This is followed by a descent along well-marked paths. You’ll have the chance to rest at various designated rest areas and refresh yourself at the fountains along the route.

Pram-friendly family walk around Winden

A 5km circular through the Illkirch forest, ideal for Nordic walking as it only takes a few metres of tarmac road.

A superb hike through the orchards around Nussbach with magnificent views of both valleys!

A long hike with significant elevation gain. Follow the sign featuring a shepherd, then the unmistakable Yellow Diamond. Please note that the signs are sometimes a few dozen metres past the junctions, so keep an eye out!

The Brennersteig route (distillery route) is a pleasant walk near Oberkirch, in the foothills of the Black Forest, winding through woods, orchards and vineyards.As it is not particularly difficult, this walk is ideal for a family outing.

A beautiful hike to do in warm weather as most of it is shaded, with beautiful views. Picnics can be enjoyed at various locations. There are numerous benches along the route.

Explore the ruins of Schauenburg Castle, perched atop a hill spur at an altitude of 367 m, overlooking the Renchtal valley and the town of Oberkirch. In fine weather, there’s a magnificent view of the Alsace plain and Strasbourg Cathedral!