Walking and hiking tours

Cross-border tour tips

Cross-Border Vineyard Loop

7 KM | 100 ALTITUDE 100 METRES| DURATION 2:30 HOURS

A loop through the idyllic Wissembourg district finishes up this route through vineyards and across the German/French border as far as the German winemaking village of Schweigen. Prepare to be wowed by some exceptional views across the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest.

German and French Castle Route

33 KM | ALTITUDE 1381 METRES| DURATION 1-2 DAYS

Walk from castle to castle in the Vallée de la Sauer and the Dahn Rockland on this cross-border route. Idyllic landscapes, woodland as far as the eye can see, towering red sandstone rock formations and the incredible ruins of fortified castles and feudal residences often reaching staggering heights feature on this sensational walk in Biosphärenreservat Nordvogesen-Pfälzerwald (Palatinate Forest/Northern Vosges Biosphere Reserve) across the border.

4 Burgenweg

6,5 KM | 305 HÖHENMETER | 2:30 h

Rundwanderung zu den imposanten Ruinen der vier mittelalterlichen Felsenburgen Fleckenstein, Loewenstein, Hohenbourg und Wegelnburg mit interessanten Einblicken in deren Geschichte und eindrucksvollen Ausblicken auf eine der schönsten Regionen der Nordvogesen.

Tour tips Alsace

Pottery History Route

33 KM | ALTITUDE 0 METRES | 1-2 DAYS

Indulge in some rest and relaxation in the green spaces that Haguenau has to offer and find out all about the pottery produced at the edge of the forest in Betschdorf and Soufflenheim. The route starts and ends in Gros-Chêne, where there is plenty of opportunity to unwind and have fun. Why not stop at the guest house.

At the Heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

12 KM | ALTITUDE 300 METRES | 3 HOURS

Prepare to be wowed by the stunning nature and fascinating culture that the Pays de Bitche has to offer as you walk. There are plenty of lovely ponds, tranquil forests, spectacular vantage points and impressive castle ruins to be admired on this route through the heart of a protected natural landscape.

Glass and Crystal Producer and Clog-Maker History Route

13,5 KM | ALTITUDE 300 METRES| 4 HOURS

This stunning walking loop passes through two major production centres within the glass and crystal industry, a former royal crystal factory and the first-ever crystal factory in France (Saint-Louis Crystal Factory) and a former glass factory. The former Glasfabrik Meisenthal (Meisenthal Glass Factory) is now a museum and art centre. There is also chance to explore Soucht along the way. This village is known for its former clog-making work and it has a new museum made entirely of wood.

Fort de Schoenenbourg Exploration Route

4 KM | ALTITUDE 50 METRES| 1 HOURS 30

This walking route loops around the grounds of Fort de Schoenenbourg (Schönenburg Fort), which is a historical monument of symbolic importance on the Maginot Linie (Maginot Line) that was used to attack and defend. Its strong strategic location offers a wonderful view of the Rhine Valley and the Northern Vosges Hills.

Battle of 6 August 1870 Route

7,5 KM | ALTITUDE 120 METRES| 2 HOURS 15

This walking loop looks into the history of the Battle of Wörth that took place in 1870 and honours those who lost their lives. The route leading to where the battle took place takes you through peaceful fields, vineyards and forests as well as the villages of Fröschwiller and Wörth. And there are some stunning views along the way.

Oil History Route

8,5 KM | ALTITUDE 120 METRES | 2 HOURS 30

This walking loop offers an exciting insight into the history of oil extraction in Pechelbronn, which is where the first oil extraction sites were set up in Europe and indeed the whole world. The route takes you across fields and through Kutzenhausen, where you can admire the many half-timbered houses. A visit to the Erdölmuseum (Oil Museum) makes for the perfect way to finish off your journey of discovery on foot.

Beinheim Est Route

12 KM | ALTITUDE 0 METRES | 2 HOURS 30

This walking loop takes you towards Seltz, passing Beinheimer Hafen (Beinheim Marina) and its colony of herons. From there, it is on to the banks of the Rhine, under the Rheinbrücke (Rhine Bridge) and along the river until you reach the Iffezheim Weir. A wide path will then take you along the riverside forest and on to the “Hohwerd” Erholungsgebiet (Leisure Park), which boasts a small animal enclosure and playgrounds. On the return journey, you will get to walk alongside the Stadenrhein River.

