recommended route
Castles and Vineyards in the Pays de Barr
This 18.5 km loop starting from the historic center of Barr offers hikers a unique experience within the vineyards of the Alsace Wine Route and a discovery of 3 castles overlooking the Rhine Plain. The hiker follows the route of two major hiking trails crossing the Vosges Massif from north to south, marked and maintained by the Club Vosgien: the Traversée du Massif des Vosges (marked "red rectangle" - GR®5) and the Chemin des Châteaux-forts d'Alsace (specific markings).
In Barr, park at the Folie Marco car park and start the hike from the Tourist Office (intersection of rue des bouchers / rue des boulangers) following the Club Vosgien "red rectangle" markings towards Château du Landsberg. From Château du Landsberg, follow the markings for the "Chemin des Châteaux-forts d'Alsace" to Andlau. From Andlau, follow the Club Vosgien "red rectangle" markings towards Mittelbergheim and Barr.
From Barr, walk through the Kirchberg vineyard and reach the localities Gutleutrain and Moenkalb to reach Château du Landsberg. Leave Château du Landsberg following the Chemin des Châteaux-forts d'Alsace towards Holzplatz then Hungerplatz. Pass near the castles of Spesbourg and reach Château du Haut-Andlau. Descend to Andlau. From Andlau, reach Mittelbergheim (label Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) following the "red rectangle" marking and enjoy the panorama from Zotzenberg hill, known for its Grand Cru classified wines before descending to Barr.
Author’s recommendation
An ideal hike to discover and admire beautiful views over the Rhine plain and to learn about the history of the castles of Alsace.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Bring the IGN map 3717 ET Barr.
Check the general and local weather ensuring no precipitation. Gather information on the approach walk, itinerary height, travel time, possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
Assess possible risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuges, lodgings.
Inform a close contact of your objective and contact them again in case of changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's phone number, vehicle(s), parking.
Avoid going alone, use equipment suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, headlamp, complete first aid kit, survival blanket, etc.
Tips and suggestions
Tourist Office of Pays de Barr paysdebarr.fr/visiter
Club Vosgien www.club-vosgien.eu
GR® is a trademark of FFRandonnée registered with INPI.
The logos and signs of the Club Vosgien markings are trademarks registered with INPI.
Traversée du Massif des Vosges www.massif-des-vosges.com/traversee-du-massif.htm
Chemin des Châteaux-forts d'Alsace www.chateauxfortsalsace.com/fr/etape_type/chemin-des-chateaux-alsace/
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
TER Strasbourg-Barr www.ter.sncf.com
Indicative travel time: 40 min from Strasbourg Station
Directions
A35 motorwayParking
Parking at Folie Marco in Barr (67140)Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
IGN hiking map with the Club Vosgien marking "Barr" (reference 3717 ET)
Club Vosgien Federation 7, rue du Travail 67000 Strasbourg 03 88 32 57 96
Author’s map recommendations
IGN hiking map with the Club Vosgien marking "Barr" (reference 3717 ET)
Club Vosgien Federation 7, rue du Travail 67000 Strasbourg 03 88 32 57 96
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Clothing suitable for the season and conditions (cold, heat, humidity…).
Hiking shoes appropriate for the terrain (even for children!).
Telescopic poles (useful for stability and to relieve joints).
Mobile phone and spare battery if needed.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Questions and answers
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Ratings and reviews
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