The walk
From the medieval village of Turckheim (where you can meet the last night watchman/town crier in France) to the pretty old town of Obernai, you can see a succession of villages: Niedermorschwihr, Ammerschwihr, Kaysersberg (here you can visit the castle overlooking the Alsace plains and feast your eyes on all sorts of ancient relics), Riquewihr (a fortified town of the middle ages with double ramparts which are beautifully preserved, and date from the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 16th century), Ribeauvillé, and Ottrott. From here you climb up on to the plateau of the Mont Sainte-Odile (an ancient monastery proudly perched at 763 m on a rocky pinnacle).
You can also visit the ancient fortresses of Hagueneck (400m), Hohlandsburg (645m), Haut-Kœnigsbourg (710m first built in the 12th century), Saint-Ulrich (standing over the village of Ribeauvillé) and Ortenbourg...
Highlights
- High-quality accommodations
- An exceptional itinerary
- Easy access via Colmar
Itinerary
TURCKHEIM
Arrival and check-in around 6 p.m. Turckheim is a beautiful village at the entrance of the Fecht Valley, known for its rich historical center, quality wines, and its night watchman who still does his rounds every evening at 10 p.m. from May to October. Free dinner in the village.
LOOP AROUND TURCKHEIM 15km
A stunning circular hike through a vast chestnut forest to discover the impressive medieval fortress of Hohlandsbourg, which overlooks the Alsace plain, just a few steps from Colmar. Possible visit to the restored castle and its medieval garden. Return to Turckheim.
TURCKHEIM - RIQUEWIHR 15km
Following vineyard trails, we reach Niedermorschwihr and its unique, twisted steeple church. The journey continues with a visit to the beautiful village of Kaysersberg, listed among France's most beautiful villages, with its historical center and imperial castle dominating the town. End the day with a descent through the vineyard to the medieval town of Riquewihr.
RIQUEWIHR - THANNENKIRCH 12km
From Riquewihr to Thannenkirch, passing through Hunawihr and its fortified church to the medieval village of Ribeauvillé. Then, a climb to the ruins of Saint-Ulrich Castle, which overlooks Ribeauvillé and the Alsace plain. Overnight in Thannenkirch, a typical Alsatian village at the foot of the famous Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle.
THANNENKIRCH - CHATENOIS 12.5km
Climb to the medieval Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, built in the 12th century. We recommend visiting this historic monument, which offers a breathtaking view of Alsace. Descent to the plain and overnight in Châtenois. During this stage, you can also visit the Monkey Mountain and enjoy a bird of prey show at the Eagles' Aviary (not included).
CHATENOIS - ANDLAU 19km
Climb to the Ortenbourg Castle (13th-century ruins). Enjoy a beautiful view of the plain. Descent through the vineyards and a visit to the medieval town of Dambach. Wine tasting possible with a female winemaker in Bernardvillé. Continue descending through the forest to Andlau.
ANDLAU - OBERNAI 22km
Discover the fortresses of Haut-Andlau and Landsberg. Visit the Pagan Wall, a massive megalithic enclosure that still holds its mysteries. Visit the Mont Ste-Odile Monastery. Descend via the Pilgrims' Path to the village of Ottrott. Flat route to the beautiful medieval town of Obernai.
OBERNAI
End of the stay after breakfast.
Map
Organization
Colmar SNCF Railway station
- Half board
- The transfer of luggage between each step of the journey (according to the chosen formula)
- The provision of the topo-guide (1 topo-guide per reserved room.)
- The tourist tax.
- Transport from your home to the meeting point and departure
- Dinner on Day 1
- Insurance
- Lunches
- Visits (Haut-Koenigsbourg: 9€)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Registration fees (+15 € per person), foreign shipping fees (+20 € per file), and priority processing fees for any registration at J-15 (+45 € per file).
In hotels 2** and 3***