Self-Guided Alsace Plain from Barr to Kaysersberg Hiking and Walking Tour
Journey through the heart of Alsace's wine country on this self-guided hiking adventure. Trek along well-marked trails through the Regional Nature Park of the Ballons des Vosges, discovering medieval castles perched above colorful villages. Experience the famous Route des Vins, visiting charming towns like Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg. Each day brings stunning panoramas of the Rhine plain and opportunities to explore historic fortresses. Sample local wines in traditional cellars and immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural heritage while staying in welcoming accommodations throughout the journey.
Self-Guided
moderate
15 km / 9 mi
6
casual Accommodation
Min. 2, Max. 12
Highlights
Medieval Castles and Historic Fortresses
Discover Alsace's impressive collection of medieval castles including Haut-Koenigsbourg, Landsberg, Haut-Andlau, Bernstein, and the three Ribeaupierre ruins, each offering unique architecture and commanding views over the valleys and plains below.
Route des Vins and Wine Villages
Walk through renowned wine villages including Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, and Kaysersberg, experiencing the region's celebrated wine culture with opportunities to visit traditional cellars and taste exceptional Alsatian wines including Grand Cru appellations.
Ballons des Vosges Natural Beauty
Trek through the Regional Nature Park of the Ballons des Vosges on well-marked trails, enjoying panoramic vistas of the Rhine plain, colorful half-timbered villages, terraced vineyards, and unique geological formations including the sentier des roches.
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.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Barr | Hôtel La Maison Rouge | |||
| DAY 2 | Andlau | Hôtel Le Kastelberg | B | 14 km / 9 mi | hiking |
| DAY 3 | Dieffenthal | Le Verger des Châteaux | B | 16 km / 10 mi | hiking |
| DAY 4 | Saint Hippolyte | Hotel Munsch | B | 18 km / 11 mi | hiking |
| DAY 5 | Ribeauvillé | Hôtel de la Tour | B | 13 km / 8 mi | hiking |
| DAY 6 | Riquewihr | Hôtel de la Couronne | B | 17 km / 11 mi | hiking |
| DAY 7 | Kaysersberg | Hotel Les Remparts | B | 12 km / 7 mi | hiking |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Barr
Make your way to the charming town of Barr, nestled at the base of Kirchberg hill. After checking into your accommodation, spend the afternoon wandering through this attractive wine town. The steep slopes surrounding Barr produce the renowned Kirchberg Grand Cru, one of Alsace's 51 prestigious wine appellations.
Day 2: Andlau
Trek through vineyard-covered hillsides to reach Andlau, a picturesque wine village with enchanting narrow streets. Your route passes two impressive medieval fortifications: Landsberg castle and Haut-Andlau, whose twin towers command spectacular views over the surrounding valleys. The town's centerpiece is the Abbey Church of Sainte-Richarde, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture.
Day 3: Dieffenthal
Follow the Wine Route to mountainside Bernardvillé before ascending around Ungersberg peak at 901 meters. Visit Bernstein castle, among Alsace's oldest fortresses, legendarily built upon a bear-inhabited rock. Descend to Dieffenthal via the sentier des roches, a fascinating geological trail featuring chaotic granite formations and mysterious stones marked with ancient Celtic symbols.
Day 4: Saint Hippolyte
Wind through vineyards and forests toward the magnificent Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, perched at 750 meters elevation. This completely restored medieval fortress dominates the Alsace plain and ranks among France's most visited monuments. Continue to Saint Hippolyte, a flower-bedecked village celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir wines.
Day 5: Ribeauvillé
Hike through rolling, cheerful countryside to discover Bergheim, one of the few Alsatian villages that has preserved nearly its entire medieval fortification wall. The scenic route brings you to Ribeauvillé for an overnight stay in this historic wine town.
Day 6: Riquewihr
Explore the three castle ruins built by the Lords of Ribeaupierre during the 12th and 13th centuries, dramatically positioned above the town. Saint-Ulrich castle remains impressive with its grand proportions showcasing noble medieval living. Your day ends in Riquewihr, rightfully known as the pearl of Alsace's vineyard region.
Day 7: Kaysersberg
Pass the chapel of Saint-Alexis en route to Kaysersberg, a village of cobblestoned streets and ornately decorated half-timbered houses. Its strategic location recalls the ancient Roman road linking Alsace and Lorraine. Climb 100 steps to the castle keep for breathtaking panoramic views. An optional 6 km extension visits Kientzheim and its Museum of the Vineyard and Wines of Alsace, housed in the castle of the Saint-Etienne brotherhood.
Day 8: Departure
Your Alsace wine route adventure concludes after breakfast. Depart at your leisure or extend your stay to further explore the region.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
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).
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.
Additional Inclusions
● 6 nights accommodation 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
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.
Barr
Kaysersberg
Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL)
Arrival
The nearest airport for the start of the tour in Barr is Strasbourg Airport. After arriving at the airport, travelers can take the airport shuttle to the Strasbourg train station and continue to Barr by train or taxi. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes. It is also possible to arrive by car, and free parking is available at the hotel in Barr.
Departure
The tour ends in Kaysersberg. From here, travelers can take a taxi to Colmar, which has regular train connections to Strasbourg and Strasbourg Airport. Another convenient option is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, located about 70 km from Kaysersberg, which offers additional international flight connections.
The hiking season in the Alsace region of France generally runs from March to October. March and April are considered mixed months with mild temperatures of around 8–16 °C (46–61 °F) and occasional rainfall as spring begins. May, June and September offer the best hiking conditions, with pleasant temperatures ranging between 14–24 °C (57–75 °F) and stable weather. July, August and October are good months for hiking, with temperatures between 12–26 °C (54–79 °F) and beautiful vineyard landscapes along the Alsace Wine Route. November to February is considered the off-season due to colder temperatures of around 1–12 °C (34–54 °F) and shorter daylight hours.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Mixed
April
Mixed
May
Best
June
Best
July
Good
August
Good
September
Best
October
Good
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
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.
Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear
- Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
- Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
- Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
- Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
- Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended on uneven terrain).
- Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
- Headlamp or small flashlight.
- Light gloves and beanie for early mornings or high altitudes.
Clothing
- Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
- Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
- Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
- Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
- Extra socks (preferably synthetic or wool).
Other Necessities
- Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
- Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
- Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.
Pro Tips
- Pack light — you’ll appreciate it on uphill climbs.
- Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
- Keep rain gear easily accessible in your daypack.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.
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:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website.
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
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.
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 (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.
