Classic Alsace – Independent
Pass through perfectly preserved, medieval villages that have flourished despite centuries of warfare due to the area's strategic position. Though popular with tourists, the Alsace region does not feel 'touristy' and has managed to maintain its authenticity and traditional ways of life.
The walking is extremely varied, with high and low route options offered every day, allowing for varying abilities. Sheltered by the Vosges mountains, Alsace is one of the driest regions of France and the pleasant temperatures here are great for walking from the Spring through to Autumn, which also brings brilliant colours to the vineyards and forests you walk through.
There are endless opportunities for wine tastings and visits to castles as well as other points of interest between the towns. At the end of each day, choose from a selection of restaurants serving the region’s renowned food and wine.
Duration: 5, 8, 9 or 10 days
Itinerary
Picturesque small town with narrow streets, ancient houses and delightful main square. Cosy 4* in town centre or 4* hotel with gardens & pool (upgrade).
Beautifully preserved, quintessential Alsatian town. The medieval core of the city is the Place du Marché, surrounded by old inns and guild houses. A weekly market has been held here every Thursday since 1301. Walk the impressive ramparts and wander the old streets before a hearty meal in one of the excellent restaurants.
Stylish cosy atmosphere, in the heart of town
Charming hotel in lovely setting with gardens and pool, excellent cuisine
Free day with the option to explore the wooded hills of the Vosges to the monastery of Mont Sainte-Odile, with panoramic views across the Rhine Valley, choice of a high or low circular walk (8.1 or 15.2 miles, 4 or 8 hours). Cosy 4* in town centre or 4* hotel with gardens & pool (upgrade).
The monastery of Mont Sainte-Odile is one of the regions most famous sites and a centre of pilgrimage dedicated to St Odile, the patron Saint of Alsace, whose birthplace was in Obernai. At the monastery you can visit the tomb of St Odile, its chapels and enjoy panoramic views from its terrace.
Stylish cosy atmosphere, in the heart of town
Charming hotel in lovely setting with gardens and pool, excellent cuisine
Short train ride to Barr, a centre of wine making, then follow quiet lanes through vineyards via the picturesque village of Mittelbergheim with its Renaissance houses. Continue up into the hills along gentle tracks and woodland paths to visit two dramatically situated, ruined châteaux, Haut-Andlau and Spesbourg. Pass through the flower-filled village of Andlau and on to Itterswiller, set amongst vineyards in a small valley (5.2 or 8.5 miles, 2.5 or 4 hours). Friendly 3* hotel with excellent valley views.
This tiny village bedecked with geraniums through the summer months and surrounded by vineyards is yet another idyllic stop along the Alsatian wine route.
Friendly hotel, excellent views over the valley
Paths through colourful villages, vineyards and across forested hills of the Vosges lead to the picturesque, walled village of Dambach-la-Ville, with its ancient houses, towers and vineyards, before reaching the village of Scherwiller (6.8 or 10.9 miles, 3.5 or 5.5 hours). Cheerful 3* inn set among vineyards with indoor pool and jacuzzi.
Renowned for its wines, particularly Riesling, this picturesque village is intersected by the River Aubach. Stroll along the waterfront to admire the half-timbered houses, stone bridges and the many old washhouses.
Comfortable hotel with gastronomic restaurant and indoor pool
Upgraded rooms have a balcony and air-conditioning
Paths through woods and vineyards lead along the edge of the hills, or via the landmark Castle of Koenigsbourg, to the delightful village of St Hippolyte, set amongst vineyards against the wooded hills (5.9 or 10.5 miles, 3 or 5.5 hours). Family-run ‘Relais du Silence’ surrounded by vineyards or elegant 4* hotel with pool and spa (upgrade).
Picture-perfect, wine-producing village at the foot of the Vosges, surrounded by vineyards. It is named after St. Hippolytus, a 3rd-century bishop whose relics were obtained from the pope and interred in the monastery. The village lives in the shadow of the Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg, which has been bitterly fought over since the Middle Ages due to its strategic position overlooking the Alsatian plain.
Family-run ‘Relais du Silence’ surrounded by vineyards
Elegant hotel, family run hotel (Michelin recommended) with pool and spa
Paths through vineyards and forested hills lead to the town of Ribeauvillé, famous for its Traminer and Riesling wines. After exploring the town, continue through vineyards to the picturesque village of Riquewihr, with its perfectly preserved streets of ancient houses (9.4 or 12.5 miles, 4.5 or 7 hours). 3* ‘Hotel de Charme’ in quiet, central location or modern 3* hotel with pool (upgrade).
Surrounded by formidable walls encircling beautifully kept, half-timbered houses in many hues, Riquewihr looks pretty much like it did in the 16th century. Known as the 'jewel of Alsace', Riquewihr was one of the few towns that was spared damage in World War II. This is another prosperous wine-making centre with restaurants and weinstube where you can sample the produce.
