Cycling tour between forest and vineyards around Guebwiller (25km)

My Review of the Guebwiller Bike Trail

From Guebwiller to the Bannstein Pass – A forest and mountain atmosphere

The “official” start is in Soultzmatt but I started the loop in Guebwiller, which is also perfect. I took the opportunity to buy my picnic lunch at La Louve grocery store, which offers great little takeaways (salads, bagels, pastries…).

After having gone along the Lauch river, we quickly leave Guebwiller to pass on small roads of villages and forest paths before joining the departmental road which makes us pass the Col du Bannstein (483m). Don’t panic when you read the word “pass”, this one is very nice: it goes up quietly for about 1km, that’s all! We’re on the road, which wasn’t very busy in the middle of the week when I was there, but I don’t know what it’s like on the weekends so just keep it in mind.

🚴 Local tip: The Col du Bannstein is shared with cars. On weekdays, traffic was very light, but I haven’t tried it on the weekend—stay alert if you’re riding in a group.

Saint-Gangolphe Chapel and the Langstein Menhir – On the Trail of Mythical Sites

Along the way, you can take a few detours to admire some of the mythical places that gave the loop its name: the Saint-Gangolphe chapel in Schweighouse (patron saint of marital harmony, although reading its history I have my doubts about its legitimacy :-P), the Sainte-Marie chapel in Soultzmatt (known as the Schaefertal chapel or Val du Pâtre) or the Langstein menhir.

🕯️ Local tip: These three legendary spots require a short detour off the main route, but they’re definitely worth a look—don’t skip them if you have a little time.

Soultzmatt and Bollenberg – A Vineyard Atmosphere on the Wine Route

We then arrive in Soultzmatt, home to the famous Soultzmatt springs, whose water you can drink by buying the Alsatian brand Lisbeth, and the cabaret Le Paradis des Sources. The village itself is pretty, too, and surrounded by vineyards. We are now on the Alsace Wine Route, in the Noble Valley. We also joined the Véloroute du Vignoble d’Alsace (EuroVélo 5).

Then comes the climb through the vineyards, quite steep but fast… With a panorama that is well worth the effort. In just a few minutes, you will have a magnificent view of the vineyard, its beautiful hills and its nestled villages. A splendor and a real pleasure to pedal in such a setting.

In Orschwihr, I advise you again to go slightly off course to climb the Bollenberg Hill. A super steep climb but not long and, once again, where you will be rewarded by the panorama. Take a seat in front of the chapel of the Bollenberg and enjoy… This is where I had my lunch break, the spot was just perfect.

🍷 Local tip: I stopped for lunch in front of the Bollenberg Chapel—the view of the vineyards is perfect for that. Be sure to stock up on supplies before you leave—at La Louve grocery store, for example—so you’ll be ready when the time comes.

Return to Guebwiller – End of the loop in the plains

Then there is not much road left to return to Guebwiller. This end of the route is easy, flat (perfect after lunch!) and winds through fields and villages. There is still time for a visit to Guebwiller if you wish!

🏘️ Local tip: This completely flat stretch at the end of the route is the perfect time to take a breather. If you still have some energy left, take the opportunity to explore downtown Guebwiller before hitting the road again.

Key Facts About the Guebwiller Bicycle Trail

• A 25-kilometer loop through the Vosges forests and Alsatian vineyards, with 350 meters of elevation gain
• The highlight of the show: the view from Bollenberg Hill
• Places steeped in Celtic legends to discover along the way: Saint-Gangolphe Chapel, Schaefertal, and the Langstein menhir
• You can start in Guebwiller or Soultzmatt, depending on where you’re staying
• Allow half a day, including breaks

Want to continue on to another route along the Wine Route? Check out my short guide to cycling the Alsace Wine Route.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Guebwiller Bike Trail