Dieffenthal: Vineyards, Walking Trails and History

Dieffenthal lies on the Alsace Wine Route, between vineyards and mountains. Above the Alsace wine-growing region, you can enjoy views across the Alsace plain. Walking trails, the Church of Saint Michael and the Rocher des Celtes offer different ways to enjoy a stay—from outdoor activity to architectural history and local tradition.

Location and Rocky Landscape

The Sentier des Roches is an isolated rocky area amid the vineyards. It consists of granite blocks known as Dambach two-mica granite. The Rocher des Celtes is a hollowed-out rock with a bowl-shaped depression and is associated with Celtic legends.

Hiking with Different Highlights

The Sentier des Roches begins in front of the Church of Saint Michael. The short circular trail is marked with a blue ring and listed as taking 45 minutes; there is also a longer circular trail marked with a yellow ring. The Sentier des Roches is listed as taking two hours. The trail is also rated as suitable for all difficulty levels. Markings, as well as time and difficulty ratings, may change; check the latest information before setting out.

The “À l'assaut de l'Ortenbourg” circular trail is an easy hike from Dieffenthal to Ortenbourg Castle, built in the 13th century. Along the Sentier des Murailles et des Vignes, stones, low walls and ramparts, castles, and winegrowers’ houses line the route. These features are considered evidence of the area’s history. The hikes described therefore range from circular trail options to an easy hike to a named castle.

Cycling Through Vineyards and Villages

From Dieffenthal, you can cycle along the Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route between vineyards and villages. The route is almost 140 kilometres long. For your plans, you can choose a suitable section; check the latest route information beforehand, as conditions and signage may change.

Church, Rocks and Tradition

The Church of Saint Michael in Dieffenthal was built in the 18th century on the site of an older sanctuary and extended in the early 19th century. Its portal surround is decorated entirely with volutes. Volutes are spiral-shaped decorative forms. The building’s history and ornamentation offer architecture enthusiasts two distinct points of interest: the development of the building over several centuries and the design of a specific architectural feature.

Every winter, Schieweschlauje takes place at the Rocher des Celtes, when burning discs are thrown. The event usually takes place on the eve of the first Sunday of Lent; the exact date may shift with the liturgical calendar. If you would like to include this tradition in your travel plans, check the date in advance.

Scavenger Hunt and Getting There

“Les mystères du vignoble: Dieffenthal” is a family scavenger hunt with clues along the route. If you plan to take part, check the details beforehand, as the distribution of clues may change. Dieffenthal can be reached by a road or path suitable for buses.

Discover more destinations: Marlenheim, Mussig, Wangenbourg-Engenthal, Lembach, La Vancelle, Rangen, Marmoutier, Weinbourg.

Return to the main travel overview: Bas-Rhin.