Alsace between cycling routes and cultural heritage
Accommodation in Alsace
Alsace brings together cycling routes, vineyard landscapes and diverse cultural heritage. The region offers a variety of points of interest for these pursuits—from a north–south cycling route to castles, museums and religious buildings.
Cycling between the plain and the vineyards
EuroVelo 5 crosses Alsace from north to south. In the Grand Est region, it covers around 390 kilometres, almost 290 kilometres of which are on developed, protected cycle paths. Most stages follow canals or cross the plain on gentle terrain; some sections in the Alsace vineyard area are hillier. When planning each day, it is therefore useful to distinguish between the mostly easy canal and plain sections and the hillier stretches through the vineyards.
The Turckheim–Cernay stage offers a vivid example of the landscape: it crosses the slopes of the southern Alsace vineyards, passing orchards and stone walls, through open valleys and with views of the Vosges peaks. The impressions along the cycling route therefore include not only flatter stretches but also hillsides and expansive views.
Getting there and public transport
Alsace can be reached via two airports, five TGV stations, and regional express and public transport networks. The regional rail network comprises 14 lines and 161 stations served by TER; buses also connect towns and villages. As network services and timetables may change, check current connections before your trip.
Bicycles can be carried free of charge on trains in Alsace. An exception applies during peak hours between Strasbourg and Basel; check the current conditions for carrying bicycles before departure. This allows you to plan your train journey and cycling stages together.
The Navette des CrĂŞtes operates seasonally, with seven bus connections along the Route des CrĂŞtes from railway stations in Alsace and the Vosges. It is open to hikers and cyclists. Check current routes and timetables before travelling, as the service is seasonal.
Culture, castles and regional diversity
Alsace’s cultural heritage includes museums, industrial tourism sites, craft experiences, memorial sites and guided castle tours. Churches, temples, mosques and synagogues also form part of its religious heritage and reflect a range of architectural traditions. When planning your trip, you can therefore explore a variety of cultural themes, from architecture and crafts to remembrance and industrial history.
There are nearly 80 fortified castles in Alsace. Castle visits can be combined with hikes or cycling tours; access conditions vary from one site to another. So check the conditions for each castle before visiting. This helps ensure that plans for individual cultural sites reflect the actual visitor options available.
Food and provisions along the way
On the Strasbourg–Soultz-les-Bains stage, Strasbourg and Soultz-les-Bains have shops, bakeries, grocery stores and other services. These towns therefore offer options for food and practical supplies during this stage. If you include the route in your trip, you can use these facilities as points of reference for a break or to pick up provisions along the way.
Discover more destinations: Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Champagne-Ardenne, Corsica, Provence-Alpes-CĂ´te D'azur, Pays De La Loire, Normandy, Nord Pas De Calais
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