
What we’re about
Love the outdoors but also curious about history, architecture, and local culture? Welcome to Explore Alsace – a group that combines hiking and cultural discovery.
I’m Henry, born and raised in Strasbourg with French and British nationality. I started this group to share my love for Alsace with both locals and internationals through day trips that mix beautiful walking routes with visits to some of the region’s most interesting towns, castles, and heritage sites.
🌄 What to Expect
Each day trip includes a moderate hike (usually between 8–15 km) along scenic trails – forest paths, vineyard routes, hilltop viewpoints – plus time to explore cultural highlights: medieval towns, castles, historic landmarks, and more. It’s all about walking with a sense of place and story.
One example: visiting the beautiful Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, followed by a hike through the wine country to the picturesque town of Ribeauvillé – a perfect day of nature and history, topped off with Alsatian charm.
🧺 Picnic & Pit Stops
We’ll usually bring our own lunch and snacks to enjoy picnic-style along the trail or at scenic spots. When passing through towns, there’s often time for a treat – an ice cream, a local beer, or a coffee on a sunny terrace.
🌍 A Space for Everyone
Whether you’re local, an expat, or just visiting, you’re welcome here. I speak both French and English, and the group is meant to be international, inclusive, and friendly. It’s also a great opportunity to meet people and practice languages while discovering Alsace in a deeper, more authentic way.
🚆 How It Works
We meet at Strasbourg train station and travel together by regional train — usually a short 20–30 minute ride, sometimes with a connecting bus — to reach the starting point of our day’s adventure. It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to explore the region and gives us easy access to some truly beautiful and lesser-known places, all without needing a car.
🧭 Why Join?
Discover both famous and off-the-beaten-path spots
Enjoy the mix of light hiking and cultural exploration
Connect with curious, open-minded people from around the world
Get to know Alsace as more than just a postcard
Whether you're here for the landscapes, the history, or just good company and a change of scenery — this group is for you.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- [First Day Trip] Saverne & Château du Haut-Barr HikeNeeds location
🥾 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