Spicheren walks

A Franco-German trail that will take you on a journey of discovery through the remains of the Second World War, back to ancient times as you cross a Celtic oppidum, and to a battlefield from the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

Starting from Etzling, this very picturesque walk crosses meadows and woodland before finally taking a path – known as the ‘Ancienne Voie Romaine’ – lined with hedgerows. According to some historians, this is in fact a road built under Louis XIV at the time of the conquest of the territory stretching as far as the Rhine.

An easy hike through the forests of Alsting, Saarbrücken and Spicheren. The route passes through historic sites where major battles of the 1870 war took place. It also passes military cemeteries from the 1939–1945 and 1870 wars.

A tarmac path leads to the former Simon Quarry, whose sand was used to fill in tunnels at the bottom of the coal mine. At the bottom of the quarry, a lake has formed; the water level is gradually rising, allowing the natural environment to reclaim the area.

Very well-signposted paths in the Warndt Forest (Saarland), a few kilometres from Creutzwald. You’ll follow the Hugenaux Trail, which crosses this German section. The paths are made of schist with patches of sand, then there is a forest road and some stonier paths (small gravel). You will also use a section of the Nordicpark. The paths are always at right angles to one another, so it is difficult to get lost.

A beautiful walk to discover the Woelfling wind farm.

A chance to unwind whilst exploring the local heritage. Why not take a stroll through a lovely green setting, with panoramic views and poignant reminders of the last war? An easy route awaits you for a round trip through the countryside, passing pastures, meadows, crops and orchards, and skirting the edge of a wood where you can discover a very distinctive area of military architecture: the Aquatic Maginot Line.

A route in Saint-Avold suitable for a short semi-urban walk or a light jog.

Circular route on varied terrain (forest, country lanes, canal bank) offering the chance to discover: - a forest ranger’s house built of pink sandstone, with its arboretum and observation point, - bunkers dating from the Second World War with views across the whole of the Albe valley, - a 10th-century chapel and a military cemetery, - a bridge over the coal-mining canal, built before 1867. The return leg of the circular route follows the canal.

This hike, suitable for families and all seasons, will allow you to enjoy the colours of autumn, the silence of winter, the spring flora and the shade of summer.

A magnificent hike in the La Houve forest, accessible to the whole family. Passing through Merten, La Ferme aux Cloches, the Miners' Trail, the Oak of the Cats, the fountain, the statue of Saint Christopher, Falck, the water tower and arrival at the car park.

A pleasant circular route around the village of Bambiderstroff, through woods, meadows and farmland, passing close to various Maginot Line fortifications, including the small Bambesch fort.Passing over ridges, this route also offers some stunning panoramic views.

A lovely path through woods, fields, ponds and valleys, said to have been used by the monk Firminy, who would meditate whilst walking. As you walk, imagine the landscape in which this medieval monk might have walked.

A walk along beautiful paths that take you on a circular route around several ponds.

This route has two distinct sections. After following part of the path that circles the Étang de la Mutche, you will then reach the Claire Forêt. There you will discover a second, very interesting pond. This route alternates between open stretches and woodland. The paths are very well maintained and pleasant to walk on. The German military cemetery is a truly remarkable point of interest. Steeped in history, the site is impressive for its setting and grandeur.

A short 2-hour walk in the hills north of Bitche. Small spring, mini waterfall and discovery of a historic tomb from 1870.

A beautiful, undulating circular hike through the woods, winding between old wash houses, steles, ponds and rocks pierced by caves.

The first climb is steep and tiring, but once at the top, you can admire the whole of Bitche from the rampart walk at the foot of the Citadel walls.

Circular walk around the small village of Suisse near Morhange. A walk comprising 50 per cent on footpaths and 50 per cent on quiet country lanes.

A pleasant little circular walk from the VVF holiday centre at Étang d'Hasselfurth towards Étang d'Entenbaechel, then looping back via the Widerschall and Hochkopf passes. The paths are very well maintained, easily walkable, with little elevation gain apart from the section between the two passes leading to the summit of the Hochkopf.

A lovely little walk in the Northern Vosges forest connecting Zittersheim to Wingen-sur-Moder. I fell in love with the forests of the Northern Vosges.

