The Alsace and the Vosges National Park
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Luggage transfer
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Hotel accommodations
The Alsace region is synonymous with gastronomy and wine. Get to know the best of it during a holiday that will take you through ancient forests and the Vosges Mountains.
Tour the extensive vineyards that have made the wines of this region one of the most recognized and enjoy them while strolling through charming villages.
After experiencing the Route des Vins (The Wine Route), tour the Vosges Mountains, its chapels and castle ruins that show times of war and the history of France.
- Get to know authentic medieval villages, among which are some of the most beautiful in France.
- Stroll through dreamy villages, with wooden houses, narrow, colourful streets and local markets.
- Visit the imposing Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, built in the 12th century.
- You'll walk along the French-German border.
- If you travel during Christmas time, you will not regret it, as it is definitely a magical place to visit during these dates.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Kientzheim
We recommend flying to Basel Airport, because it is the nearest one to Kientzheim.
Take advantage of this day to walk through this medieval village.
Take advantage of this day to walk through this medieval village.
Overnight in Kientzheim
Hotel L'Abbaye d'Alspach
Located in the heart of Kientzheim, this former 11th century convent has been carefully restored, offering modern rooms with all kinds of amenities, preserving its original architecture.
Its staff will always be willing to recommend the best places and plans.
Its staff will always be willing to recommend the best places and plans.
Day 2 - Kientzheim to Ribeauville 7,5 miles I 12 km
Start the tour of the Route des Vins with a walk to Kaysersberg. Enjoy the delights prepared in its bakeries, get to know the ruins of the 13th century castle that stands out from anywhere in the village, and the 16th-century fortified bridge that offers a beautiful view over the river.
Afterwards, take the Camino de Santiago to the spectacular village of Riquewihr, which seems to have remained in the past, and where you will be able to get to know many monuments. From there head to Ribeauville, where the day will end.
Afterwards, take the Camino de Santiago to the spectacular village of Riquewihr, which seems to have remained in the past, and where you will be able to get to know many monuments. From there head to Ribeauville, where the day will end.
Overnight in Ribeauville
Hotel De La Tour
This guest house is located in the centre of Ribeauville. Each of its rooms is uniquely decorated and all have the necessary fittings to provide you with a comfortable stay.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day in Ribeauville
Discover one of the most beautiful towns in France, surrounded by three castles: St-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre Castles.
Be sure to visit its wine cellars, Tour des Bouchers and Friedrich Fountain. You can also take a walk to Bergheim.
Be sure to visit its wine cellars, Tour des Bouchers and Friedrich Fountain. You can also take a walk to Bergheim.
Overnight in Ribeauville
Hotel De La Tour
This guest house is located in the centre of Ribeauville. Each of its rooms is uniquely decorated and all have the necessary fittings to provide you with a comfortable stay.
Day 4 - Ribeauville to Thannenkirch 12 miles I 19 km
Climb the Vosges Mountains to the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre, which take their name after being the residence of the Lords of Ribeaupierre until the 15th century, as well as having also served as a place of military support.
One of these castles, that of St. Ulrich, includes among its remains the square tower and the main building from the 12th century, a room called the Knights Hall, the Barbican in the 13th, and the Chapel enclosure in the 14th century.
Afterwards, walk through the colourful town of Thannenkirch, where you end your day.
One of these castles, that of St. Ulrich, includes among its remains the square tower and the main building from the 12th century, a room called the Knights Hall, the Barbican in the 13th, and the Chapel enclosure in the 14th century.
Afterwards, walk through the colourful town of Thannenkirch, where you end your day.
Overnight in Thannenkirch
Hotel Clos Des Sources
Hotel Clos Des Sources is located within the Ballons des Vosges Regional Park and in the centre of the small village of Thannenkirch.
This spa hotel features remodelled rooms with French and Alsatian cuisine that will make you fall even more in love with the region.
