In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration5 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationUpper Rhine / Colmar
-
AgeUp to a 90imum of years
-
CO₂-Emissions64.44 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
A circular tour of traditional Alsace, staying in 3-star hotels and Logis. You are about to explore a magnificent loop through medieval Alsace , an imperial land shared between multiple lords of the Middle Ages, whose traces remain in the stone.
Castles, keeps, fortified bridges, ramparts, towers, gates ... so many sites and remains that have survived the centuries, bearing witness to a rich medieval past. This hike, winding through the hillsides and passing through charming wine-growing villages , will also transport you through the corridors of time, to discover medieval history.
The highlights
-
5 days of exploration and hiking
-
Hostels or *** hotels
-
Luggage transport between stages
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 584 m
- Average daily descent: 434 m
Management
Program
-
Colmar - Little Venice
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Check-in is from 2 pm at the hotel in Colmar. You are 10 minutes from the city center, perfect for exploring on foot. Discover the first half-timbered houses, the flower-filled alleyways, and the canals of Little Venice!
For this first day, we invite you to explore our self-guided itinerary with a personalized roadbook: The Little Venice district and the Unterlinden Museum will be the focus of your first stroll. Then, depending on your interests, you can visit the House of Heads, the Pfister House, the Dominican Church, the Bartholdi House… Continue through the old 17th-century tanners' quarter and the fascinating Rue de la Poissonnerie (Fish Market Street)…
Day 1 -
Turckheim - Labaroche
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Taxi transfer out of town to the starting point of the hike in Turckheim. Nestled at the foot of the renowned Brand vineyard, Turckheim has preserved its medieval character with its three gates and significant remains of the ramparts. The day begins with a visit to the village's must-try pastry shop, where you'll likely enjoy your picnic lunch. The exploration continues in the village of Niedermorschwihr, with its twisted church steeple, charming grocery store, and terraced vineyards. You'll arrive at the foot of Hohnack Castle, the highest in the Vosges Mountains, before ending this beautiful day in Labaroche. Dinner at your leisure.
Day 2 -
Labaroche - Orbey
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from Labaroche, follow the GR532. This beautiful ridge walk above the Munster Valley offers stunning views of the Hohneck and Grand Ballon peaks. You'll skirt around the Petit and Grand Hohnack peaks before reaching the Linge Memorial. The museum, a must-see in Alsace, recounts the terrible battle and pays tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend their homeland. The hike continues along the ridge to Orbey, a typical small mountain town known for its many streams, nestled at the foot of the Vosges Mountains and in the heart of the Two Lakes Forest.
Day 3 -
Orbey - Kaysersberg
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The hike begins along paths through vineyard pastures offering panoramic views. You'll traverse a series of valleys in the heart of the Pays Welche region. This area, shaped by the whims of water, wind, and time, proudly upholds its traditions and Romanesque identity. Enjoy a snack or light meal before descending towards Kaysersberg, a splendid medieval town with cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and numerous historical monuments. Climb to the imperial castle, built around 1200. The 100-step staircase leads to the top of the keep, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Kaysersberg, the vineyards, and the surrounding villages.
Dinner on your own
On the menu: a 3-star hotel in Kaysersberg
Day 4 -
Kaysersberg
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast.
The last morning is free to stroll through the streets of Kaysersberg.
Return to Colmar by taxi at 3:30 pm.
Arrived in Colmar around 4:30pm.Day 5
Accommodation
Hotel*** and Logis .
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 3 nights in B&Bs in hotels and lodges
- 1 night with half board
- The digital travel journal
- luggage transport
- Private taxi transfer from J2
- The taxi back to Colmar at the end of the stay
- organization and booking fees
- Our assistance throughout your stay
The price does not include
- Travel insurance
Options
- Hiking guide in "all-paper" format : CHF29.27 / unit
- Extra night - Double room - B&B : CHF96.05 / person
- Extra night Twin room - B&B : CHF96.05 / person
- Extra night - Single room - B&B : CHF132.65 / person
- Extra night - Double room - Half board in a winstub : CHF123.50 / person
- Extra night - Twin room - Half board in a winstub : CHF123.50 / person
- Extra night - Single room - Half-board in a winstub : CHF160.09 / person
- Supplement for solo departures (1 person only) : CHF182.96 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Gourd
- Race provisions
- A large plastic bag to protect the contents of the backpack
- A plastic bowl (airtight container like Tupperware)
- Cutlery
- A cup
- A folding knife (Opinel type)
- A water bottle and/or a thermos (1 liter minimum)
- A lightweight flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
- Plastic bags for sorting and storing your belongings
- A waterproof plastic pouch: your National Identity Card or Passport (valid); the travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased this insurance) or your personal insurance policy
- Money: personal expenses, lunch, drinks during the hike, any visits, ...
- Photographic equipment (camera + film)
- A pair of binoculars
- A pair of telescopic walking poles
- Basic toiletries required (towels provided)
- Toilet paper
Clothing to bring
- Cotton and/or wool socks. Terry-type socks will often prevent your feet from overheating prematurely.
- A pair of flexible walking shoes that have already been broken in (trekking type with high tops and lug soles). Avoid wearing sneakers; they're not very comfortable for hiking on rough terrain.
- A comfortable change of clothes and a pair of lightweight shoes for the stage
- Cotton T-shirt; cotton or Rhovyl + Modal or Dunova shirt or polo shirt
- A warm sweater made of wool or fleece (fleece is very practical: lightweight, it dries quickly and retains a high level of warmth)
- An anorak or windproof jacket with a hood (Gore-Tex and Micropore are the best fabrics)
- A cape covering the bag
- Loose-fitting walking trousers in lightweight fabric (cotton or cotton-polyester blend). Avoid jeans, which are relatively uncomfortable for walking.
- Shorts or Bermuda shorts
- A swimsuit + a bath towel
- A hat
- a scarf (to protect the neck)
- A pair of sunglasses