‘Hotel de Charme’ in quiet, central location
Modern, spacious hotel with heated outdoor pool
Paths and quiet lanes lead up through woods to a ridge, before descending to Lapoutroie. A longer (worthwhile!) walk continues around the edge of a wide ‘bowl’ – the Orbey Valley, noted for its scenery, and then descends to the village of Le Bonhomme before continuing to Lapoutroie (11.7 or 17.8 miles, 6.5 or 9.5 hours). Charming 2* hotel with gardens, indoor pool and traditional cuisine.
Spectacularly situated village at the bottom of a forested valley. Don't miss the Museum of Eaux de Vies (fruit brandies) exhibiting old machinery used in the production process and hundreds of bottles of liqueurs from across France. A short walk out of town is a distillery which offers guided tours and tastings of its own eaux de vie throughout the summer months.
Charming, family-run hotel with lovely gardens and traditional cuisine
Upgrade rooms have a petit salon & bath
Paths through mountain pastures lead up to a medieval pilgrim shrine, before descending to the delightful small town of Kaysersberg set amongst renowned vineyards. A range of optional walks is included in the Route Book including an ascent to the high ridge of the Vosges (1,300m / 4,270ft), and a visit to the historic village of Turckheim (6.8, 10 or 18.8 miles, 3.5, 5 or 9 hours). Friendly 3* hotel or luxurious 5* spa hotel with Michelin-starred restaurant (upgrade).
Located on the historic pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela, this charming town is dominated by its church with magnificent altarpiece, 15th-century fortified bridge and 13th-century fortress. Its strategic position on the Roman road connecting Alsace with Lorraine has ensured a battle-rich history, but it has survived and flourished, and today is one of the most popular towns on the wine route.
Welcoming hotel in very peaceful setting
Characterful, luxurious spa hotel with Michelin 2-star restaurant and pool
…for plenty of further walking opportunities.
Welcoming hotel in very peaceful setting
Characterful, luxurious spa hotel with Michelin 2-star restaurant and pool
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate to challenging with a daily choice of shorter or longer routes. The walk lengths vary from 2 - 6 hours walking (with some longer options of up to 10 hours walking). Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
Terrain: Tracks through vineyards, meadows, along forest and farm tracks, on quiet country lanes and pilgrim tracks, and on the higher sections of the route across rolling hills. The walking is reasonably challenging if you take the longer and higher options. You will need walking boots with firm ankle support, and we recommend you bring walking sticks and layers for the higher elevations.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 5 day independent walking tour through the Alsace wine region starts in the medieval town of Obernai and includes 3 full days of walking for those looking for a shorter dedicated walking trip with overnight stops in picture-perfect Alsatian towns and villages. An ideal short break to France combining walking, wine and beautiful scenery.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Obernai*
Day 2: Barr to Scherwiller*
Day 3: Scherwiller to St Hippolyte*
Day 4: St Hippolyte to Riquewihr*
Day 5: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at all locations
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour through the Alsace wine region is a more in-depth visit to the area with 6 days walking from Obernai culminating in the delightful town of Kaysersberg. The last 2 days explore a lesser known part of Alsace with mountain meadows and farmland, home to the local Munster cheese. A great trip for those looking to experience the best of the area with maximum walking on a weeklong trip to France.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Obernai*
Day 2: Barr to Itterswiller
Day 3: Itterswiller to Scherwiller*
Day 4: Scherwiller to St Hippolyte*
Day 5: St Hippolyte to Riquewihr*
Day 6: Riquewihr to Lapoutroie
Day 7: Lapoutroie to Kaysersberg*
Day 8: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 9 day independent walking tour in Alsace includes everything on the 8 day itinerary plus additional time in Kaysersberg with opportunities for further walking or to just relax with a two night stay at the end of your trip.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Obernai*
Day 2: Barr to Itterswiller
Day 3: Itterswiller to Scherwiller*
Day 4: Scherwiller to St Hippolyte*
Day 5: St Hippolyte to Riquewihr*
Day 6: Riquewihr to Lapoutroie
Day 7: Lapoutroie to Kaysersberg*
Day 8: Kaysersberg* - free day
Day 9: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 10 day independent walking tour in Alsace is our most extensive visit to the area. It includes everything on the 8 day itinerary plus additional time in Obernai and Kaysersberg with opportunities for further walking in both locations. A longer trip for keen walkers to explore this area of northern France or to build in some additional relaxation time, as you prefer, with a two night stay at both the start and the end.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Obernai*
Day 2: Obernai* - free day
Day 3: Barr to Itterswiller
Day 4: Itterswiller to Scherwiller*
Day 5: Scherwiller to St Hippolyte*
Day 6: St Hippolyte to Riquewihr*
Day 7: Riquewihr to Lapoutroie
Day 8: Lapoutroie to Kaysersberg*
Day 9: Kaysersberg* - free day
Day 10: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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