Alsace: top 6 nature and unusual activities
Photo : Petite Camargue alsacienne - © 100kmautour.com
Looking for a weekend getaway to recharge your batteries? What if we told you that Alsace is full of postcard-perfect villages, stunning mountain landscapes, and endless vineyards? Here’s our selection of nature-filled and off-the-beaten-path activities — from yoga in the vineyards and meeting free-roaming reindeer in the forest to spending a night in the treetops.
Before diving into our picks, a quick word about discovering Alsace by train: good news, the region is extremely well connected! The network links not only the main cities but also small villages and mountain areas. In short: the perfect destination for a slow, stress-free, car-free weekend!
1. Birdwatching in the Petite Camargue Alsacienne Nature Reserve
Head south of Alsace, near Saint-Louis (Haut-Rhin), to explore one of the largest protected natural areas in the region (over 900 hectares). You can spot nearly 200 bird species, orchids, amphibians, dragonflies, and even Highland cows!
Access: Train to Saint-Louis (TER), then bus or bike.
2. Explore the region by bike
Alsace offers the "Alsace by Bike” network: about 2,500 km of cycle routes, including around 50 local loops (<50 km) and 30 regional loops (Tours of Alsace, >50 km). PDF roadbooks, GPX tracks, and info points are available at train stations and on www.cyclinginalsace.com.
Alsace Wine Route Cycle Route - EuroVelo5 - 0337 © B. Salmanski - ADT - ARTGE
If you’re a cycling enthusiast, don’t miss the Alsace Wine Route Cycle Path (a section of EuroVelo 5, which stretches from England to Italy). This iconic itinerary runs from Marlenheim to Thann: 135 km long, with 1,350 m elevation gain and more than 50 wine villages along the way.
Access: TER line Strasbourg-Colmar-Mulhouse.
3. Paddle through the “Rhine Jungle” (Rhinau floodplain forest)
Head to the Rhine near Rhinau to explore a 450-hectare alluvial forest full of ponds, reedbeds, and biodiversity! Storks, amphibians, insects... you’ll see them all. The Rhinau Island, also known as the “Little Rhine Jungle,” can even be discovered by boat with a guide.
Access: By bus (from Strasbourg: line 270 Strasbourg–Rhinau) or by bike via cycling routes along the Rhine (approx. 2h from Strasbourg, 1h20 from Erstein).
4. Practice yoga or Qi Gong in the vineyards
The perfect combo of relaxation and tasting! At Domaine Jean Huttard in Zellenberg (between Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé), you can join yoga sessions in the vineyards followed by a wine tasting of their best vintages. Flow through asanas, then sip on an organic Riesling or Pinot Gris — a unique and delightful blend of well-being and hedonism. Perfect to share with friends or as a couple.
Access: TER to Colmar, then regional bus to Zellenberg (line 106 – Réseau Fluo).
Yoga in the vineyards 23 © D. Levêque - ADT
Prefer Qi Gong to yoga? No problem! You can also enjoy a 2-day/1-night retreat combining Qi Gong and wine tasting in the hills of Kientzheim.
Access: TER to Colmar, then bus to Kientzheim (line R013, Monday–Saturday) and a short walk.
5. Spend the night in a treehouse or a Panda Gîte
Want to sleep in the heart of nature, far from city noise? Alsace offers several eco-friendly and unusual accommodations, such as treehouses (notably at Domaine Haslach). You’ll also find Panda Gîtes, certified by WWF: lodgings designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing immersion. Binoculars, wildlife and plant guides, campfire spots, and sometimes even Nordic baths await. A true nature break to disconnect without guilt!
Access: Several cabins are located in the Vosges Mountains, accessible from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, Munster, Thann, or Kruth stations (TER). A taxi or shuttle may be needed for the last stretch.
6. Meet the free-roaming reindeer of Munster Valley
Dreaming of the free-roaming deer of Nara, Japan? No need to travel so far! Head to the Reindeer Farm of Schantzwasen, perched at 1,096 m altitude on the Tanet mountain, where you can meet 30–40 reindeer while walking through the forest. You can even help feed them lichen (every day at 4 p.m.), guided by an expert who will introduce you to the herd and the farm’s history.
The visit continues at a small cabin-museum dedicated to Sami culture (the reindeer herders of Lapland). A magical family-friendly activity!
The kind of encounters you can have while walking along the 800-meter educational trail in the forest
Access: Bus 68R013 from Colmar, then about a 15-minute walk.
And if you’re into hiking, check out our selection of the most beautiful hikes accessible by train!
This article was written in collaboration with Visit.alsace. For more inspiration, head 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.
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