Mountains & Vineyards of Alsace – 8 days

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN - UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a nuanced blend of physical and mental readiness. Commence your regimen with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a foundational groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is pivotal, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups to enhance both stability and power. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available between 1st of April to 5th November.

Note: A single supplement is required for groups of 3 or 5 passengers. Additionally, a supplement may apply for twin room requests.

MARKET VISITS

Local markets are a great way to delve into the culture plus local food and wine. On your itinerary there are morning markets on the following days:

Friday mornings: Turckheim & Riquewihr
Saturday mornings: Barr, Munster & Ribeaville
Monday morning: Kayserberg

OPTIONAL WALKS

On days 2-5 there are optional loop walks to add significant distances, along with panoramic views, to each days walking.

Day 2: The optional loop walk occurs from your accommodation in Barra. It incorporates Mont Sainte-Odile Abbey, one of Alsace’s most iconic pilgrimage sites.
15km / 5 hrs / 740m elevation

Day 3: After breakfast transfer to the trailhead. The optional loop walk would start in the morning and take you to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg which is a beautifully restored medieval fortress high above the Alsace plain.
12km / 4 hrs / 530m elevation

Day 4: Once you arrive in Kayserberg the optional loop walk takes you to Rocher des Corbeaux viewpoint then onto the hamlet of Saint Alexis.
13.5km / 4 hrs / 510m elevation

Day 5: Once you arrive in Turckheim the optional loop walk takes you through vineyards and wooded trails up to the Château de Hohlandsbourg with views over the Rhine Plain and the Vosges Mountains.
13km / 4 hrs / 446 elevation

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

ARRIVAL

Frankfurt and Paris are the closest international airports with train connections available with approximately 3.5 hours of travel time.  Alternatively, we can assist in arranging transfers from Strasbourg to your hotel. Ensure a smooth journey by planning your arrival ahead of time.

DEPARTURE

Conclude your journey in the quaint town of Munster, where you’ll have the opportunity to unwind after your hikes. From Munster, travel to Colmar — an alluring destination worth exploring, offering seamless connections to Paris. Direct trains to Gare de Lyon take as little as 2.5 to 3 hours, ensuring a smooth transition as you depart from the beauty of Alsace. 

INFORMATION PACK

For over 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

IMPORTANT - SOLO WALKERS

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this itinerary. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at connect@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.