This hike, tested on 15/01/2022, takes us to the Pierre des Douze Apôtres (Breitenstein), marking the border between Alsace and Moselle. This stone dates back to the time of the Druids and was used for sacrifices before being gradually transformed by Christianisation.The hike follows forest paths through the forests of the Northern Vosges.

This route mainly follows paths through fields and, as you walk, reveals magnificent panoramic views of the Saulnois region. Its highlight is the discovery of Mont des Saints, a site undergoing transformation where a series of monumental statues is gradually being erected. Launched in 2023, this ambitious project is led by sculptor Michel Dardaine, whose expertise is bringing the first Lorraine figures to life. The project is a long-term undertaking that will span several decades, offering visitors the pleasure of seeing the site evolve over the years. When you reach the summit, where the route passes, take the time to enjoy an exceptional 360° view, opening onto vast, luminous and particularly photogenic landscapes.

A hike that will take you to one of the most beautiful places in the Saarland: the Saar Loop.

A lovely, undulating walk through the woodland, not particularly difficult, between Rocher Blanc and Rocher du Corbeau, returning via the Chemin des Insectes.

The heights of the Saargau above Wehingen can be reached via the slopes of the Kewelsberg through a sea of green limestone. After the descent, there are numerous old orchards, unspoilt stream valleys with clear, bubbling streams and sunken paths in extensive wooded areas.

In the magnificent setting of the Northern Vosges, this is a short, easy walk that makes for a very enjoyable day out.

This is an easy, short walk around La Petite-Pierre with a lovely view of the castle from the Rocher Blanc But be careful, there is a slight incline!

A lovely, easy hike with many paths wide enough for groups and a restaurant halfway along the route!

La Petite Pierre is a small village situated in the Northern Vosges. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, its historic centre, known as Staedtel, encapsulates everything a medieval Alsatian town has to offer: a castle, picturesque narrow streets, a medieval atmosphere, and charming houses... This circular walk also takes you to visit the suburb north of the old town, as far as the Napoleonic bench.

A walk around the Saar Loop near Mettlach, one of the Saarland’s most famous attractions. The route takes you from the “WELLES” ferry across the Mettlach lock up to the treetop walk and back in a loop to your starting point.

This walk, in the heart of the Saulnois region, will allow us to discover the King’s Oak. Louis XIV is said to have camped near this oak, which is estimated to be four centuries old. It is situated in the woods opposite Château-Voué, a village steeped in history. It is no longer so easy to find today, and I invite you to join me in discovering and admiring it. You will also have the opportunity to visit Château-Voué (the castle ruins and fortified house), as well as to walk along the beautiful Étang de Wuisse.

We’ll meet up in familiar territory to walk from Wimmenau to Reipertswiller via Lichtenberg. 

This very hilly walk will take you from Loosthal to the Imsthal inn for a return trip to Petite-Pierre.

A very pleasant walk, mainly through woodland with some lovely views. Well worth doing in summer when the weather is warm!

A lovely, undulating circular walk to explore the Fischbaechel ponds and the rocks lining the Gorna path.

This route, situated in the Northern Vosges, is a ‘Natura 2000’ site; its circular route includes a four-kilometre nature trail. It is ideal for those who enjoy easy (with little elevation gain) and peaceful walks through woodland. It offers some beautiful views, interesting cliffs and rocks, and ends at the terrace of the inn overlooking the circular Imsthal pond.

A magnificent hike around the Petite-Pierre, suitable for all seasons and presenting no difficulty other than its length. It takes you along part ofthe famousGR® 531, a long-distance hiking trail that crosses the Vosges mountains from north to south over 393 km; on your return, you’ll walk along the equally renownedGR® 53, which runs from Wissembourg for 167 km to Schirmeck, where it joins theGR® 5.

A lovely, easy circular walk in the Petite Pierre National Reserve, following the Loosthal discovery trail and the paths of the Heidekoepfel, Muehlkopf and Geierfelsen, all the way to the Rocher du Bélier.If curiosity prompts you to take a look, you’ll discover a few interesting, little-known spots that catch the eye.

