Where to hike near Strasbourg? The most beautiful trails to explore
Less than an hour from Strasbourg, Alsace is brimming with hiking trails accessible to all levels, from casual walkers to seasoned hikers.
From medieval castles to the Vosges peaks and waterfalls nestled deep in the forest, here are some of the most beautiful hikes to explore around the Alsatian capital.
Starting in Klingenthal, this forest trail leads you to the ruins of several forgotten castles, such as Rathsamhausen and Lutzelbourg.
If you're with family, this is the perfect outing for a journey into medieval history, just 30 minutes from Strasbourg.
As classic as it is unmissable, the hike to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle offers a beautiful loop of nearly 3 hours through the forest and magnificent landscapes.
A visit to the castle, perched at an altitude of 757 meters, is well worth the detour.
From Ribeauvillé, 50 minutes from Strasbourg, set off to discover three imposing castles perched high in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park: Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle, Saint-Ulrich Castle, and Girsberg Castle.
This circuit will not only take you on a journey but also offers breathtaking views of the Alsace plain.
Easy and accessible, this 3 km family-friendly trail is organized around the famous Mont Sainte-Odile convent and the Grotto of the Virgin.
It offers a spectacular view over the Alsace plain and is a must-do hike for many Alsatians.
Starting from Lutzelhouse, about 30 minutes from Strasbourg, this 13 km loop takes you to an altitude of over 1,000 meters.
The panorama over the Bruche Valley and the surrounding mountains is simply breathtaking.
The highest point of the Vosges Mountains at 1,424 m, the Grand Ballon is an iconic hike in Alsace with unforgettable 360° panoramic views of the Vosges, the Black Forest, and, on a clear day, even the Alps.
The hike begins on the Route des Crêtes (Crest Road) at the Col du Haag.
Starting from Champ du Feu, this 10 km hike takes you through beech forests and bucolic paths to a charming waterfall.
It's the perfect getaway to cool off in summer, just 50 minutes from Strasbourg.
Located 1 hour from Strasbourg, the Donon is a legendary peak marked by Gallo-Roman remains. You can admire an extraordinary panorama of the Bruche Valley.
In winter as in summer, the 4.8 km trail offers a unique experience in the heart of nature.
For hikers who want to combine nature and comfort, the Best Western Plus Monopole Métropole hotel in Strasbourg is the perfect choice.
Located just a few minutes' walk from Strasbourg train station and the historic center, our four-star hotel offers an ideal base for visiting Strasbourg before exploring the surrounding hiking trails.
You will appreciate the hotel's authentic charm and contemporary design.
Discover our spacious rooms and the tranquility of our lounges with their Alsatian flair.
An added bonus: our hotel has private parking and offers secure bicycle storage as well as a bicycle rental service.
From medieval castles to the Vosges peaks and waterfalls nestled deep in the forest, here are some of the most beautiful hikes to explore around the Alsatian capital.
🏰 In the Footsteps of Alsace's Fortified Castles
The Castles of Ottrott
Starting in Klingenthal, this forest trail leads you to the ruins of several forgotten castles, such as Rathsamhausen and Lutzelbourg.
If you're with family, this is the perfect outing for a journey into medieval history, just 30 minutes from Strasbourg.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
As classic as it is unmissable, the hike to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle offers a beautiful loop of nearly 3 hours through the forest and magnificent landscapes.
A visit to the castle, perched at an altitude of 757 meters, is well worth the detour.
The Three Castles of Ribeauvillé
From Ribeauvillé, 50 minutes from Strasbourg, set off to discover three imposing castles perched high in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park: Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle, Saint-Ulrich Castle, and Girsberg Castle.
This circuit will not only take you on a journey but also offers breathtaking views of the Alsace plain.
🌲 Hikes to the summits with breathtaking panoramas
Mont Sainte-Odile
Easy and accessible, this 3 km family-friendly trail is organized around the famous Mont Sainte-Odile convent and the Grotto of the Virgin.
It offers a spectacular view over the Alsace plain and is a must-do hike for many Alsatians.
Rocher de Mutzig
Starting from Lutzelhouse, about 30 minutes from Strasbourg, this 13 km loop takes you to an altitude of over 1,000 meters.
The panorama over the Bruche Valley and the surrounding mountains is simply breathtaking.
The Grand Ballon des Vosges
The highest point of the Vosges Mountains at 1,424 m, the Grand Ballon is an iconic hike in Alsace with unforgettable 360° panoramic views of the Vosges, the Black Forest, and, on a clear day, even the Alps.
The hike begins on the Route des Crêtes (Crest Road) at the Col du Haag.
💧 Hikes Between Wild Nature and Coolness
The Cascade de la Serva
Starting from Champ du Feu, this 10 km hike takes you through beech forests and bucolic paths to a charming waterfall.
It's the perfect getaway to cool off in summer, just 50 minutes from Strasbourg.
The Donon, a Sacred Mountain in Alsace
Located 1 hour from Strasbourg, the Donon is a legendary peak marked by Gallo-Roman remains. You can admire an extraordinary panorama of the Bruche Valley.
In winter as in summer, the 4.8 km trail offers a unique experience in the heart of nature.
Where to stay in Strasbourg?
For hikers who want to combine nature and comfort, the Best Western Plus Monopole Métropole hotel in Strasbourg is the perfect choice.
Located just a few minutes' walk from Strasbourg train station and the historic center, our four-star hotel offers an ideal base for visiting Strasbourg before exploring the surrounding hiking trails.
You will appreciate the hotel's authentic charm and contemporary design.
Discover our spacious rooms and the tranquility of our lounges with their Alsatian flair.
An added bonus: our hotel has private parking and offers secure bicycle storage as well as a bicycle rental service.