Climb to the Region’s Highest Point

20 KM | ALTITUDE 0 METRES | 5 HOURS

You won’t be disappointed with the stunning views on this walking route, which takes you through the wooded area along a branch of the Old Rhine and up into the hills to farming fields. Standing on the Néeweiler Peak, which is the highest point here at 183 m, you can see the Black Forest, across the Rhine Valley and Bienwald, and all the way to the Palatinate Forest and the Northern Vosges.

Fascinating Sights on the Banks of the Rhine

8,2 KM | ALTITUDE 0 METRES | 2 HOURS 15

This walking loop along the Rhine has plenty to fascinate and amaze you along the way, including Baggersee Epple (Epple Quarry Pond) (where you can go for a dip), Hafen Seltz (Seltz Port), the Vogelwarte (Bird Sanctuary) in Munchhausen, Botanischer Garten (Botanical Garden) with space to play and have a picnic and Schutzgebiet Grosswoerth (Grosswoerth Reserve), tranquil marshlands that make an ideal home for birds.

Tour tips for Baden and Palatinate

Palatinate Cabin Route

18 KM | ALTITUDE 667 METRES| 6 HOURS

Wallfahrer-Kapelle St. Anna (St. Anna’s Pilgrimage Chapel), the “Orensfelsen” Aussichtspunkt (Orensfelsen Rock Lookout Platform) and five Pfälzerwald-Hütten (Palatinate Forest Cabins) with viewing terraces are all great places to stop, offering stunning views of the Rhine Valley and Anweiler Castles.

Richard the Lionheart Route

13 KM | ALTITUDE 500 METRES|4 HOURS 45

Beautiful woodland walks and paths, spectacular views and stunning rock formations and mountains make the Richard the Lionheart Route truly special. Prepare to be wowed by some exceptional sights along the way, including Wasgaublick (Wasgau Viewpoint), Asselstein Rock Pinnacle and Rehbergturm (Rehberg Tower).

Hauenstein Shoemaker Route

14,8 KM | ALTITUDE 519 METRES| 5 HOURS

The Shoemaker Route follows a diverse range of footpaths in and around the idyllic backdrop of Hauenstein, a village known for its shoemaking activities. Dense forests and unusual rock formations combine to create a unique setting. There are plenty of vantage points where it is possible to take in incredible views over Hauenstein.

Hahnfels Rock Route

14,4 KM | ALTITUDE 360 METRES| 5 HOURS

On the Hahnfels Rock Route, you will head up into the Hahnfelsen Rocks, where you will be treated to magnificent views of the Wasgau. Then it is on to the Schafstein Rock Formations, Kahlenberg Hill and Burgenmassiv Alt-Dahn (Alt-Dahn Castle). The second part of the route follows paths that are lovely to walk on, passing scenic ponds on the way to the Eibachquelle (Eibach Spring) and the Wasserfall (Waterfall), before heading back to the start.

Bear Climb

13,5 KM | ALTITUDE 434 METRES | 6 HOURS

This premium walking route boasts plenty of idyllic views, diverse landscapes and beautiful vantage points, including Schuhfels Rock, the Kanzel (Pulpit), Burgruine Drachenfels (Ruins of Drachenfels Castle) and the Geiersteine Rocks. There is also chance to stop off at the PWV Drachenfelshütte cabin in Busenberg.

Rumberg Climb

11,2 KM | ALTITUDE 240 METRES | 4 HOURS

On this walk, you will pass by Area 1 and embark upon a steep incline up the Rumberg Mountain. As you carry on along the lengthy ridge, the five Rumbergfelsen Rocks make for a spectacular sight, standing proudly like tall towers. After a valley pass, a narrow path takes you up to Guggebühl. The last part of the route takes in the Rösselsweiher Lake and Rösselsquelle Spring.

Wasgau Rock Route

20,4 KM | ALTITUDE 625 METRES | 6:45 h

This walking route spanning 20.4 km takes its name from Vosegus, the god of hunting and forestation. It brings the Rödelstein, Haselstein, Löffelsberg and Buhlstein sandstone rock formations together in one exciting walk. The Ruine Lindelbrunn (Lindelbrunn Ruins), which are what is left of a castle built in the 12th century as a means of defending Trifels, also feature on this route.

Long Bienwald Route

24 KM | ALTITUDE 21 METRES | 6 HOURS

This route is ideal for anyone who does a lot of walking and is keen to find out more about the history of the Bienwald. You will find yourself walking mostly along narrow paths beside meandering streams. Prepare to explore historical sites on the way from the middle of the Bienwald to the border with the neighbouring region of Alsace.

