Self-Guided Alsace Bike and Spa Tour

Set in the heart of Northern Alsace, this immersive journey invites travelers to discover a region where history, culture, and nature come together in harmony. Based in the peaceful village of Gœrsdorf, at the gateway to the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, the tour unfolds through open countryside, forested hills, and traditional Alsatian villages.

Each day introduces a different aspect of the region, ranging from historical sites and memorial routes to medieval castles hidden in dense forests, geothermal heritage towns, and scenic valleys shaped by local traditions.

The itinerary follows a balanced and unhurried pace, allowing travelers to fully experience the rural landscapes, cultural landmarks, and authentic character of Northern Alsace. Visits to places such as Woerth, Morsbronn-les-Bains, Lembach, Niederbronn-les-Bains, and Gundershoffen reveal the quiet beauty and historical depth of this lesser known region of France. Designed for travelers seeking meaningful experiences and a strong connection with place, the tour offers a memorable exploration of Northern Alsace and its enduring charm.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

Casual+ hotels

Start

Gœrsdorf

Finish

Gœrsdorf

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

43 km / 27 mi

Cycling Days

4

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 14

Fly-In

Strasbourg Airport (SXB)

Fly-Out

Strasbourg Airport (SXB)

Highlights

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Castles and Forest Landscapes

Medieval castles such as those found in the Northern Vosges are set within dense forests and rolling hills. These landscapes offer striking scenery and reveal the strategic and architectural importance of the region across centuries.

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Stay in a Luxury Cottage

Unwind each night at Gîtes de la Karlsmühle, a luxury sanctuary in Northern Alsace set within a beautifully restored 19th-century flour mill. Surrounded by a lush three-hectare park, this five-star retreat offers an exceptional wellness experience in a tranquil natural setting.

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Authentic Alsatian Villages

Charming villages like Gœrsdorf, Lembach, and Gundershoffen showcase traditional Alsatian architecture and local craftsmanship. These settlements reflect a slower pace of life and preserve the authentic character of rural Northern Alsace.

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Cultural and Historical Heritage

Northern Alsace is rich in history, reflected in its memorial routes, traditional villages, and museums linked to significant European events. Travelers gain insight into the region’s past through meaningful sites that tell stories of conflict, reconciliation, and cultural evolution.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Gœrsdorf

Arrival in Gœrsdorf, a small village in Northern Alsace, located near the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. The region is characterized by rolling hills, forested landscapes, and traditional Alsatian villages, offering a peaceful rural environment. Gœrsdorf also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby spa towns, historic sites, and natural areas of Northern Alsace.

This day allows travelers to become familiar with the region’s geography and surroundings. Time may be spent walking through the village, observing local architecture and daily life, or taking a short and easy cycling route on nearby countryside roads. The day provides a gentle introduction to the cultural and natural setting of the tour.

Meals:
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Day 2: Gœrsdorf

Today’s cycling route focuses on history, memory, and rural landscapes. Ride from Gœrsdorf to Woerth, where several memorial sites recall the 1870 Franco-Prussian War, offering insight into the region’s historical past. Continue towards Morsbronn-les-Bains, a well-known thermal spa town, where the tradition of thermal treatments dates back several centuries.

The return journey to Gœrsdorf follows quiet countryside roads bordered by orchards, fields, and small villages, providing a peaceful cycling experience.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 48 km / 30 mi
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Day 3: Gœrsdorf

Cycle through wooded hills and forested valleys towards Lembach, located near the German border. Visit Fleckenstein Castle, one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in Northern Alsace, dramatically set on a sandstone rock formation.

Optional short walks along marked trails allow panoramic views of the Vosges forests and surrounding countryside. Return to Gœrsdorf via scenic forest roads, enjoying the calm atmosphere of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
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Day 4: Gœrsdorf

This route highlights the geothermal, industrial, and scientific heritage of Northern Alsace. Cycle to Merkwiller-Pechelbronn to visit the French Museum of Petroleum, which explains the history of oil extraction in the region, including the first wells drilled in France and Europe.

Continue to Morsbronn-les-Bains, where thermal waters have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. The shorter distance allows more time to enjoy wellness activities, rest, and leisure at the accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 35 km / 22 mi
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Day 5: Gœrsdorf

Cycle through the scenic Sauer Valley towards Niederbronn-les-Bains, a renowned spa town nestled in a natural setting. Spend time exploring the town’s spa heritage, parks, and surrounding landscapes.

Continue to Gundershoffen, where a visit to the Bretzel Factory reveals the history and production of the famous Alsatian pretzel. Return to Gœrsdorf for a final evening of relaxation, reflecting on the cultural and natural experiences of the tour.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi

Day 6: Departure

The final day marks the conclusion of the Northern Alsace cycling experience. After breakfast, time is available for a short walk around Gœrsdorf or a brief optional ride through the surrounding countryside, offering last views of the Vosges foothills, open fields, and forest edges that characterize the region.

This day allows travelers to reflect on the cultural, historical, and natural diversity explored during the tour, from spa towns and industrial heritage sites to medieval castles and rural villages.

Later in the day, travelers proceed with their onward journey, departing from Gœrsdorf towards their next destination.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Les Gîtes de la Karlsmühle (5-star)

Situated at the entrance of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park in Gœrsdorf, the gîtes provide access to numerous hiking and cycling routes, historic sites, spa towns, and the peaceful countryside of Northern Alsace.

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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KTM Macina Cross 720 or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

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Velo de Ville SEB 890 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Travelers can reach Gœrsdorf in Northern Alsace via several convenient transportation options. The nearest airport is Strasbourg Airport (SXB), located approximately 60 km from Gœrsdorf, with regular European flight connections. An alternative international gateway is EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH), which offers a wider range of international routes. From the airport, travelers may continue by train, bus, taxi, or rental car. Strasbourg and Mulhouse are well connected to major cities through France’s high speed TGV network, making rail travel from Paris and other European cities efficient and comfortable. Regional trains and local transport services provide onward connections to nearby towns, followed by a short road transfer to Gœrsdorf. For those traveling by road, the region is easily accessible via well maintained highways and scenic countryside roads.

Departure

At the conclusion of the tour, travelers depart from Gœrsdorf using the same range of transport options. Regional trains and road transfers connect the village to major rail hubs such as Strasbourg and Mulhouse, where high speed and international train services are available. For air travel, departures can be arranged from Strasbourg Airport (SXB) or EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH), while larger international hubs such as Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Zurich Airport (ZRH) are also accessible by train or car. Rental cars, taxis, and local buses ensure flexible transfers, allowing travelers to continue their onward journey smoothly after completing the tour.

Weather

Northern Alsace experiences a temperate continental climate with well-defined seasons. The best time to visit is from May to June and September, when temperatures remain mild, usually between 15°C and 25°C, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration.

July and August are considered good months, with warmer weather ranging from 22°C to 30°C, creating a lively atmosphere, though occasional heat can occur.

The mixed season includes March, April, and October, when temperatures vary between 10°C and 20°C, and weather conditions can change with intermittent rain or cooler days.

The off season, from November to February, is colder and quieter, with temperatures often below 8°C, and is less suitable for extended outdoor activities.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Mixed

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Best

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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