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Alsace Wine Trail

Day 1: Arrive at Châtenois
Here you stay in a friendly Alsatian hotel in the heart of the tiny village where there are lots of wines to taste and old buildings to explore.

Day 2: Turckheim to Kaysersberg (12km/8mi/3.5hr)
We give you a lift to Turckheim; time to explore its Renaissance church and mediaeval gate where storks still nest. Your walk through the vines takes you past flower-filled Niedermorschwir, Katzenthal (home of küchen– delicious cinammon cake) and Ammerschwihr where you can taste the local vintage, Kaefferkopf, in cosy wine cellars.  It’s then on to the fortified town of Kaysersberg and our hotel on a quiet cobbled street in the old town.

Day 3: At Kaysersberg
In the morning why not stroll up to the ruins of the mediaeval castle for a bird’s eye view over Kaysersberg’s half-timbered houses decked with geraniums along the River Weiss? Afterwards, perhaps follow a valley trail to Kientzheim or visit Colmar (local bus, 30 mins), the “Venice of Alsace” and a honeycomb of pretty canals and gorgeous pastel-coloured houses.

Day 4: Kaysersberg to Riquewihr (10km/6mi/3.5hr)
A gentle climb through oak and beech forest to Chapelle St Alexis hidden in the woods - great auberge for lunch. Your route then descends in and out of pine forest and before long, you get your first glimpses of the showcase of Renaissance houses that earn Riquewihr its nickname – Pearl of the Vineyards.  Your hotel tonight lies in the heart of this beautiful town.

Day 5: At Riquewihr
The town of Riquewihr is so enchanting it has been declared an historic monument in its entirety. You’ll be bewitched by its cobbled alleys, galleried courtyards, fountains, and colourful signboards.

Day 6: Riquewihr to Bergheim  (10km/6mi/2.5hr)
You pass through the heart of mediaeval Alsace via the Riesling vineyards nestling at the foot of the mountains. Hunawihr has a fortified church and a centre for rearing storks - you’ll also find otters, butterflies and orchids in the reserve there. Nearby Ribeauvillé hosts a folk festival in September when the town fountain runs with free wine and another fêtein June when giant kugelhopfcakes are paraded through the streets. Three ruined castles of the once powerful counts of Ribeaupierre look down as you walk on through the vines to Bergheim.

Day 7: At Bergheim
This colourful and ancient market town was a mediaeval refuge where criminals on the run were safe from persecution - unless they were thought to be witches. There are lots of beautiful timber-framed houses and a decorated fountain in the old square. Be sure to take the short taxi ride to the amazing Haut Koenigsbourg Castle - it’s a gentle downhill walk back!

Day 8: Bergheim to Châtenois (11km/7mi/3hr)
You continue parallel to the Route du Vinto a poignant WW2 German military cemetery - panoramic views over to the famous restored castle at Haut-Kœnigsbourg. At St Hippolyte there’s a Gothic church and fountain, while the ruined court of mediaeval Kintzheim Castle is the setting for spectacular flying displays by birds of prey including eagles and vultures.

Day 9: Leave Châtenois