Nature escape
Clearing your mind while discovering the historical curiosities of the region is the objective of this walk very close to Strasbourg between Soultz-les-Bains and Dangolsheim. A route as beautiful as it is interesting which follows the ridges and crosses the remains of the First World War. On the program, a superb view of Alsace and the Vosges and numerous educational panels for total immersion. We’ll take you with us!
Accessible after 30 minutes by car or by bike via the Bruche canal (allow 1 hour), the start of the hike is located on the heights of Soultz-les-Bains, a pretty little wine-growing village crossed by the Mossig. Surrounded by vineyards and hills, you will immediately fall under the charm of its old Alsatian houses and its narrow, hilly streets.
© Julia Wencker / Poakaa © Julia Wencker / Poakaa
The walk starts in the northwest of the village, at rue de l’École, to borrow the casemate path, or Kasemattenweg, which leads directly up the hill and into the vineyards. The route is easy, the elevation really reasonable and the path well traced and marked.
© Julia Wencker / Poaca
A bucolic environment a stone’s throw from Strasbourg
The circuit alternates between wine-growing ridges, limestone hills, undergrowth and meadows. The view is beautiful, on one side on the Vosges piedmonts, on the other on the plain and the hills from Wolxheim. The terrain varies, with small stony paths, forest tracks and dirt roads. We recommend good waterproof shoes that are not too afraid of mud if it rained the day before. Watch out for slipping!
© Julia Wencker / Poaca
The loop route is 6 km long with very little elevation change. It can therefore easily be done in two hours. However, it is possible to extend it by taking the path of the crosses and go around Soultz-les-Bains towards the Mossig – you can also push towards Irmstett (see the link).
Whatever route you choose, you will not be disappointed by the beauty of the place, its apparent calm and its authenticity. And it’s also a place steeped in history!
© Julia Wencker / Poaca
In the footsteps of the soldiers of the First World War
Throughout the hike, you will come across casemates, partially buried bunkers. The Germans built them from the start of the First World War, making these hills an important fortified position between Strasbourg and Fort Mutzig.
© Julia Wencker / Poaca
From August 1914 to April 1916, the objective was to counter any enemy offensive through the Saverne gap towards Strasbourg. These works are still clearly visible and constituted, at the time, both observatories for sentinel, shelters which can accommodate five to six people, but also premises for storing ammunition. All the explanations can be found on the educational panels, visible along the route.
© Julia Wencker / Poaca
We will also come across a certain number of very old fountains (one dates from the 17th century) which allowed water to be collected from the hills, before sharing it between neighboring municipalities.
You would have understood it, this little trail steeped in history will delight nature lovers.
© Julia Wencker / Poaca
2024-04-06 01:10:13
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