Experience the charm of Alsace on the Vineyard & Castles Loop Trek. Starting in Obernai, the route takes you through picturesque vineyards, medieval castles, and spiritual landmarks such as Mont Sainte-Odile, before completing the circle back in Obernai. Along the way, you pass through wine villages like Barr, Andlau, and Ottrott, where history, culture, and nature come together.
The Alsace Vineyard & Castles Loop is known for its unique blend of landscapes and heritage. Wander through ancient forests, climb to castle ruins with sweeping views, and enjoy the hospitality of Alsatian villages. This 5-day trek includes accommodation before and after, making it the perfect choice for hikers who want a cultural and scenic journey in the heart of France.
Arriving in Obernai feels like walking straight into a postcard. Timber framed houses, lazy cobbled streets and the warm hum of wine country instantly set the tone. It is the perfect place to slow down and ease into the rhythm of Alsace.
A gentle wander through the old town brings small cafés, fountains and the colourful market square. The vineyards sit just beyond the rooftops, adding a soft glow to the landscape. Everything invites you to take it easy and breathe in the scent of the hills.
Your accommodation lies in one of the quieter lanes, close to the heart of town. It is an easy landing spot where you can settle in, unpack, and enjoy a relaxed evening before the walking days begin.
You leave Obernai through gentle lanes that slip into the vineyards. The first hills rise slowly and the villages shine between the rows of vines. It is a calm start with the Vosges watching from the distance.
Past the wine terraces you drift toward Barr and climb into the forest. The trees wrap around the trail while the path rises toward the stony silhouette of Château d Andlau. The final pull to the ridge brings wide views over the valley and the rolling vineyards below.
The descent leads you through quiet woodland and back to the edge of Andlau. Your accommodation sits near the centre, a cosy place to rest after a day full of vineyards and castle paths.
The day begins by weaving through the foothills above Andlau. The forest thickens and the air grows cooler as the trail rises toward the old stone walls of Andlau Castle. It feels like walking into a forgotten corner of history.
Beyond the castle the path climbs steadily toward Mont Sainte Odile. The ascent brings open viewpoints and glimpses of peaks like Schaeferkopf at 835 metres. At the monastery the world widens with sweeping vistas of the plains and the far blue line of the Rhine.
The descent to Ottrott follows soft forest paths and quiet terraces. The village appears between chestnut trees and red stone houses. Your accommodation waits near the centre, a peaceful spot after a day full of forest climbs and high ridge views.
You leave Ottrott through winding paths that slip between orchards and vineyards. The Vosges sit behind you while the plains stretch far to the east. It is a gentle morning that slowly eases you back toward the wine villages.
The route circles through quiet woodland and open meadows before dropping toward the lower hills. Small chapels and farm tracks brighten the walk as the rooftops of Obernai come back into view. The landscape softens and the rhythm becomes easy.
The final stretch leads you straight into the old town. Your accommodation waits nearby, the perfect place to unwind with a drink and look back on three days of castles, forests and vineyard paths.
Your final morning in Obernai arrives quietly, with soft sounds drifting through the narrow streets. There is no rush today. Just a gentle moment to enjoy the charm of the old town one last time.
A slow stroll past the market square and toward the edge of the vineyards gives the village a warm farewell. Bakeries open their doors, sunlight hits the rooftops and the relaxed rhythm of Alsace settles in again. It is a simple and pleasant ending.
When it is time to leave, you make your own way from the accommodation. As Obernai slips behind you, the colours of the hills and the calm of the past days linger a little longer than expected.
