Cycling or walking in the Haguenau Forest
Many people don't know it, but in Alsace we're lucky enough to have a forest with the Forêt d'Exception label: the Forêt de Haguenau. This label is awarded to France's emblematic forests. Let's go and discover it!
My summary
I liked
- Beautiful forest of Haguenau
- Bicycle and walking routes for all audiences
- Varied animation program
I liked a little less
- Nothing!
Where to walk in Haguenau? The undivided forest
As you may have already noticed if you’ve heard of the Forêt de Haguenau, its exact name is Forêt indivise de Haguenau. A term that intrigued me: in fact, it’s one of the few forests to be owned by both the state and a commune, in this case Haguenau.
When we think of forests in Alsace, we usually think first of the Vosges forest. And rightly so, but we mustn’t forget that we also have a huge forest on the Alsace plain, and that it’s also a wonderful playground for enjoying nature to the full!
The Forêt de Haguenau covers more than 13,400 hectares, making it one of the largest lowland forests in France! It is also the only French representative of the mixed forests of the mid-European type, characterized by a mixture of native oaks and pines, and boasts a number of remarkable trees. In addition, it also plays an important role as an ecological corridor between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine forests.
The forest also possesses clay quarries, which are at the origin of the development of the traditional pottery activity in the neighboring villages of Soufflenheim and Betschdorf.
Where is the Haguenau forest located?
Located in the northern Alsace region of Bas-Rhin, the Forêt de Haguenau stretches north of the town of Haguenau, 30 km from west to east and 10 km from north to southeast. This convenient location makes it a favorite place of relaxation for locals and visitors alike, as the forest is easily accessible from the city.
Various hiking and biking routes
The Forêt de Haguenau is a prime location for forest sports enthusiasts! Various routes have been created, so you can follow hiking, Nordic walking, mountain biking or cycling trails without fear of getting lost. A trail accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM) has also been created.
Different options are available, depending on the length of your walk and the parts of the forest you prefer to explore. All trails can be viewed on the Haguenau forest walk” mapwhich lists the different routes and points of interest. Take the map or download the GPX trails, as they are not signposted on site.
By bike, the itineraries are easy, as they pass over asphalt roads in the heart of the forest or on its edges. There’s no need to worry about gradients either, so the area is perfectly suited to families, especially as most of the routes are safe.
Bicycle tour ” Discovering the exceptional forest “.
I tested the bicycle loop ” A la découverte de la Forêt d’exception “, a 37km circuit (click here for the itinerary on VisoRando) allowing to make a very beautiful tour in this so rich forest. From the train station of Haguenau (very convenient to come directly by train), we quickly leave the city to reach the forest. A change of scenery guaranteed in a few minutes!
The route is always on asphalt roads (which means it’s suitable for all types of bike) and allows you to discover several points of interest in the forest, such as the pretty Hundshof washhouse, the Gründel ponds, thebird observatory and the Gros Chêne (a well-known forest spot for its inn, playgrounds and picnic tables). Don’t hesitate to stop in Betschdorf (the route passes by there) to go to visit the potters.
It’s very pleasant to ride through this immense forest, even more so if it’s hot, as you’re in the shade of the trees. You really get your fill of greenery, and it feels good!
To eat along the way, you can take the picnic option (always nice in the forest I think!) but also stop at the restaurant of La Poste in Schwabwiller (which I did not test but which was recommended to me) or at the Auberge du Gros Chêne.
Where to rent a bike?
TheRitmo agency offers bike rental at the station at very attractive rates, which is very practical when you arrive by train.
I advise you to choose a classic bike and not an electric one, first because the itinerary is easy and there is really no need for an electric bike if you don’t suffer from any particular health problem, but also because their electric bikes are old and not necessarily pleasant… Especially if the assistance breaks down during the trip (I know from experience 😉 )
A variety of activities for all audiences
If you’d like to discover the Haguenau Forest, take a look at our program of activities. Activities called Hidden Treasures of the Forest are regularly organized, with a really interesting program thanks to the close collaboration between the town and the ONF.
There’s a great mix ofactivities to discover the local flora and fauna, learn how the forest is managed sustainably, discover the job of a woodcutter, take part in walks on various themes (war relics, Soufflenheim clay used by famous Alsatian potters, etc.) as well as sylvotherapy or storytelling sessions… There’s something to suit everyone’s interests!
Practical information
Access
By car
Haguenau is located in:
- 35km from Strasbourg (about 30 minutes)
- 105km from Colmar (about 1h20)
- 145km from Mulhouse (about 1h40)
By public transport
It is easy to come to Haguenau by train. Plan your route with Fluo.