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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.