A circular route between the Rhine and the Vosges mountains, discovering flower-filled villages, breweries, and the heritage of Northern Alsace
Starting in Strasbourg, this cycling loop in Northern Alsace is an invitation to discover an important aspect of Alsatian identity: its breweries. Between France and Germany, you'll cycle through authentic villages and historic towns with remarkable heritage. Gently, you'll ride through verdant hills and bucolic valleys, discovering remarkable natural areas and splendid landscapes. The Rhine and its canal, which connects to the Marne, will guide you on several stages. All your efforts will be rewarded with a visit to Villa Meteor, a famous family brewery established in 1640!
Highlights of the trip:
- The cities of Strasbourg, Rastatt, and Karlsruhe
- The numerous breweries and microbreweries
- The exceptional Haguenau Forest
- The cycle paths along the Rhine or the Marne-Rhine Canal
- The bucolic valleys of Northern Alsace
Day 1: Arrival in Strasbourg
Take a beautiful cycle path that crosses Strasbourg to reach the Rhine. Cycle along the river through the plains to Drusenheim. From there take the ferry to cross to the other side, arriving in Germany, enjoying the lovely alluvial landscapes. Rastatt, your destination for the day, offers a picturesque setting with its Baroque old town. Upon arrival, we recommend enjoying a beer garden (outdoor beer garden) or visiting one of the microbreweries to taste Alsatian gastronomy while observing the brewing tanks. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed!
Overnight in Strasbourg.
Day 2: From Strasbourg to Rastatt (65 km)
Take a beautiful cycle path that crosses Strasbourg to reach the Rhine. Cycle along the river through the plains to Drusenheim. From there, take the ferry to cross to the other side and cycle into Germany, enjoying the lovely alluvial landscapes. Rastatt, your destination for the day, offers a picturesque setting with its Baroque old town. Upon arrival, we recommend enjoying a beer garden (outdoor beer garden) or visiting one of the microbreweries to taste local specialties while observing the brewing tanks. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed!
Overnight in Rastatt.
Day 3: From Rastatt to Ettlingen (45 km)
Before setting off, visit the magnificent Rastatt Castle and its gardens if you didn't have time yesterday. It is the oldest Baroque residence on the Upper Rhine. On the way, make your first stop in Malsch, where you'll find a beautiful local brewery housed in a former train station, the Hausbrauerei Alter Bahnhof. Then take the time to walk around Karlsruhe's elegant streets, continue to Ettlingen, a beautiful medieval town whose Durlach district is well worth a visit.
Overnight in Ettlingen.
Day 4: From Ettlingen to the Wissembourg region (40 km)
Today's stage takes you back to the French side of the border. You'll be biking largely on a beautiful cycle path. Cycle through beautiful wooded areas and fields in the Lauter Valley. In Wissembourg, don't miss the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. This prestigious Gothic building testifies to the town's importance in the Middle Ages. For a cultural experience, visit the Westercamp Museum, which houses diverse collections and is in a former chapel.
Overnight in or near Wissembourg.
Day 5: From the Wissembourg area to Haguenau (50 km)
Today's route takes you through rolling hills dotted with meadows, orchards, and villages. In Cleebourg, cycle through the northernmost vineyards of Alsace. In Hunspach, admire the half-timbered houses and flower-filled streets that earned it the title of "France's Favorite Village" in 2020. In Schoenenbourg, take a detour to discover an important fortification of the Maginot Line. The fortress offers an impressive view of the surrounding area. Haguenau is not far away. Its forest is classified as an "Exceptional Forest," offering a unique and unspoiled setting. Its historic center is pleasant, lively, and well-preserved. The hop hall is an iconic monument and was once used for drying and storing hops, the main ingredient in beer.
Overnight in Haguenau.
Day 6: From Haguenau to Saverne (50 km)
The Uberach craft brewery is on today's itinerary. Book a guided tour if you want to learn all about their brewing secrets and taste their finest brews. You'll drive through bucolic valleys to Neuwiller. Stop to admire its beautiful Romanesque abbey church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul. Go to Saverne, which was once the residence of the bishops of Strasbourg. The town is known for its Rohan Castle, nicknamed the "Little Versailles of Alsace," and is also crossed by the charming Marne-Rhine Canal.
Overnight in Saverne.
Day 7: From Saverne to Strasbourg (60 km)
The Marne-Rhine Canal will be your guide for this final leg of the journey. Its peaceful towpaths will take you to Hochfelden, home to France's oldest independent, family-owned brewery, Villa Meteor. Enjoy the included tour and tasting. Then hop back on your bike to Strasbourg. The route passes through the European institutions district.
Night in Strasbourg.
Day 8: Strasbourg
End of the tour after breakfast. Option to spend an additional night in Strasbourg.
