• Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
  • Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
Vosges / Alsace

Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53

Réf : NFBTUZ

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    6 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    Vosges / Alsace
  • Age
    From 18 - 80 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    59.77 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler

In a few words

Starting from Wissembourg , this first stage of the great Vosges Mountains crossing immerses you in a trek through the heart of the Northern Vosges . For nearly 110 km , follow the famous GR®53 , marked by the iconic red rectangle , the only French trail awarded the “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe” label.

For 6 days and 5 nights , the route winds through the deep forests of the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park , alternating between panoramic ridges , wild valleys, and charming Alsatian villages . The stages, accessible and well-balanced ( 15 to 21 km per day ), allow you to walk at your own pace while enjoying remarkable views and exceptional heritage.

The route reveals the impressive pink sandstone fortresses that dominate the region, with three must-see visits included : the spectacular Fleckenstein Castle , the mighty Lichtenberg Fortress and the amazing cave houses of Graufthal .

Thanks to the detailed roadbook and luggage transfer between each stage , you can hike light and be fully available to savor the peaceful atmosphere of the vast Vosges forests . The route ends in Saverne , a natural gateway between Alsace and the Vosges Mountains .

The highlights

  • The beauty of the forest landscapes and Alsatian villages in the heart of the Natural Park
  • Travel light with our GPX tracks and roadbook; your luggage will be waiting for you at the evening's stop.
  • The quality and comfort of the legendary Alsatian hospitality, heritage and gastronomy
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Intermediate

Levels

Hiking / Trekking
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

The expert's opinion

Our itineraries are designed for active travelers comfortable with multi-day walking or cycling, without requiring any particular technical skill. The routes alternate between forest tracks, rolling hills, and quiet country roads, with accessible yet dynamic daily stages. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience and pace of the trip, with the pleasure of physical activity in nature as the guiding principle.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 6h
  • Average distance/day: 18 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 525 m
  • Average daily descent: 470 m

Management

The digital roadbook is your travel companion.
Digital Roadbook

Your travel guide to take everywhere with you 🗺️ + GPX tracks

Management

Security

24/7 Hotline

The trail is marked and maintained by the Club Vosgien, certified "Leading Quality Trail Best of Europe", which means excellent marking (red rectangle) all along, except for variants.

All our trips are designed and managed in accordance with professional tourism standards and benefit from the guarantees associated with our registration with Atout France. Therefore, you can travel with complete confidence, knowing that we are a registered organization that complies with all regulatory requirements.

For your peace of mind, our trips also include suitable insurance coverage to protect you throughout your stay. We carefully select reliable itineraries and trusted partners, allowing you to fully enjoy your experience with complete peace of mind.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
  • map

    Wissembourg – Lembach via the GR53

    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 5h
    • Distance 15 km
    • Positive elevation gain 420 m
    • Negative elevation 380 m
    • Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    This is a gentle start, so take the opportunity to visit Wissembourg, a charming border town. Then, we'll set off on the first leg of our hike from Wissembourg to Lembach via the GR 53 long-distance footpath. We'll pass through the Col du Pigeonnier, Pfaffenschlick, and Soultzerkopf. Once in Lembach, you can freely explore the lime kiln fortification, a former Maginot Line fortress.

    Day 1

Note

Depending on the dates and accommodation availability, some steps may vary slightly

Accommodation

🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
  • 🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
  • 🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
  • 🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
  • 🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
  • 🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
  • 🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
  • 🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
  • 🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5
🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 5

After each stage, return to the comfort of a welcoming guest room or a 3-star hotel depending on the package chosen, with the hospitality of your local hosts and delicious Alsatian breakfasts to start the day off right.


Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Subject to accommodation availability.


Access

Departure
Gare de Wissembourg, Avenue de la Gare, Wissembourg, France
Day 1 : 10h00
End of stay
Gare de Saverne, Saverne, France
Day 6 - 16h00

Your journey can be undertaken with ease and entirely without a car, thanks to train access for both the outbound and return journeys. The starting point is directly at Wissembourg train station, and the end of your trip is at Saverne train station, facilitating smooth and independent planning of your stay.

Your dog is also welcome on this trip, on request and as an option, in order to share this adventure in the great outdoors with your four-legged companion.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Wissembourg

The meeting point for your trip is located directly at Wissembourg train station. This allows you to easily reach your train departure point and begin your journey as soon as you arrive. Upon arrival, a member of our team will be waiting for you, according to your schedule, to arrange personalized luggage handling, allowing you to set off with peace of mind to explore the Northern Vosges independently.

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby

The meeting point for the trip is located directly at Wissembourg train station. You can get there by car and park near the station in the available car parks.

At the end of your journey, a train from Saverne station will take you back to Wissembourg to retrieve your vehicle. This arrangement simplifies your logistics and allows you to fully enjoy your trip independently.

Price details

The price includes

  1. Bed and breakfast and double room accommodation
  2. 5 breakfasts
  3. Luggage transport (max 13kg per person) between the 6 stages
  4. The daily roadbook and the GPX tracks of the route with the profile
  5. The entrance to Fleckenstein Castle
  6. The entrance to Lichtenberg Castle
  7. The entrance to the troglodyte houses of Graufthal
  8. Detailed travel documents including addresses and telephone numbers of service providers
  9. Atout France guarantee included: secure booking and travel protection guaranteed
  10. The 7/7 telephone hotline

The price does not include

  1. Tourist taxes (to be paid on site)
  2. The outward journey to Wissembourg and the return journey from Saverne
  3. Picnics, dinners and extras (expect to pay around €30/€40 for a substantial meal with dessert in a restaurant)
  4. The solo departure supplement is €300 (mandatory for all solo bookings).
  5. Anything not listed under "Price includes"

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Sleep in a 3-star hotel every night : CHF76.00 / person
  2. Traveling with my dog : CHF95.00 / unit
  3. Enjoy a wellness massage : CHF76.00 / person
  4. Stay in a 2*/3* hotel the night before departure (double room) : CHF71.25 / person
  5. Stay in a 2*/3* hotel the night before departure (single room) : CHF103.55 / person
  6. Stay in a gîte the night before departure (double room) : CHF52.25 / person
  7. Stay in a 2*/3* hotel the night before departure (single room) : CHF56.05 / person
  8. Stay in a 3* hotel on the evening of arrival (double room) : CHF71.25 / person
  9. Stay in a 3* hotel on the evening of arrival (single room) : CHF103.55 / person
  10. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment
The Isabel et/ou Marie Julie team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Isabel et/ou Marie Julie team

4/5 (4 reviews) • 8 stays
Our local partner is an online destination management company specializing in Vosges Mountains treks, offering self-guided hiking and mountain biking itineraries. Winner of the Alsace Tourism Trophy in 2023, they draw on 20 years of solid experience in customer service within the international tourism sector. With in-depth knowledge of the region, and particularly the Northern Vosges, our local partner designs original and expertly planned routes. Their expertise allows travelers to immerse themselves in the mid-mountain landscapes while benefiting from seamless logistics for a stress-free journey.
Discover their team and their trips
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