I tested the 620 local loop in Alsace by bike, titled “Medieval Towns and Remarkable Churches.” If I had to suggest a route for a first day of exploring Alsace by bike, this is one of the ones I’d recommend. This 47-km route , with 260 meters of elevation gain, truly lets you discover Alsace in all its splendor and diversity, featuring a section along the Wine Route as well as another through the Alsace Plain. It’s a definite favorite!
The essentials at a glance
- 🚲 Route: Loop starting in Itterswiller, Wine Route, and the Ried Plain
- 📏 Distance: 47 km, 260 m elevation gain
- ⏱️ Recommended duration: Half-day (about 3 hours of cycling, not including breaks and sightseeing)
- 👥 Audience: Cycling tourists of all skill levels; e-bikes are recommended for those who are less fit
- 💶 Cost: Free (excluding bike rental)
My thoughts on this cycling route around Sélestat
I liked
- Superb bike loop
- Variety of landscapes
- Lots of places to visit along the way
I liked a little less
- The entrance to Châtenois, with its busy road and roundabout—the only slightly tricky part of the loop in terms of safety
Explore the Alsace Wine Route
The itinerary starts in the charming village ofItterswiller, where I advise you to take a walk. Then, it’s off to pedal on the Alsace Wine Route. If the route does not have bike paths at this point, you should not worry: you cycle mainly on roads reserved for residents and winegrowers (except in the villages) and it remains really comfortable.
📍 Local tip: Don’t miss the view of the Wine Route from the parking lot at the Arnold Hotel in Itterswiller—it’s magnificent!
This route takes you through some beautiful Alsatian villages: Nothalten, Blienschwiller, Dambach-la-Ville, Dieffenthal, Scherwiller, Châtenois, and finally Kintzheim. In addition to admiring the beauty of these little gems, this can be an opportunity to visit a winemaker and taste (in moderation) some Alsatian wine.
Along the route, you can stop by on my behalf at Domaine Sohler Les Vigneronnes in Nothalten, Céline Metz in Blienschwiller, or Achillée in Scherwiller.
In Dieffenthal, I recommend taking a slight detour from the trail to visit the Rocher des Celtes. It’s a bit of a climb, but it’s very short, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Alsace plain. I discovered this spot on this loop and really loved it!
Between Dieffenthal and Scherwiller, you can also go up to the Taennelkreuz Chapel to enjoy the view. We arrive then in Scherwiller, one of my favorite villages in Alsace: with its wash houses and its beautiful houses, I find that it has a crazy charm!
During the walk, you will see castle ruins on the heights: the castles of Ortenbourg and Ramstein, and a little further on the castle of Kintzheim. The latter has the particularity of hosting the Volerie des Aigles, one of the most popular animal parks in Alsace with its neighbor the Montagne des Singes.
In Châtenois, I recommend veering off the route just a little to visit the Tour des Sorcières and the city walls; it would be a shame to miss this part of town.
The only part of the loop that isn’t very safe is the entrance to Châtenois, because there’s a busy road and a busy roundabout there—but luckily, it’s over quickly! Just be extra careful there.
Once in Kintzheim, an option can be to climb towards the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle for the most athletic among you… Or those equipped with an electric bike! It is not on the loop but it can be an interesting detour to make if you have never visited the most famous castle of Alsace, but be careful your calves will heat up 😉
Visit Sélestat
Halfway along the route lies the town of Sélestat, which I really like. Sélestat isn’t overly touristy, but it’s both very beautiful and lively. There are plenty of nice shops, a charming downtown area, and the famous Humanist Library.
Feel free to check out my article on visiting Sélestat for more information. Please note that you can rent an electric bike directly from Sélestat Haut-Koenigsbourg Tourisme . More info here.
📍 Local tip: If you didn’t bring your bike, the Sélestat Haut-Koenigsbourg tourist office offers electric bike rentals right on site—a great way to complete the entire loop effortlessly.
Discover the Ried
We then leave Sélestat via a road that isn’t particularly pleasant but is quite safe thanks to a bike path. Once we’re in the Ried, it gets nicer again, with beautiful scenery.
The Ried is the Alsace plain: a corner of the region that visitors often overlook, even though it’s actually very interesting! You’ll find all my suggestions for things to do in the Ried region of Alsace right here.
This cycling loop will already take you to some interesting places, as you cycle through the Ried countryside and its villages, and visit Ebersmunster Abbey, an incredible Baroque abbey . Then it’s back on to the Route des Vins, with a lovely view of the village of Epfig before reaching Itterswiller.
📍 Local tip: Save a little energy for this last viewpoint overlooking Epfig—it’s a lovely way to wrap up the loop before heading back to Itterswiller.
Key Takeaways from This Cycling Tour Around Sélestat
- A 47-kilometer loop that combines the Wine Route, the town of Sélestat, and the Ried Plain into a single ride
- A route that’s accessible even if you’re not an experienced cyclist; e-bikes are welcome for those who aren’t very athletic
- Convenient starting point in Itterswiller, with the option to rent an e-bike in Sélestat
- One thing to watch out for: the roundabout at the entrance to Châtenois
Want to take another loop along the Wine Route? Check out my route between the Villé Valley and the Wine Route (32 km).
Practical information
Departure and arrival
Itterswiller
Features
- Distance: 47km
- Elevation gain: 260m
- Duration: about 3 hours (breaks and visits not included)
Access
By car
Itterswiller is located in:
- 40km from Strasbourg (about 30 minutes)
- 30km from Colmar (about 30 minutes)
- 80km from Mulhouse (about 1h)
By public transport
You can calculate your route on Fluo Grand Est.
Also on the blog
FAQ: Your Questions About This Cycling Tour Around Sélestat
How challenging is the bike route around Sélestat?
This 47-km loop is accessible to anyone who exercises regularly, even just a little—you don’t have to be a speed demon! With 260 meters of elevation gain spread out along the route, it climbs a bit in some places, but nothing too tough. If you’d rather take it easy, an e-bike really makes a world of difference.
Can you do this tour on an e-bike?
Yes, and it’s actually a great option! You can rent an e-bike directly from Sélestat Haut-Koenigsbourg Tourisme, which makes the loop accessible even if you’re not very used to biking.
Where can I rent a bike for this loop?
The easiest option is to rent directly in Sélestat from the Sélestat Haut-Koenigsbourg Tourisme tourist office, which offers e-bikes for full or half-day rentals.
What are the must-see places on this tour?
For me, the must-see spots are Scherwiller—one of my favorite villages in Alsace—the Humanist Library in Sélestat, and the Baroque abbey church in Ebersmunster, a true gem that many visitors overlook.
How long does it take to complete this 47-kilometer loop?
Allow about 3 hours of pure cycling, not including breaks or sightseeing. Personally, I recommend setting aside a full half-day so you can take your time strolling through Sélestat and stop at a winery along the way.