4 micro-adventures to explore Alsace

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on October 10, 2025

Want to experience Alsace in a new way? Forget the classic tourist circuits—it’s time for micro-adventures! Between mysterious forests, Vosges peaks, and bucolic vineyards, Alsace is full of hiking and cycling routes to reconnect with nature, heritage, and local flavors. And the best part? You don’t need a car—thanks to the TER and Fluo Grand Est network.

Here’s our top 4 itineraries accessible by train in Alsace, each starting less than 100 meters from a TER station, for routes ranging from 1 to 3 days (perfect for a quick getaway or a long weekend!).

The Route des Crêtes: A 360° Panorama Over the Vosges

Love spectacular landscapes and trails steeped in history? Then you’ll love the Route des Crêtes. Stretching about 88 km from Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines in the north to Uffholtz/Cernay in the south, this ridge road runs along the line separating Lorraine from Alsace.

What to expect:

• A succession of sweeping views over the Alsace plain, the Black Forest, and even the Alps on a clear day.
• Legendary peaks like the Grand Ballon (highest point at ~1343 m) and the Vieil Armand (Hartmannswillerkopf).
• Immersion in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park (local wildlife, beech and fir forests, mountain lakes).
• Moving remnants of the First World War (trenches, shell fragments…).

Lac Blanc on Route des Crêtes - © D.LETT - ADT

How to get there?

Good news! In summer (2025 dates: from Saturday, May 31 to Sunday, September 28), no need for a car. The Navette des Crêtes shuttle bus takes you from several TER stations up to the Vosges peaks, including between Lac Blanc and the Grand Ballon. Perfect for enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Ridge of the Vosges in peace.

Why we love it

• Trails for all levels: from family walks to more sporty hikes.
• Easy access: TER + shuttle bus.
• Budget-friendly: great fares (€4 per ride, or €2 with the Fluo card, free with a same-day train ticket).
• Flexibility: bring your bike (except e-bikes, depending on space), hop on/off the shuttle as you please.
• Epic landscapes: Vosges peaks, GR5 descent, and jaw-dropping views.

Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route (EuroVelo 5): Between Vineyards and Medieval Towns

Cycling lovers, this one’s for you! This iconic bike route runs about 140 km from Marlenheim to Thann, right through the heart of Alsace’s vineyards.

What to expect: postcard-worthy scenery with medieval castle ruins, flower-filled villages, Romanesque abbeys, rolling vineyards, and cozy winstubs (traditional wine taverns along the Alsace Wine Route).

You can ride the whole route over several days (about 4 days and 3 nights) or split it into shorter stages depending on your pace and mood.

Véloroute du vignoble d'Alsace - EuroVélo5 - © B. Salmanski - ADT - ARTGE

How to get there?

The Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route (EuroVelo 5) is easily accessible from several main TER stations along the wine region, depending on where you start. Good to know: TER Fluo Grand Est trains carry bikes for free (subject to availability). Renting a bike is also simple—many partners and shops are located right near stations.

Why we love it

• Versatility: ideal for a full cycling holiday or a quick weekend ride.
• Wine & culture immersion: tastings at local vineyards, charming villages like Eguisheim and Ribeauvillé.
• Well-designed infrastructure: clear signage, downloadable GPX tracks, dedicated cycle paths.

Hiking Around Schirmeck: Barembach Balconies & Schirmeck Castle

Looking for an easy hike with great Alsatian scenery? This loop around the village of Barembach and Schirmeck Castle offers lovely views over Barembach, the Donon massif, and the Hersbach quarry.

Distance: ~6.8 km
Duration: about 2h30
Elevation: +204 m / −212 m

How to get there?

Take the TER to Schirmeck-La Broque station (direct from Strasbourg). The trailhead is just a 5 minutes walk from the station.

Why we love it

• Accessible to everyone: perfect for families or a short nature break.
• Varied viewpoints: over the Donon, the village, and Vosges landscapes.
• Mix of nature & heritage: woods, castle ruins, and local discoveries.

Cycling Across Three Borders: France, Switzerland & Germany

If you want a culturally rich escape, this cross-border bike route is ideal. Starting in Huningue, it follows the Huningue Canal along the Rhine and links France, Germany, and Switzerland.

It overlaps with EuroVelo 6 on this stretch and local circuits. For example, the Mulhouse → Basel section is about 38 km, featuring sites like the Petite Camargue Alsacienne, the Fernet-Branca Foundation, and the Parc des Eaux-Vives.

EuroVélo6 - © Pictural - ADT

How to get there?

Take the TER to Saint-Louis (1h10 from Strasbourg), then bus line 1 to Huningue.

Good to know: bikes are accepted on TER trains, though restrictions apply on the Strasbourg–Basel line.

Why we love it

• Three countries in one ride: a unique cycling experience.
• Diverse landscapes: from canals and nature reserves to urban and cultural highlights.
• Cyclist-friendly infrastructure: safe, well-marked paths for all levels.

Want more inspiration? Check out our article on the best nature and offbeat activities to try in Alsace!

This article was created in collaboration with Visit.Alsace. Discover more on Visit.alsace!

Written by Sophie Renassia

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.