Starting from the Loosthal forest house, begin this beautiful circular hike through undulating woodland, passing Hunebourg Castle, the Grotte d'Amour, the Rocher de la Guérite, the Gros Chêne, the Col de la Tête du Christ, the Pfannenfels rock formation and the Hammelsberg.

Circular Sarre: it goes up and down. A short boat trip across the Sarre during the hike for a few euros. A magnificent spot, you can grab a drink at a bar by the water and then set off again. Really very nice.

This beautiful hike takes you on a journey of discovery along a magnificent bend in the Saar River, starting from the Cloef Atrium car park in Orsholz (part of the municipality of Mettlach). The route gradually descends to the viewpoint and then to the riverbank before climbing back up to the starting point, all within a splendid forest setting.

The Saulnois region is often described as the “Land of Salt and Ponds”. This description is well-deserved, and this route features nearly six ponds. Apart from the Étang des Essarts, which has been developed, the others are managed by the Lorraine Nature Conservancy and are completely unspoilt. Here you’ll discover a rich variety of wildlife, vegetation and colours that bear witness to a protected environment. The picnic area by the side of the main road is halfway along the route and can prove very useful.

A forest walk in the Northern Vosges mountains of Alsace Bossue, where you can discover all the charms of this mountain range with a must-see stop at the Rocher des Païens and a return to the troglodyte houses of Graufthal.

The cave dwellings of Grauftal and the castle of La Petite Pierre.

This walk along paths and forest roads is shaded, very easy and suitable for children. It offers some beautiful rocks and a castle ruin (you have to use your imagination here). This circular route follows much of the same path on the way there and back.

This circular, which presents no technical difficulties, will take you through pretty spots dotted with beautiful rocks, notably the Grotte d'Amour. Of reasonable length, it is a pleasant walk to be done in half a day.

The walk is mainly on paths and forest roads. Walking time during this reconnaissance walk: 3 hours.

A beautiful hike that passes by Hunebourg Castle and the ruins of Herrenstein Castle. Lots of lovely views. The paths are very clean and well marked. 

A beautiful, undulating walk towards the chapel and spring at Bonne Fontaine, following the route of seven sandstone steles sculpted by Claude Metzmeyer from Saverne. On the way there, you will pass by the Rocher de la Bande Noire and, on the way back, by the Grotte des Amoureux.

This circular starting from Oberhof is not particularly difficult and allows you to discover some unusual places, including the cave dwellings of Grauthal and the Schiertorfelsen.

This walk through the woods, on paths or forest roads, apart from a steep climb to the Grotte des Hussards, is easily manageable for families.

In the Neuwiller-lès-Saverne - Weiterswiller - La Petite Pierre triangle, discover a Buddhist temple, the Grotte d'Amour (Cave of Love), Hunebourg Castle and the ruins of Herrenstein Castle.

A pleasant route along the Zinsel Valley, taking you to the hamlet of Oberhof and allowing you to explore the Grotte des Hussards.

A family walk combining paths, forest trails and a short stretch through the vineyards.

A family-friendly hike that allows you to discover remarkable ancient sites.

This circuit allows you to discover the ruins of Herrenstein Castle, the Hoelzernerbrunnen spring, Hunebourg Castle and the Roches trail before gently descending to the Zinsel valley and encountering the Highlands Catlles

This walk around Château-Salins will offer you some superb panoramic views of the Saulnois region. Two-thirds of the route takes place in the forest. You’ll have the great honour of walking along the Chemin de la Reine, so named because it was trodden (after being restored) in 1725 by the new Queen of France, Marie Leszczynska. She was travelling with her entire entourage to join Louis XV. It’s worth noting that one section of this path is a particularly impressive tunnel of greenery.

Discover Griesbach-le-Bastberg, Bastberg hill, home to legends about witches, and one of its Chortens. Please note: Detour ((1) to (3) and (1) ) - Changes to the terrain since the map was published, depending on the date of publication... Last updated February 2021.

This route takes you to the Majurin valley from Château-Salins. The Majurin is a stream that flows through a plain surrounded by small woods. The valley is very close to Coutures and Château-Salins, yet you feel as though you are in the heart of the countryside, far from it all. The walk offers some beautiful panoramic views. It alternates pleasantly between sections deep in the forest and out in the open. As it presents no difficulties, this circular walk is ideal for a family outing.