Chat with us on WhatsApp. We're just a message away.Self-Guided
at your own pace
5 days
90 km
~18 km/day
moderate
Saverne
ends Barr
2–12
participants
Casual+ Inns (4★)
Jun – Aug
Journey through the heart of Alsace on this week-long hiking adventure that showcases the region's medieval heritage and natural beauty. Beginning in the charming town of Saverne and concluding in the wine village of Barr, this route traverses approximately 90 kilometers through the Vosges Mountains. Along well-marked trails, you'll encounter impressive castle ruins, picturesque villages, ancient forests, and the renowned Alsatian vineyards. Each day reveals a different facet of this historic region, from Roman-era sites to centuries-old winegrowing traditions. The journey offers an authentic exploration of Alsace, far removed from typical tourist paths, with comfortable accommodations and luggage transfers ensuring a relaxed hiking experience.
Highlights
Explore numerous castle ruins and fortifications that have guarded the Alsatian plain for over a thousand years, including the dramatic Haut-Barr castle perched on pink sandstone spurs.
Discover authentic winegrowing communities like Mittelbergheim and Barr, where centuries-old architecture frames Grand Cru vineyards producing renowned riesling, gewurztraminer, and pinot gris.
Trek through pristine old-growth forests, encounter the mystical Nideck waterfall, and summit Schneeberg at 961 meters, all while enjoying panoramic views across the Rhine valley.
7 Days from $1,295
Free cancellation · Up to 60 days before group departure
| Day | Place | Casual+ Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Saverne | Hotel Chez Jean | - | - | |
| 02 | Wangenbourg | Parc Hôtel | B | 20 km / 12 mi | hiking |
| 03 | Oberhaslach | Relais des Marches | B | 16 km / 10 mi | hiking |
| 04 | Ottrott | Hotel L’Ami Fritz | B | 23 km / 14 mi | hiking |
| 05 | Le Hohwald | La Petite Auberg | B | 14 km / 9 mi | hiking |
| 06 | Barr | Hôtel La Maison Rouge | B | 17 km / 11 mi | hiking |
| 07 | Departure | - | B | - |
Meals: B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives.
Begin your adventure in Saverne, a charming Alsatian town nestled at the base of forested mountains. This historically significant settlement has served as a vital crossroads since Roman times, and its well-preserved architecture reflects centuries of cultural heritage. Take time to wander through the town center and absorb the distinctive Alsatian atmosphere before your hiking journey begins tomorrow.
Meals: -
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Jean
Your first hiking day leads upward to the remarkable Haut-Barr castle, perched dramatically on three pink sandstone spurs. From this elevated vantage point, scan the horizon for the distant spire of Strasbourg cathedral. The trail continues through a landscape dotted with medieval ruins, offering spectacular views across the Rhine valley as you make your way to the mountain village of Wangenbourg.
Meals: B
Hiking Distance: 20 km / 12 mi
Accommodation: Parc Hôtel
Ascend to the summit of Schneeberg at 961 meters before descending toward Oberhaslach valley. The highlight of today's route is the Nideck waterfall, which cascades 25 meters down a volcanic rock face. Local legend speaks of giants who once inhabited these parts, adding an air of mystery to this pristine natural setting that remains beautifully untouched.
Meals: B
Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
Accommodation: Relais des Marches
Follow the GR5 long-distance trail across the Bruche valley, passing over the Purpurkopf summits and through the attractive villages of Urmatt and Grendelbruch. In Klingenthal, you can visit the former royal sword manufactory, established under Louis XV in 1730 and operational until 1962. This fascinating industrial heritage site adds historical depth to your mountain hiking experience.
Meals: B
Hiking Distance: 23 km / 14 mi
Accommodation: Hotel L’Ami Fritz
The terrain surrounding Mont-Sainte-Odile abbey is rich with archaeological treasures and ancient ruins waiting to be discovered. Walking through magnificent old-growth forests characteristic of the mid-Vosges region, you'll arrive at Le Hohwald, a small mountain resort tucked into a valley surrounded by towering fir trees. The centuries-old woodland creates an enchanting atmosphere throughout today's journey.
Meals: B
Hiking Distance: 14 km / 9 mi
Accommodation: La Petite Auberg
Descend through beautiful forest paths toward the renowned wine country, passing through Andlau with its impressive castles and exceptional Romanesque abbey church dedicated to Sainte-Richarde. Continue to Mittelbergheim, a remarkably preserved wine village that maintains the architectural character of the 17th and 18th centuries. The final stretch takes you through the Grand Cru vineyards of Zotzenberg, planted with sylvaner, riesling, pinot gris, and gewurztraminer, before reaching Barr, where you can celebrate your journey with a glass of local Kirchberg wine.
Meals: B
Hiking Distance: 17 km / 11 mi
Accommodation: Hôtel La Maison Rouge
Your hiking adventure concludes after breakfast. Depart from Barr or extend your stay to further explore the Alsatian wine region.
Meals: B
Lodging
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
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.
•6 nights in hotels • Breakfast • Luggage transfer between hotels • Well-prepared route guidance • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (FR, EN, DE) • GPS data available • Hotline service
Airport Pickup
We recommend to book directly from airport.
Airport Drop
We recommend to book directly 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.
Saverne
Barr
Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
Arrival
The nearest airport for this tour is Strasbourg International Airport (SXB), located approximately 40 km from Saverne. From the airport, you can take the airport shuttle train to Strasbourg station, then continue to Saverne by regional train or taxi. Direct train arrival is also possible at Saverne station, which is well connected to Strasbourg and other cities. Guests arriving by car can drive directly to Saverne, where free parking is available at the hotel.
Departure
At the end of the tour in Barr, you can return to Saverne by taxi or by train via the Barr–Strasbourg–Saverne rail line. From Saverne or Strasbourg, travelers can continue their journey by train or head to Strasbourg International Airport (SXB) for onward flights. If you wish to extend your stay, an extra night in a 3-star hotel in Strasbourg can be arranged upon request.
The hiking season in the Vosges Mountains runs from late March to mid-October, offering a variety of pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
Spring (April–May) is considered a good season, with mild temperatures of about 10–18 °C (50–64 °F), blooming landscapes, and relatively fewer crowds, although occasional rain showers may occur.
Summer (June–August) is the best season for hiking, as the weather is warm and stable with temperatures ranging from 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) and long daylight hours that make it ideal for exploring the mountains and vineyards.
Early autumn (September–October) is regarded as the mid-season, offering comfortable temperatures of around 10–20 °C (50–68 °F) along with beautiful fall foliage and the lively grape harvest period in the Alsace vineyards.
November to March is generally the off-season, when temperatures drop to approximately −2 to 8 °C (28–46 °F), and the Vosges Mountains may experience colder weather, shorter days, and occasional snow. Since mountain weather can change quickly at any time of the year, hikers are advised to carry layered clothing and rain protection for comfort and safety.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Good
May
Good
June
Best
July
Best
August
Best
September
Mixed
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.
No special passport or visa requirements mentioned for EU citizens.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to 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, 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 through our reservation form. 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. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.
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. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.
