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Distance:
| The entire route is around 60 miles but you can make it shorter. |
| Difficulty: | Moderate. |
Way-marking:
| Twists and turns in the trail require good map reading skills. |
| Trails: | Mostly vineyard roads and mountain paths.
| | Lodging Styles: | Small, family-owned country inns. |
| Best Season: | Spring and early Summer |
Highlights:
| The theme of this hike is wine, gourmet food, and lots of history.
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In 1940, during the German occupation of France, the vine growers of Alsace awoke to the sound of saws and hatchets. The Hitler Youth were tearing down their vineyards.
For years the French government, and more recently Berlin, had urged the Alsacians to get rid of the high yielding but low quality vines and replace them with more traditional varieties. Such a step was expensive and difficult to enforce.
But on one such morning with a single stroke, the deed was done.
Today the gentle vineyards unfold along the eastern flanks of the Vosges Mountains producing some of the finest white wines in Europe. Tucked into the folds of the foothills are old Alsacian towns, full of charm and history with their cobblestoned streets and half-timbered roofs.
For the walker who loves wine and history, there may not be a better hiking path anywhere. And best of all, this trip is easy to book and offers a luggage transfer.
Horizons D’Alsace is a group of 10 small, family-owned inns located along the walking path and work together  to provide a gourmet walking holiday abounding with good food and good wine as well as lovely mountain scenery. You arrive at your first night’s lodging in the lovely town of Kaysersberg, where gingerbread houses line the streets that abound with Christmas ornaments, local wine stores, and Alsacian linens. In the morning after a typical French breakfast of croissants, cheese, and rich European coffee, you’re ready to hit the trail. The beauty is that you only have to carry your daypack as the hotel will transfer your luggage to the next night’s destination. Maps and good directions are all furnished, all you have to do is open the door and go.
Be sure not to forget your lunch, which by the way is not a brown bag affair with granola bars and gorp. As Mrs. Keller said, “We have for you a picnic”. Inside your rather large plastic bag, you’ll find fresh baguettes with gigantic slices of brie cheese, fresh fruit, a plastic container of carrot salad, crème brulee for dessert, mineral water, even a bottle of wine– after all, this is France. Don’t be surprised if the knowledge of what’s in your pack causes you to eat lunch as early as possible.
The week of hiking begins in the rolling vineyards, averaging around 8 to 10 miles a day. As the days go on the route makes its way into the valleys of the Vosges Mountains where cows and sheep graze along the green hillsides.
The region of Alsace which faces east toward the German border with France, was heavily fought over in both World Wars. Your hiking trail not only passes by bunkers……. But walks into the meadow of the cemetary….
Each night your lodging is a small family-owned hotel with cozy rooms and elegant dining. After venison, lamb, or potatoes au gratin with ham smothered in local Munster cheese- which of course is topped off with a local Pinot Blanc or Riesling- you may decide this is the best hiking in the world. Not only can you enjoy some of the best food in Europe, on such a walking vacation you may lose a few pounds in the process.
If you find the day too rainy or your feet too sore, no problem. The hotel will be glad to take you to the next destination along with your luggage. You can even book extra nights in any of the lodges along the route to throw in a rest day or two.
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