A week walking through the heart of Alsace’s wine country, from the village of Barr to the medieval streets of Turckheim, linking fairy-tale villages in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Moderate
Alsace, France
1 April to 5 November
Roughly 12 to 15 km per walking day
€950 per person
This week-long walking holiday follows the famous Alsace Wine Route through the heart of the region’s renowned wine country. Starting in the wine village of Barr, the route winds south through the foothills of the Vosges mountains to the medieval streets of Turckheim, with sweeping views from Mont Sainte-Odile and the Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg along the way.
The Alsace Wine Route links picture-perfect villages like Ribeauville, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, where cobbled streets are lined with half-timbered houses and flower-filled balconies, and white storks nest on the church steeples. There is plenty of opportunity to sample the region’s wines in family-run cellars and enjoy Alsatian specialities like tarte flambee, kougelhopf and choucroute along the way.
Accommodation:
In charming hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. Standard accommodation:
Upgraded hotels are also available on request.
Availability:
Starts any day of the week, between 1 April and 5 November, subject to availability.
Difficulty:
Graded moderate overall. Walks are not especially long (12 to 15 km) but undulating with some steep sections, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. Terrain is a mix of forest trails, grassy vineyard paths and quiet country roads. Two-night stays at each town along the way allow for optional rest days, and walks can be shortened with extra taxi transfers if wanted.
A 40-minute train journey from Strasbourg reaches Barr, a wine town nestled among vineyards and rolling hills, with time for a stroll through streets lined with half-timbered houses. A pre-tour night and transfer from Strasbourg can be arranged in advance.
Overnight: Barr
Distance: 15 km, Ascent: 740 m, Descent: 740 m, Walking time: around 5 hrs
A scenic loop hike along shaded ridges to Mont Sainte-Odile, one of Alsace's most cherished pilgrimage sites, with panoramic views, tranquil gardens and the Chapel of Tears and Chapel of Angels carved into the rock. The route returns to Barr along forest trails.
Overnight: Barr
Distance: 13 km, Ascent: 300 m, Descent: 300 m, Walking time: around 4 hrs
Scenic vineyard paths lead through postcard villages, stopping in Andlau, known for its Romanesque abbey and Riesling wines, before continuing to the hilltop village of Itterswiller. A short transfer continues to Saint-Hippolyte for the next two nights. A shorter option (8 km) is available with an afternoon transfer from Andlau instead.
Overnight: Sainte Hippolyte
Distance: 12 km, Ascent: 530 m, Descent: 530 m, Walking time: around 4 hrs
A circular hike through forest trails to the restored medieval fortress of Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, with views across the Vosges toward the Black Forest, before descending along woodland paths back to Saint-Hippolyte. The castle entrance fee is not included.
Overnight: Sainte Hippolyte
Distance: 15 km, Ascent: 680 m, Descent: 680 m, Walking time: around 4 hrs
Vineyard paths and shaded forest trails lead to the medieval town of Ribeauville, passing the ruins of the Three Castles, including the largest, Saint-Ulrich Castle, with panoramic views over the vineyards below. A shorter option is available with a morning taxi to Thannenkirch, roughly halfway.
Overnight: Ribeauville
Distance: 15 km, Ascent: 600 m, Descent: 600 m, Walking time: around 4 hrs
A walk to Riquewihr, recognised as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, known for its colourful half-timbered houses and wines. A more leisurely day exploring Ribeauville's cafes and wine cellars is also an option instead of walking.
Overnight: Ribeauville
Distance: 14 km, Ascent: 500 m, Descent: 500 m, Walking time: around 4 hrs
A morning transfer to the medieval town of Kaysersberg leads into the final day's walk, through vineyards, forest paths and countryside to Turckheim, known for its fortifications, cobbled streets and stork nests. A shorter option (9 km) is available with a morning taxi to Ammerschwihr instead.
Overnight: Turckheim
The trip ends after breakfast, with a short train ride to Colmar (around 10 minutes) for onward connections.
Not sure if this is the right route, or want to ask about dates? Our team knows this trail firsthand.
