From Strasbourg to Colmar by bike, between vineyards and Alsatian villages
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAlsace / Colmar
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions67.41 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This cycling route through Alsace crosses the region from north to south, between the Rhine plain, vineyards, and the Vosges peaks . The route follows a natural progression: a gentle start on the greenways and cycle paths of the plain , before gradually reaching the mountain passes and the mid-mountain landscapes in the heart of the Vosges . The end of the trip descends back towards the Alsatian vineyards and typical villages , offering a more relaxed conclusion amidst the wine country.
The route alternates between dedicated greenways, quiet farm roads, and scenic routes , guaranteeing a varied and immersive experience through the Alsatian countryside. Overnight stays in hotels located in town centers or in the immediate vicinity of the route provide comfortable and conveniently situated stops to soak up the local atmosphere.
Two options are possible to begin the adventure. Strasbourg , easily accessible by TGV , allows for a gradual exit from the city thanks to its well-structured cycle network , with a peaceful first leg along the Bruche Canal . Colmar , more compact and quickly navigable by bike, offers the advantage of ending the trip without any additional transfers , while remaining in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route .
The highlights
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From the Bruche canal to Mont Sainte-Odile, between the Alsatian plain and the first hills
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Crossing the vineyards with a stop at Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
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Vosges mountain ridges and wine-growing villages all the way to Colmar
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
The expert's opinion
Level of stay depending on the type of bike
Classic (muscular) bicycle
Level 3 to 4/5 - Advanced
- 40 to 60 km per day
- Two stages with significant elevation gain (up to +1,630 m)
- Long and steady climbs towards Mont Sainte-Odile and the Vosges passes
- Good physical condition recommended
- Prior experience cycling on hilly terrain is recommended.
The mountain stages demand endurance and the ability to manage effort over time. The descents are sometimes long, on secondary mountain roads.
Electric bicycle (e-bike)
Level 2 to 3/5 - Intermediate
- Identical distances
- Elevation gain made more accessible thanks to the assistance
- Battery management needs to be planned in advance for long days
- Accessible to regular users, even without intensive experience in elevation gain.
E-bikes allow you to tackle mountain stages with a more consistent effort. The terrain is still there, but it becomes gradual rather than demanding.
In summary
- Muscle cycling : sports holiday with two days spent in the mountains.
- E-bike : dynamic ride, significant terrain but moderate effort.
In both cases, it is a hilly to mountainous route, alternating between greenways and mountain pass roads.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average distance/day: 55 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 917 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Arrival in Alsace
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Hotel accommodation in Strasbourg or Colmar depending on the option chosen.
Free time to explore the city: old town center, historic districts, landscaped quays or nearby vineyards.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Strasbourg Obernai
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Distance 41 km
- Positive elevation gain 190 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Strasbourg, the route follows the cycle path along the Bruche canal, built on a former towpath. The surface is smooth and the gradient is almost non-existent.
In Molsheim, the transition towards the vineyards is gradual. The plots of vines structure the landscape, between low walls, small roads and villages clustered around their church steeple.
Arrival in Obernai, an active wine-growing town, with restored half-timbered houses.
41 km - Elevation gain 190 m / Elevation loss 150 m
An accessible stage, ideal for getting warmed up.
Day 2 -
Obernai Chatenois
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Distance 57 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The climb to Mont Sainte-Odile marks the entry into a more rugged landscape. The road is level and bordered by forest on its upper section. The site offers an unobstructed view over the Alsace plain.
The rest of the route alternates between descents and gentle slopes in the foothills.
Arrival in Châtenois, a wine-growing village located at the foot of the mountain range.
57 km - Elevation gain 1000 m / Elevation loss 990 m
A sustained stage with a continuous climb in the first part.
Day 3 -
Chatenois Orbey
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Distance 59 km
- Positive elevation gain 1630 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Ascent towards the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, positioned on a rocky spur overlooking the plain.
After the descent, the route crosses the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley, a former territory marked by mining and textile activity.
The road then gains altitude towards the Col des Bagenelles before descending towards Orbey.
The landscape becomes more mountainous: high-altitude meadows, forests, isolated farms.
59 km - Elevation gain 1630 m / Elevation loss 1327 m
A demanding but steady mountain stage.
