Bike loop between forest and vineyard around Guebwiller (2h)

This is a very nice bike loop that allows you to enjoy both the atmosphere of the Vosges forest and the Alsatian vineyards. The local loop 924 of Alsace à vélo, entitled “Le chemin des Celtes” offers a beautiful variety of landscapes in only 25km. There is a little bit of difference in altitude(about 350m), which makes it a bit more sportive than some other routes I have proposed, but it is still really accessible to everyone.

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 at the grocery store La Louve which offers good things to take away (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.

Mythical places

On the way, you can take small detours to admire some of the mythical places that gave the name to the loop: the Saint-Gangolphe chapel of Schweighouse (Saint Patron of marital harmony, even if by reading his history I allow myself to express some doubts on his legitimacy :-P), the Saint Mary’s Chapel in Soultzmatt (known as the Schaefertal or Val du Pâtre chapel) or the menhir of Langstein.

Vineyard atmosphere

We then arrive at Soultzmatt, where you can find the famous Soultzmatt springs, whose water you can drink by buying the Alsatian brand Lisbeth, but also the cabaret Le Paradis des Sources. The village itself is quite cute 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.

Return to Guebwiller

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!

My photos of the loop “The Celtic Way