This spa hotel features remodelled rooms with French and Alsatian cuisine that will make you fall even more in love with the region.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in Thannenkirch
For your 5th day of walking, choose one of the many routes around Thannenkirch for a quiet, comfortable and walk very close to where you are staying. Also, if you prefer, take the well-known GR5 route to the Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, built on Mount Stophanberch.
Be sure to visit in Thannenkirch, heritage and representative areas of the region, such as the Church of St. Catherine, built in the 18th century, the studio of the artist Andre Bosshardt and the town hall, from the year 1824.
Be sure to visit in Thannenkirch, heritage and representative areas of the region, such as the Church of St. Catherine, built in the 18th century, the studio of the artist Andre Bosshardt and the town hall, from the year 1824.
Overnight in Thannenkirch
Hotel Clos Des Sources
Hotel Clos Des Sources is located within the Ballons des Vosges Regional Park and in the centre of the small village of Thannenkirch.
This spa hotel features remodelled rooms with French and Alsatian cuisine that will make you fall even more in love with the region.
This spa hotel features remodelled rooms with French and Alsatian cuisine that will make you fall even more in love with the region.
Day 6 - Thannenkirch to Lapoutroie 9 miles I 14 km
Start the day with a transfer to Aubure, the highest village in Alsace. Once there, you will start your walk through fir and pine forests and over agricultural land, passing through Freland and ending in Lapoutroie, a place of transition between the Alsace plain and the Vosges Mountains.
Overnight in Lapoutroie
Hotel Les Alisiers
Located on a hill, this small and modern accommodation offers an incredible panoramic view over the village.
In its restaurant you can enjoy a careful selection of dishes based on regional contemporary cuisine and an excellent wine list.
In its restaurant you can enjoy a careful selection of dishes based on regional contemporary cuisine and an excellent wine list.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day in Lapoutroie 9,5 miles I 15 km
This walk will take you along the infallible summit of Tete des Faux mountain, at 1209 metres of altitude, with incredible panoramic views and fortifications built during The First World War. In the area, you will find descriptions that tell the history of this ancient war zone.
Overnight in Lapoutroie
Hotel Les Alisiers
Located on a hill, this small and modern accommodation offers an incredible panoramic view over the village.
In its restaurant you can enjoy a careful selection of dishes based on regional contemporary cuisine and an excellent wine list.
In its restaurant you can enjoy a careful selection of dishes based on regional contemporary cuisine and an excellent wine list.
Day 8 - Lapoutroie to Kientzheim 12 miles I 20 km
The day begins on the road to Orbey, a town dating from the Middle Ages, surrounded by lush forests and two beautiful natural lakes, Lake Blanc and Lake Noir.
You will pass through Labaroche, where you will get to know the Museum of Wood Trades and The Wihr Cross obelisk. On your way back, be sure to visit the ruins of Kaysersberg Castle, built in the early 13th century.
You will pass through Labaroche, where you will get to know the Museum of Wood Trades and The Wihr Cross obelisk. On your way back, be sure to visit the ruins of Kaysersberg Castle, built in the early 13th century.
Overnight in Kientzheim
Hotel L'Abbaye d'Alspach
Located in the heart of Kientzheim, this former 11th century convent has been carefully restored, offering modern rooms with all kinds of amenities, preserving its original architecture.
Its staff will always be willing to recommend the best places and plans.
Its staff will always be willing to recommend the best places and plans.
Day 9 - Kientzheim
To return home or continue your journey, you can head from Kientzheim to Basel Airport by train, bus or rented car.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Evening meals on days 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To start your holiday, we recommend flying to Basel Airport, because it is the nearest one to Kientzheim.
On your return you can travel from Kientzheim to Basel Airport by train, bus, or rented car.
On your return you can travel from Kientzheim to Basel Airport by train, bus, or rented car.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
This tour has a medium-low degree of difficulty, so your walks will not require too much strength. Moderate physical activity and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle will allow you to feel comfortable with the ascents and descents on this route.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
Who do you recommend this trip to?
This tour of the Alsace and the Vosges National Park is an excellent option for couples. It is also enjoyed to the fullest by lovers of wine, gastronomy, nature, art and culture.
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