Hiking in Medieval Alsace, From Turckheim to Obernai
A complete discovery of Medieval Alsace in 8 days with quality accommodations and Alsatian gastronomy. In short, the ideal stay to recharge your batteries in a natural setting.
From Turckheim to Obernai, this is the most beautiful hike to do in Alsace! As in the time of the lords, you will bathe in a medieval atmosphere through the most beautiful fortified villages (paved streets full of flowers), churches and prestigious castles.
The paths wind between vineyards and small peaks under an almost always present sun. From the medieval village of Turckheim to the pretty little town of Obernai, you will visit the villages of Niedermorschwihr, Ammerschwihr, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr Ribeauvillé, Ottrott, and you will climb the plateau of Mont Sainte-Odile.
You will also discover the castles of Hagueneck, Hohlandsburg, Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Saint-Ulrich (dominating the village of Ribeauvillé), Ortenbourg…
This stay in Medieval Alsace is the ideal solution for walkers who love Alsatian landscapes and small typical villages: impeccable path, quality accommodation, luggage transport and information on the region. Everything is planned so that you can make the most of the region and its beauties.
The hike in Medieval Alsace is a free walking tour – Duration of 8 days – Departure from the beginning of March to the end of November depending on your availability and your possibilities.
Program
Day 1
Turckheim
Arrival and check-in at the hotel around 6pm. A beautiful village located at the entrance of the Fecht valley and famous not only for its rich historical center and the quality of its wines, but also for its night watchman, who continues to make his rounds every evening at 10 pm, from May to October. Free dinner in the village.
Day 2
Loop around Turckheim
Superb loop hike through a vast chestnut forest, just a stone’s throw from Colmar, to discover the imposing medieval fortress of Hohlandsbourg, which dominates the Alsace plain. Possible visit of the restored castle and its medieval garden. Back to Turckheim.
15 km; M: +595m / D: -595m
Day 3
Turckheim – Riquewihr
Via vineyard paths, we reach Niedermorschwihr and its church with its unique and remarkable twisted bell tower. You then continue to the sublime village of Kaysersberg, classified among the most beautiful villages of France with its historical center and its imperial castle dominating the city. To finish this beautiful day in beauty, descent through the vineyard to the medieval city of Riquewihr.
15 Km ; M : + 670 m / D : – 620m
Day 4
Riquewihr- Thannenkirch
Stage from Riquewihr to Thannenkirch, via Hunawihr and its fortified church to the medieval village of Ribeauvillé. Then climb to the ruins of the Saint-Ulrich castle overlooking the village of Ribeauvillé and the Alsace plain. Night in Thannenkirch, a typical Alsatian village located below the famous castle of Haut-Kœnigsbourg.
12 Km ; M : +615m / D : – 410 m
Day 5
Thannenkirch- Chatenois
Climb to the medieval Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle, built in the 12th century. We advise you to visit this monument full of history and from where you will have a breathtaking view on Alsace. Descent to reach the plain again and night in Châtenois. During this stage you also have the possibility to visit the monkey mountain and to enjoy a show of birds of prey at the eagles’ aviary (not included).
12.5 Km ; M : + 380 / D : – 660 m
Day 6
Chatenois – Andlau
Ascent to the Ortenbourg castle-fortress (13th-century ruins). Very nice view on the plain. Descent towards the vineyard and crossing of the medieval city of Dambach. Tasting of Alsatian wines possible at a winegrower’s in Bernardvillé. Gradual descent through the forest to Andlau.
19 Km ; M : + 660m / D : – 620 m
Day 7
Andlau – Obernai
Discover the castles of Upper Andlau and Landsberg. The Pagan Wall, a gigantic megalithic enclosure that has kept all its mystery to this day. The Monastery of Mount St. Odile. Descent by the Pilgrims’ Path to the village of Ottrott. Itinerary through the plain to the beautiful medieval town of Obernai.
22 Km ; M : + 940 m / D : – 990m
Day 8
Obernai
End of stay after breakfast.
Map
Practical information
Welcome : Meeting the day before your first day of walking at 6 pm at the hotel in Turckheim.
Dispersion : The stay ends on D8 after breakfast in Obernai.
Supervision: unaccompanied hiking tour
Level : Easy to medium. No particular technical difficulty, stages of 4 to 6 hours maximum. Be used to walking on varied terrain and be in good physical condition. The courses are well marked. The stages are on average 15 km to 20 km per day with a difference in altitude of 300 to 700 m.
Accommodation: 2** and 3*** hotels. Half board (except D1). If D2 is a Sunday evening, the restaurant will be closed and the service will be in B&B. D1 will be half-board. Drinks are at your expense.
Access:
By train, Colmar TGV station. At the end of your stay, you can return by train from Obernai station
By car: Turckheim is on the D11, in the heart of the Alsace vineyards, about 5 km from Colmar. Parking: The two hotels we mainly work with in Turckheim have their own parking facilities. It costs 10€/day for parking. It is best to book in advance as the hotel cannot guarantee availability upon arrival. Otherwise, there are free public parking lots in Turckheim. However, be careful to get information because during the season they are sometimes closed on certain days due to events, which can be a problem if you leave your vehicle on site for the whole week of the excursion. Please note: Friday is market day. Ask the hotelier if the car is not in the way!
Luggage transportation: Your luggage will be transported between each stage of the hike in medieval Alsace by a carrier at the end of the morning or in the afternoon. We ask you to drop them off in the lobby of each accommodation the morning before you set off on your hike, and to bring only one piece of luggage weighing no more than 15 kg, beyond which the driver may refuse to carry it. We invite you to bring a small backpack to carry your belongings for the day.
Travel pack: For this tour, we’ll send you a travel pack with a list of your accommodation, luggage tags, guidebook and daily IGN map extracts (1 copy per room booked). If you require an additional travel file, you will be charged + €20 / file.
Dates
Departures are possible from March 1st to November 30th, at the dates of your convenience and according to the availability of accommodation.
Prices
Below is the price list per person for 2024. The price depends mainly on the number of nights desired, the type of room and luggage transport.
| Double, twin, triple rooms | Single room | |||
| Avec transport des bagages | Sans transport des bagages | Avec transport des bagages | Sans transport des bagages | |
| 7 nights | 965,00 € | 870,00 € | 1.385,00 € | 1.290,00 € |
Price includes :
- Nights in half-board (except D1)
- The transfer of luggage between each step of the walk (depending on the chosen formula)
- Tourist taxes
- The provision of the travel file (1 topo-guide per room booked)
Price does not include :
- Transportation from your home to the meeting point and dispersal
- Dinner on D1
- Lunchtime meals
- Visits (Haut-Koenigsbourg : 9€)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Registration fees (+15 € / person), postage abroad (+20 € / file) and priority processing fees for registrations received by D-15 (+45 € / file).
- Insurance
Information
- Prices are per person
- Tourist tax is included in the rate
From
965,00 €
Highlights
- The most beautiful hike in Alsace
- A visit to the medieval villages of Turckheim and Obernai
- Luggage transport
In pictures
