Crossing the Northern Vosges on a hike along the GR53
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVosges / Alsace
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions59.77 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent 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
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The beauty of the forest landscapes and Alsatian villages in the heart of the Natural Park
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Travel light with our GPX tracks and roadbook; your luggage will be waiting for you at the evening's stop.
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The quality and comfort of the legendary Alsatian hospitality, heritage and gastronomy
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
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
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you 🗺️ + GPX tracks
Program
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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 -
Lembach – Obersteinbach via the GR53
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Continue your journey, exploring the castles of Lowenstein, Hohenbourg, and Fleckenstein, the jewel of the Northern Vosges (entrance included). Enjoy this magnificent route, more challenging than yesterday's, which winds its way between mixed forests and sandstone citadels.
Day 2 -
Obersteinbach – Niederbronn les Bains via the GR53
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This next stage takes you to explore the Steinbach Valley, including Schöneck Castle and the ascent of the Grand Wintersberg (the highest peak in the Northern Vosges at 581 m). Upon arrival in Niederbronn-les-Bains, you can freely explore this spa town, renowned since Roman times, and enjoy the swimming pool and relaxing spa (depending on your accommodation option).
Day 3 -
Niederbronn Lichtenberg/Reipertswiller via the GR 53
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 610 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In pursuit of the red rectangle, you will cross fir forests with the encounter of amazing castles and you will end at the end of the day with one of the jewels of the Northern Vosges, the Lichtenberg, entrance included.
Day 4 -
Lichtenberg/Reipertswiller – La Petite Pierre via the GR 53
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's itinerary for this short stage includes the Ochstenstall, a very distinctive sandstone rock formation. Then you'll reach the small fortified town of La Petite Pierre, with its castle which houses the Maison du Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord (Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park Visitor Centre).
Day 5 -
La Petite Pierre – Saverne via the GR 53
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 330 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your final leg of the journey begins, passing by the Johannisthal rock and Hunebourg castle, before arriving in the late afternoon in the charming town of Saverne, gateway to the Northern Vosges. A visit to the troglodyte houses of Graufthal is included along the way.
End of the first section of the GR53, Crossing the Vosges Mountains.
Day 6
Note
Depending on the dates and accommodation availability, some steps may vary slightly
Accommodation
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
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
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.
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
- Bed and breakfast and double room accommodation
- 5 breakfasts
- Luggage transport (max 13kg per person) between the 6 stages
- The daily roadbook and the GPX tracks of the route with the profile
- The entrance to Fleckenstein Castle
- The entrance to Lichtenberg Castle
- The entrance to the troglodyte houses of Graufthal
- Detailed travel documents including addresses and telephone numbers of service providers
- Atout France guarantee included: secure booking and travel protection guaranteed
- The 7/7 telephone hotline
The price does not include
- Tourist taxes (to be paid on site)
- The outward journey to Wissembourg and the return journey from Saverne
- Picnics, dinners and extras (expect to pay around €30/€40 for a substantial meal with dessert in a restaurant)
- The solo departure supplement is €300 (mandatory for all solo bookings).
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Sleep in a 3-star hotel every night : CHF73.18 / person
- Traveling with my dog : CHF91.48 / unit
- Enjoy a wellness massage : CHF82.33 / person
- Stay in a 2*/3* hotel the night before departure (double room) : CHF68.61 / person
- Stay in a 2*/3* hotel the night before departure (single room) : CHF105.20 / person
- Stay in a gîte the night before departure (double room) : CHF59.46 / person
- Stay in a gîte the night before departure (single room) : CHF63.12 / person
- Stay in a 3* hotel on the evening of arrival (double room) : CHF68.61 / person
- Stay in a 3* hotel on the evening of arrival (single room) : CHF108.86 / 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 provided on site
No specific equipment is provided on site, as it is not necessary for the trip to run smoothly. The experience is based on the simplicity and freedom of hiking; you only need to bring your personal equipment to fully enjoy the trails independently and peacefully.
Equipment to bring
To fully enjoy your hikes, remember to bring broken-in hiking boots that offer good support and traction on various types of terrain. A daypack is essential for carrying your personal belongings, as well as a water bottle to stay hydrated. Simple accessories like sunglasses, a hat, or sunscreen can also be useful depending on the conditions, along with hiking poles.
Clothing to bring
We recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for hiking in nature, prioritizing breathable and technical fabrics. Depending on the season, layering is ideal for easily adapting to temperature changes: a technical t-shirt, a light fleece, and a jacket to protect against wind or rain. Practical clothing designed for outdoor activities will ensure maximum comfort throughout your stay.
A swimsuit will find its place in your day bag at certain stages, where, after your day of walking, you will like to relax in the sauna or the pool.