Day 4 -
Orbey Colmar
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 845 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The climb to the Col du Calvaire and then towards the Gazon du Faing leads to the high pastures.
Passing through the Col de la Schlucht, the turning point towards the Munster valley.
The descent leads towards the first wine-growing villages. At Turckheim, the terrain levels out before arriving in Colmar.
Bikes returned in the late afternoon.
60 km - Elevation gain 845 m / Elevation loss 1145 m
A varied stage with a long final descent.
Day 5
Note
Technical data
- Total distance: approximately 217 km
- Two stages in the plains or foothills, two mountain stages
- Secondary roads, greenways and cycle paths
- Suitable for regular cyclists accustomed to hilly terrain.
- Option to choose an electric bike
This route allows you to observe the diversity of Alsatian landscapes: cereal plains, structured vineyard slopes, old industrial valleys, high-altitude pastures and return to the wine-growing villages.
Bicycle logistics
The selected accommodations offer secure bicycle parking (enclosed space, garage, or dedicated room, depending on the establishment). Electric bike batteries can be recharged each evening; access to an electrical outlet is provided in a designated area.
Rental bikes are delivered at the beginning of your stay (to Strasbourg or Colmar depending on the option chosen) and returned to Colmar at the end of your trip. They are equipped with a luggage rack, a basic repair kit, and a lock.
In the event of a major mechanical incident, telephone assistance is provided, with possible intervention on the route if necessary.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- All accommodations include B&Bs, hotels and lodges (in double rooms)
- 4 breakfasts
- The digital travel journal
- Organization and booking fees
- Our assistance throughout your stay
The price does not include
- Dinners and picnics
- Luggage transport
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Individual equipment and bicycle rental
- The solo supplement (mandatory for all solo bookings and calculated automatically at the time of booking)
Options
- Luggage transport (1 bag of 13kg per person) : CHF329.33 / reservation
- Transport of an additional piece of luggage : CHF256.14 / unit
- Extra night in Colmar - Double room - B&B : CHF96.05 / person
- Extra night in Colmar - Single room - B&B : CHF132.65 / person
- Extra night in a B&B in Strasbourg - Double room : CHF118.92 / person
- Extra night in a B&B in Strasbourg - Single room : CHF164.66 / person
- Paper travel file : CHF29.27 / unit
- 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
BICYCLE SPECIFIC
- 1 suitable cycling outfit: cycling shorts, breathable t-shirts (long sleeves, short sleeves depending on the season)
- 1 pair of comfortable cycling pants
- Shoes suitable for cycling
- 1 windbreaker or Gore-Tex jacket
- Cycling gloves, or even full-length gloves depending on the season
- 1 bicycle helmet (mandatory)
- One or two water bottles, ideally one bottle plus a hydration pack (like a CamelBak).
- 2 inner tubes (one of which should be in your daypack)
- A derailleur hanger, also known as a "fuse hanger" (in your daily backpack)
- 1 set of brake pads
- 1 multi-tool and tire levers (in your daily backpack)
- Repair kit (small equipment) which you should take care to put in your luggage or in a separate box (1 repair box for the whole group)
Important : You should be self-sufficient for all the minor breakdowns that typically occur during a ride like this (punctures, repairs, etc.). If you have disc brakes or a sophisticated bike, be sure to bring the appropriate repair equipment.
Clothing to bring
For your transported luggage (if this option is selected) , choose a soft bag (backpack or travel bag in good condition). ONE BAG PER PERSON
- 1 small daypack or hydration pack large enough
- Optionally, a rain cover (to protect it from the rain) + 1 sturdy plastic bag (to protect the inside)
- A change of clothes for the evening
- 1 warm garment for the evening (like a fleece jacket...)
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side shields
- 1 pocket knife, a spoon and a plastic food container (if you choose to order picnics from the accommodations)
- Race snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to hold your money, ID card, health insurance card, and the assistance contract you received upon registration if you purchased this insurance, or the one from your personal insurance policy.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits)
- 1 small, quick-drying bath towel
- Earplugs or earplugs (optional)
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- 1 survival blanket
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
- If you wear glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
Personal pharmacy
- Your usual medications
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferred
- Throat lozenges
- Elastic adhesive tape, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters)
- Vitamin C
- 1 pair of tweezers
- Sterilium gel (useful for washing/disinfecting hands)
