Through the Northern Vosges
In the Footsteps of the GR53 from Wissembourg to Saverne 🌲🏰🥾
Enchanted forests, mighty sandstone rocks, and mysterious castle ruins perched high above the treetops. This hiking tour through the Northern Vosges takes you into one of the most pristine landscapes of Alsace. From the historic town of Wissembourg to the charming town of Saverne, you will mostly follow the famous GR53 long-distance trail, discovering a fascinating low mountain range where nature, history, and the French way of life blend in a very special way 🌿✨. The route covers the northern section of the Vosges crossing, which has been awarded the European seal of approval as a "Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe."
The starting point, Wissembourg, delights visitors right away with its historic alleys, beautiful half-timbered houses, and the impressive abbey church. From here, shaded forest paths lead into the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park 🌳. Along the way, you will encounter striking remnants of the Maginot Line, while a short detour to the Chemin des Cimes treetop walk opens up a completely new perspective on the surrounding forests. Peaceful stretches of nature continuously alternate with magnificent views of vineyards and small Alsatian villages 🍇.
A particular highlight is the numerous medieval castles standing like stone guardians over the wooded hills. Especially impressive is the mighty Fleckenstein Castle, whose walls and rock chambers merge directly into the colossal sandstone cliff 🏰. The castle ruins of Löwenstein and Hohenburg also tell tales of times long past and offer fascinating views across the Northern Vosges and into the neighboring Palatinate region. Between bizarre rock formations and moss-covered forest paths, a truly magical, fairytale-like atmosphere unfolds 🍃.
As you continue your journey, panoramic ridges and diverse nature experiences await. From the Grand Wintersberg, the highest peak in the Northern Vosges, your gaze sweeps far across the rolling summits and valleys. On a clear day, the panoramic view extends all the way to the Black Forest and Strasbourg Cathedral 🌄. The hike finally leads through ancient forests, past striking sandstone formations, and idyllic villages toward La Petite Pierre.
Culturally, this trip holds quite a few surprises as well. In the small village of Graufthal, you will discover extraordinary cave dwellings built directly into the massive sandstone rocks 🪨. Charming villages, historic buildings, and the warm hospitality of the locals give these hiking days their distinct character. Along the route, cozy places invite you to stop by, enjoy the regional cuisine, and take in the impressions during a well-deserved break ☕🍽️.
Finally, you will reach Saverne, where historic streets and French flair provide a beautiful conclusion to your hiking holiday 🏘️. The varied stages run mostly on well-marked forest trails and natural paths. With a good basic level of fitness, the daily hikes, averaging about five hours, can be thoroughly enjoyed 👣.
This hiking tour through the Northern Vosges is a journey of discovery full of history, mysterious places, and impressive rock formations. For those who love traveling on peaceful trails, exploring historic castles, and experiencing the unique atmosphere of Alsace, this hiking experience will leave lasting memories 💚🥾.
Day 1
Arrival in Wissembourg
Arrival in Wissembourg, check-in at the hotel, and free time to explore the town. As the gateway to the region and the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, Wissembourg surprises visitors with its rich history and architecture, which bear witness to a prosperous past. The Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul is the second most important Gothic building in Alsace, surpassed only by Strasbourg Cathedral.
Day 2
Wissembourg – Rott
Start your hike heading toward Col du Pigeonnier and Pfaffenschlick, continuing to the spectacular Chemin des Cimes and the remnants of the Maginot Line at Hochwald. If you like, you can experience nature from a whole new perspective by walking above the treetops to the observation platform of the Chemin des Cimes. Once at the top, a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view awaits you. Along the way, you will discover the massive blockhouses of the Hochwald—impressive testaments to 20th-century military history that were once part of the Maginot Line defense system. On the descent to Cleebourg, you will enjoy views over the surrounding vineyards and fields. Take the opportunity for a stroll through the picturesque alleys of this charming wine-growing village before returning to your hotel.
Day 3
Rott - Obersteinbach
Short transfer to Lembach. Today’s itinerary features Löwenstein, Hohenburg, Fleckenstein, and Frönsburg—four imposing castles that have stood in the strategically favorable location of the Schlossberg since the 12th and 13th centuries. Fleckenstein is undoubtedly the most impressive: this semi-troglodytic fortress is seamlessly built directly into a sandstone cliff of spectacular proportions. From the top of this mighty witness to the history of the Holy Roman Empire in Lower Alsace, you will enjoy an extraordinary view across the Northern Vosges and the Palatinate region. In the evening, you will stop in Obersteinbach, a small, rustic village nestled deep in the forest.
Day 4
Obersteinbach - Niederbronn les Bains
You will hike up through the Steinbach Valley, passing Schöneck Castle, and ascend to the Grand Wintersberg, which at 581 meters is the highest point in the Northern Vosges. The tower built at its summit offers a panoramic view across the Northern Vosges massif, the Black Forest, and the Palatinate region. On clear days, you can even spot the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral. Via the Ditten Valley and the Camp Celtique (Celtic Camp), you will finally reach the spa town of Niederbronn-les-Bains.
Day 5
Niederbronn les Bains - Reipertswiller
After ascending to Wasenbourg Castle, which towers over Niederbronn-les-Bains, you will cross the meadow of the Wasenköpfel before reaching the Northern Zinsel river. Take advantage of your route to make a stop at Arnsbourg Castle. Lichtenberg Castle: It is possible to visit the castle by taking a 3-kilometer circular hike from Reipertswiller.
Day 6
Reipertswiller- La Petite Pierre
You will cross beautiful forest landscapes shaped by fascinating sights. The first stop is in Wimmenau, before you reach the Rocher d’Ochsenstall, a viewpoint offering a magnificent panorama. Continue on to Eckartswiller and then to the mysterious Maison des Païens (Pagan House), a place steeped in history and hidden deep within the forest.
Day 7
La Petite Pierre - Saverne
You will reach the Rocher du Corbeau (Raven’s Rock) fairly quickly. You then descend into the village of Graufthal, famous for its unique cave dwellings carved directly into the rock. It offers authentic charm and a rich medieval history. Finally, you reach Saverne, the beautiful capital of the Northern Vosges.
Day 8
Departure or extension
Requirements for hikers
Summary
- Total approx 113 km over 6 hiking days
- 7 nights
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Travel documents and GPS data
- Service hotline
- from € 1,099 per person
Facts about the Northern Vosges and the GR53
- The Northern Vosges are located in northeastern France, within the Alsace region.
- The hiking tour leads from Wissembourg to Saverne.
- Approximately 115 kilometers of hiking spread across six stages.
- The route runs mostly along the GR53 long-distance hiking trail.
- The GR53 is part of the award-winning Traversée des Vosges (Vosges crossing).
- The Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park covers an area of around 1,277 square kilometers.
- Roughly two-thirds of the nature park is covered by dense woodland.
- The Grand Wintersberg at 581 meters is the highest elevation in the area.
- More than 40 listed historical castles shape the character of the region.
- Red bunter sandstone rocks, vast forests, and mysterious castle ruins are characteristic features of the scenery.
- The Northern Vosges are part of the cross-border Palatinate Forest-North Vosges UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.