Green way from Rosheim to Saint-Nabor – Portes Bonheur, le Chemin des Carrières

My thoughts on the Greenway from Rosheim to Saint-Nabor

Route of the Voie Verte from Rosheim to Saint-Nabor in Alsace

The greenway from Rosheim to Saint-Nabor is 11 km long (22 km if you do the round trip) and has good assets. This is a really nice route to walk! To situate Rosheim, it is a village located on the Alsace Wine Route, not far fromObernai and Mont Sainte-Odile and only 20 minutes from Strasbourg.

We ride along the Chemin des Carrières the entire way on a well-maintained bike path, with only occasional crossings of the road.

The very beginning of the greenway passes through residential neighborhoods in Rosheim, but you’ll soon find yourself in the heart of nature, winding your way through the trees while taking in the varied landscapes that unfold before you: the hills of the Vosges foothills, vineyards, farm fields, meadows, orchards, villages… You’ll be cycling through a mosaic of natural landscapes! It’s truly beautiful, and you’ll suddenly feel a bit cut off from the world!

The greenway starting from Rosheim has an uphill gradient: first, there’s a slight, gentle incline (really nothing too bad) all the way to Ottrott.

Between Ottrott and Saint-Nabor, however, the road climbs quite steeply: so you’ll either have to grit your teeth and pedal hard, get off and walk, or have brought an e-bike.

I reassure you, it is not so long and the reward is worth it! When you arrive, you can climb up to a lookout point to get a panoramic view of the surroundings.

After that, all that’s left is to head back to Rosheim—which, as you’ve probably figured out, will be all downhill this time. Easy?

🚵 Local tip: If the climb between Ottrott and Saint-Nabor seems a little daunting, know that it’s perfectly okay to get off your bike—the view from the lookout at the top is well worth the effort!

Developments along Chemin des Carrières

The greenway from Rosheim to Saint-Nabor isn’t just another bike path. Several features give it that “little something extra”?

First of all, the imposing metal sculptures, designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Reiulf Ramstad, echo the industrial past of the place. Beautiful and spectacular works of contemporary art to admire along the way!

In the same vein, unusual elements reminiscent of the old railroad—such as railroad ties and an old scale—have been installed. There are also spots here and there that invite visitors to take a break and enjoy the view.

Finally, cyclists will appreciate finding tools along the route that allow them to inflate their tires and make a few minor repairs. They can always come in handy!

Of course, I can’t forget to mention the final lookout, beautifully sculpted and offering a magnificent view! It allows you to see from above the whole route you have just covered (and to have fun trying to recognize the villages, not so easy!)

🚵 Local tip: Stop by the lookout point in the late afternoon—the low-angle light over the Alsace Plain is especially beautiful at that time of day.

Take a break in Boersch, Ottrott, or at Léonardsau Park

Another thing I really liked about this route is the chance to stop along the way to explore some villages: Rosheim, the starting and ending point, as well as Léonardsau Park, Boersch, and Ottrott. These are all beautiful places that are worth a slight detour to explore; it doesn’t take much extra time, but it’s definitely worth it!

As an added bonus, you can even plan a wine tasting along the way… For example, stop by Domaine Fritz Schmitt to taste the famous Rouge d’Ottrott (yes, we make red wine in Alsace, too!).

🚵 Local tip: Be sure to call Domaine Fritz Schmitt before stopping by during peak season, just to make sure a tasting is available.

Rent an electric bike (e-bike) in Rosheim and Ottrott

If you don’t have a bicycle, you can rent electrically assisted bicycles at theTourist Office of Mont Sainte-Odile in Rosheim or Ottrott. It is convenient because it will only be a few hundred meters to reach the beginning of the greenway, which is located in front of the sports complex of Neuland.

🚵 Local tip: Reserve your e-bike in advance during peak season—the tourist office has only 6 bikes in total (4 in Rosheim, 2 in Ottrott).

Key Points About the Rosheim to Saint-Nabor Greenway

• 🚲 11 km between Rosheim and Saint-Nabor, mostly along a former railroad track
• ⛰️ An uphill section (gentle up to Ottrott, then steeper) and a return trip that’s all downhill
• 🎨 Contemporary sculptures and a panoramic lookout point you won’t want to miss
• 🍷 A great opportunity to take a tasting break in Ottrott or to stroll through Boersch

Looking for more ideas for bike rides in the region? Check out my comprehensive guide, “Alsace by Bike.”

Frequently Asked Questions About the Greenway from Rosheim to Saint-Nabor