Towing Route

12 KM | ALTITUDE 8 METRES | 3 HOURS

Explore one of the few wetland landscapes in the world that is protected and still ecologically intact as you follow in the footsteps of the “towers”. This walking loop follows the Michelsbach River and the Rhine, passing by fields of yellow irises, areas covered in grasses and reeds, and no end of fishing lakes. Plus, you can expect to be mesmerised by some incredible views along the way.

Druslach Stream Adventure Route

12 KM |ALTITUDE 24 METRES | 3 HOURS

The narrow nature trail meanders alongside the Druslach Stream and through unspoilt mixed woodland. The stunning stream setting is bound to be a hit with walkers of all ages all year round thanks to its incredible natural landscape, beautiful views from comfy benches, lovely rest stops, playground facilities and wide range of places to stop.

Eppingen Line Route

41,9 KM | ALTITUDE 496 METRES | 13 HOURS 30

This route follows what used to be a fortified defensive line between Eppingen and Mühlacker. Sculptures by artist H. Zürn are sure to brighten up this walk through a diverse area boasting impressive views and cultural highlights such as Kloster Maulbronn (Maulbronn Monastery), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bickesheim Pilgrimage Path

18 KM | ALTITUDE 50 METRES | 4 HOURS 30

This is a leisurely pilgrimage route that loops around the Rhine Valley, passing churches, chapels, wayside crosses and religious works of art by Emil Wachter that make this walk truly special. Plus, there are lots of nice places to stop at along the way.

Walking and Wellness

13 KM | 255 HÖHENMETER | 3:30 h

This route will take you on a varied walk against a backdrop of mountain and valley scenery featuring the peaks of the Northern Black Forest and the Alb Valley. You will set off on footpaths with stunning views, circling the spa town of Waldbronn with its healing springs in the middle of a fantastic holiday location. Take the opportunity to relax as you visit the Albtherme (Thermal Baths) with swimming facilities, Saunapark (Sauna Park), Wellnessbereich (Wellness Area) and Totes-Meer-Salzgrotte (Dead Sea Salt Cave).

Dobel Europe Route

6 KM | ALTITUDE 119 METRES| 1 HOURS 50

28 benches in the colours of the EU Member States provide the perfect place to sit and enjoy the stunning scenery on the diverse “Europe Walking Route” around Dobel. You won’t be disappointed by the magnificent view of the Vosges, Palatinate Forest, Rhine Valley, Kraichgau and Odenwald Mountains. Not to mention all the wonderful places where you can stop off for a rest.

Long Route around Teufelsmühle Mountain

15 KM | ALTITUDE 611 METRES| 5 HOURS

Walkers setting off on this certified loop can expect plenty of unforgettable panoramic views of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley. Just some of the many highlights include the “Großes Loch” Natural Monument and the wild and romantic landscape of the Northern Black Forest, which is the perfect setting for a thoroughly enjoyable walking experience.

Gertelbach River Loop

9 KM | ALTITUDE 320 METRES| 4 HOURS

With stunning cascades of water and striking rock formations, this walk alongside the Gertelbach River is a truly special experience. You will even have the opportunity to head up to the Wiedenfelsen Rock Formation and take in the spectacular views. The Waldgasthaus Kohlbergwiese restaurant is a lovely place to stop thanks to its outside terrace and large play area.

Kappelwindeck Leisurely Route

8,4 KM | ALTITUDE 258 METRES| 2 HOURS 55

Starting off at the idyllic church square in Kappelwindeck, you will set off through orchards, vineyards and forests until you reach the Burgruine Alt-Windeck (Alt-Windeck Castle Ruins). Don’t forget to stop for a minute to enjoy the beautiful view from the castle tower. Then it’s time to head on back through Kappelwindeck. And there are plenty of guest houses to stop at along the way.

Dragon Loop on Michaelsberg Hill

9 KM | ALTITUDE 224 METRES| 2,5 HOURS

There is plenty of forest and river scenery to be admired on this loop, which you can cut short at various points throughout the Naturschutzgebiet Michaelsberg (Michaelsberg Nature Reserve). The highlights include Michaelskapelle (St. Michael’s Chapel), incredible flora and fauna and the astounding panoramic view over the Kraichgau and the Rhine Valley.

[Translate to Englisch:] Foto: Best of Wandern - T. Bichler

[Translate to Englisch:] Foto: isocont GmbH Schrägstrich Peter Mast

[Translate to Englisch:] Foto: Kraichgau-Stromberg Tourismus e.V.