[First Day Trip] Saverne & Château du Haut-Barr Hike

🥾 Day Trip to Saverne & Hike to Château du Haut-Barr
Let’s kick off the group with a day trip that blends Alsatian heritage with a forest hike! We’ll head to Saverne by train and set off on a scenic ~15 km hike through the sandstone Vosges to visit the Château du Haut-Barr and the Tour du Brotschberg — for some breathtaking views over the plain. We'll finish the tour by exploring the historic town centre of Saverne before taking the train back to Strasbourg.

This day trip is a great mix of culture, nature, and good company — open to all curious hikers, locals, expats alike!

📅 When
🕘 Saturday, July 28 – Meet at 8:45 AM at Strasbourg train station
We’ll take the 8:54 TER train to Saverne (~40 min) and return with the 17:19 train. This train is 6 euros each way if bought early enough.

🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do

• From Saverne, we'll hike up forest trails to the medieval ruins of Greifenstein
• Continue towards the Grotte de St-Vit
• Enjoy the majestic viewpoint of Rappenfels
• Hike towards the Brotschberg Tower (free to enter with safe stairs to the top for a great panoramic view)
• Picnic lunch near the tower or along the way
• Arrive at the Château du Haut-Barr for the best view of the tour
• Return to Saverne by a different route. Walk through Saverne’s historic centre and stop for a drink or ice cream before heading home

🗺️ Hike Details

• Distance: ~15 km
• Elevation gain: +662 m / -644 m
• Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate (forested trails, some rocky or steep sections)
• Duration: ~5–6 hours including breaks and sightseeing

Want to see the GPS trace? Download it here, then open it in the IGN rando app.

💰 Cost
You’ll need to buy your own train ticket: ~12€ round-trip full fare if bought early. Send me a message if you have any doubts.
✅ No entry fees – the castles are free to visit.

🍎 What to Bring

• Picnic lunch, lots of water, and snacks
• Good walking shoes (forest trail can be uneven)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, sunscreen, or rain jacket)

👋 Who’s This For?
This event is for anyone who enjoys discovering new places on foot and meeting friendly people along the way. Whether you're new to Alsace or have lived here forever, you’re welcome to join!

📩 How to Join
Please confirm your spot and arrive on time at Strasbourg station.
I’ll post the exact train info and updates in the group chat before the day.
Any questions? Just send me a message.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!
— Henry