Alsace: what to do away from the usual tourist trails?
When you hear Alsace, you probably think of half-timbered houses, storks perched on rooftops, Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, pretzels, and hearty sauerkraut… And it’s true that these classics are part of the region’s charm. But if you only ever see the same places, you might forget that Alsace has a thousand different faces. Behind the clichés, it hides wild forests, secret villages, little-known culinary experiences, unusual heritage sites, and breathtaking outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, a hiking fan, a foodie, or simply seeking authenticity, Alsace has plenty to surprise you. So if you want to step off the beaten tourist track and discover a different side of Alsace, follow the guide!
Heritage and Hidden Villages
The Écomusée d’Alsace in Ungersheim
Step back into 1930s Alsace at the Écomusée d’Alsace, the largest open-air museum in France: a true living village-museum with more than 70 traditional buildings — from half-timbered houses to farms, a school, a hall, and gardens — set in 97 hectares of wild nature. A unique place blending workshops, crafts, historical re-enactments, and biodiversity!
L’Ecomusée d'Alsace - © Fabien VOILEAU - ADT - ARTGE
Access: TER to Bollwiller station (between Mulhouse and Colmar), then a 30-minute walk or on-demand shuttle service “Filéa.”
The Troglodyte Houses of Graufthal
In Graufthal, you can explore three troglodyte houses carved into a pink sandstone cliff: semi-dug dwellings, carefully furnished, several centuries old, and listed as historic monuments. Originally dug out in the Middle Ages for storage, they later housed families until 1958, when the last resident, Catherine Ottermann — nicknamed the Felsekätt — passed away.
Les maisons au pied des falaises de grès
Access: TER to Saverne station (about 17 km from the site) or Sarrebourg (about 26 km).
The Wine Village of Ottrott and Mont Sainte-Odile
A quiet wine village nestled in the Alsatian vineyards, Ottrott is known for its typical wines and Club Vosgien trails winding up to Mont Sainte-Odile. It is especially renowned for its famous “Rouge d’Ottrott,” a Pinot Noir recognized as AOC Alsace, produced since the Middle Ages. The perfect spot to combine heritage, nature, and fine wines!
De quoi contempler de superbes couchers de soleil au-dessus des vignes - © B. Salmanski - ADT
Access:
- Bus : line 257 from Ottrott to Mont Saint Odile frome Obernai station.
- TER + bike: TER to Molsheim (about 8 km from Ottrott) or Rosheim (about 5 km), then by bike (classic or electric, available at the tourist office) via the Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route.
The Picturesque Villages of Mittelbergheim and Hunawihr
Two typical villages, both listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” ideal for bucolic strolls. Wander through Renaissance houses in Mittelbergheim or half-timbered homes in Hunawihr, cobbled streets, and vineyard landscapes. Both are located on the Alsace Wine Route, and the Vineyard Cycle Route runs right through them.
Mittelbergheim, via l’EuroVelo 5, Véloroute du vignoble - © C.FLEITH - ADT
Access: TGV to Sélestat (there is a direct Paris–Sélestat TGV as well as regular TER services from Strasbourg), then rental bike (available at the tourist office from May to September): about 18 km to Mittelbergheim via the cycle route and vineyard trail, and about 10 km to Hunawihr, also via the vineyard cycle route.
Also read: 7 little-known heritage treasures in Alsace accessible by train
Nature and Biodiversity
The IllWald Nature Reserve, near Sélestat
Between forest, wet meadows, and oxbow lakes of the Ill River, IllWald is home to beavers, birds (up to 149 species recorded each year), and educational trails for all ages. It’s a perfect nature outing to observe wildlife. IllWald (also known as the Ried de Sélestat Regional Nature Reserve) is the largest regional nature reserve in the Grand Est: nearly 2,000 hectares of nature! Its rich biodiversity includes wild fallow deer (the largest herd in France), roe deer, foxes, frogs, pike, and countless invertebrates.
What a great way to meet new people!
Access: TER or TGV to Sélestat (accessible from Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar…), then walk (about 2 km) or cycle (via Sélestat’s cycle paths) to the reserve.
Also read: Alsace: top 6 nature and unusual activities
The Bollenberg Hills, near Rouffach
The Bollenberg hills are a limestone site emblematic of the Rouffach area, famous for their open landscapes, dry grassland, and panoramic views. Their biodiversity is remarkable: at least 243 plant species identified, along with many typical birds, lizards, and butterflies. In May and June, the blooming of wild orchids is spectacular — a real feast for the eyes!
Wild orchids in bloom
Access: TER to Colmar or Rouffach, then line 440 or short hike (about 7 km from Rouffach center to the Bollenberg trails).
Lake Sewen
A glacial lake nestled in the Alsatian Vosges, in the commune of Sewen (Haut-Rhin). One of the region’s rare glacial overdeepened lakes, it offers a unique atmosphere with wooded shores and a mysterious peat bog. Thanks to its easy-marked trails, the walk is very accessible — ideal for families!
The beauty of Lake Sewen
Access: TER to Mulhouse, then bus (line 68R058).
Hiking and Cycling in Alsace
Alsace has seven long-distance hiking trails (GR 5, GR 53, GR 531, GR 532, GR 7, GR 4, and GR 145), including the Crossing of the Vosges Massif (a 430 km route combining GR 5 and GR 53). In total, 17,000 km of marked trails let you explore mountains, vineyards, and forests far from the crowds.
GR Access: The routes pass close to many TER stations throughout the massif, making it easy to plan tailor-made sections.
Cycling enthusiasts will also find plenty of options. Between Vosges mountains, Ried wetlands, and vineyards, themed cycling loops reveal a mosaic of landscapes and biodiversity.
Bike Access: Bike rentals on Cycling in Alsace. Many routes start directly near TER stations.
Véloroute du vignoble d'Alsace - EuroVélo5 - © B. Salmanski - ADT - ARTGE
Also read: Secret Alsace: X micro-adventures to explore Alsace on foot or by bike
Unusual Experiences and Gastronomy
Retro Moped Tour via Bergheim
For a vintage experience, you can take a ride on old mopeds. A fun mix of landscapes, vineyards, and charming villages (such as Bergheim).
Access: Departure from the Col des Bagenelles or Col du Haut de Ribeauvillé towards Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.
Little-Known Local Specialties
To treat your taste buds, try roigebrageldi (potatoes, bacon, white wine) or the traditional marcaire meal in a Vosges farm inn. Hearty dishes that plunge you right into the Alsatian terroir!
Access: TER to Munster or Metzeral, then walk or shuttle to the farm inns.
This article was written in collaboration with Visit.Alsace. For more inspiration, head over to visit.alsace!
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
