Grand Bicycling Tour of Alsace and the Black Forest
Grand Bicycling Tour of Alsace and the Black Forest
Cross borders and sample a colorful combination of cultures as you cycle through France, Germany, and Switzerland. This unique corner of the world is home to stunning natural landscapes, from thick pine forests to crystal clear lakes nestled under the Alps. Enjoy peaceful rides past French vineyards and find yourself in charming towns with historic architecture unharmed by WWII bombings. Take a tour of cultural crossroads where French finesse meets German gusto meets Swiss sophistication - a perfect balance of architecture, nature, and gastronomy. Join us as we explore the wine roads and villages of Alsace, the colorful towns and lush forests of southern Germany, and the vast natural beauty of Switzerland. The rides are beautiful, the villages delightful and the combination of French, German and Swiss cuisine is perfect for cyclists.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Some of France's best cuisine, Parc Regional des Vosges du Nord, Alsatian villages, The Wine Road, Saverne, Colmar, wine and beer tasting, Freiburg, border crossings, fairy-tale scenery, medieval towns, Constance
Includes
14 days, 13 night's accommodation, meals as noted in itinerary, Munster cheese tasting, wine tasting, brewery visit, walking tour of Freiburg
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
We gather in Strasbourg this afternoon for a bike fitting at our starting hotel. As host to many of the European Union's institutions, this town is bustling with activity and has been recognized by UNESCO for its historic city center. A crossroads between Germany and France, we encourage you to arrive early to visit this politically fascinating town. The famed Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral was built in 1015 A.D. and now stands as one of France's most famous architectural masterpieces. The glowing pink stone comes from the nearby Vosges Mountains and it was the world's tallest building until 1874. Beyond its many architectural gems, Strasbourg is full of quaint neighborhoods such as La Petite France with its revolving bridges, canals and typical Alsatian-style buildings. We'll suggest a warm-up ride this afternoon after we fit bicycles and before we meet for introductions and a welcome dinner.
We pedal out of Strasbourg today via side streets, bike paths, and the peaceful Canal de la Marne au Rhin - part of the vast network of canals that crisscross Europe north of the Alps. Pedaling west over rolling hills, you'll cycle through several beautiful villages including Bouxwiller and Dettwiller. Be sure to stop and take some pictures in these towns and perhaps enjoy an Alsatian lunch in a quaint cafe. Our route then leads us to the charming town of Saverne, laced by canals and the Zorn River. Saverne boasts an impressive neoclassical chateau which was once a fortress and the residence of the bishops of Strasbourg.
We enter the heart of the Alsatian vineyards today as we leave the pasturelands of the north. First we pass through the village of Marmoutier with its 12th century Romanesque church and then head to Marlenheim and Molsheim. The majority of our ride today is on a bicycle path along the famous Alsace Wine Route. You will have ample opportunities to do tastings at small family-run wineries, and we wil visit one together tomorrow evening in Obernai.
DAY 4: Rest day visiting Obernai or ride to Mont Sainte-Odile
Highlights: Alsatian wine villages and vineyards, views of the Vosges Mountains
We'll return to our hotel in Obernai tonight so spend the day following our recommended cycle route to Mont Sainte-Odile or wander around the town at your leisure. The ride takes you high into the Vosges Mountains with spectacular views. If you prefer to enjoy a day off the bike, Obernai has a beautifully preserved medieval city center that dates back to the Renaissance and plenty of sites to visit. This evening we will enjoy a special wine tasting at a local producer’s.
Highlights: Wine villages of Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and the Castle of Haut-Koenigsburg
We dive into in the heart of Alsace today, exploring its festive villages in the midst of vineyards, Renaissance house facades, expansive views across the Rhine River Valley, and the Haut Koenigsbourg castle. Take some time to visit the castle and then explore any number of the sixteen villages (Bergheim is probably the best preserved) of the local consortium on the way to our hotel in the center of Riquewihr. Take note of the different charms of these villages with populations ranging from 400 people to 5,000 in the town of Ribeauvillé.
Highlights: The festive villages of the Alsace Wine Road
We are in the same hotel again tonight so you can choose your ride again today. We'll mark a beautiful route going up into the mountains with spectacular views around Labaroche. The ride takes us to the Col du Linge where you can visit the memorial of this World War I battlefield, testimony to the "war of the trenches". An exhilarating downhill takes us through Orbey and back to Riquewihr.
Highlights: Gorgeous Munster Valley, La Maison du Fromage
Perhaps the best known town on your route today is Munster, founded by evangelizing Irish monks in the 7th century A.D. Here the monks used their cheesemaking skills to create one of the most famous cheeses in France, Munster cheese. We'll stop at the Maison du Fromage and learn how this distinctive cheese is made. Plan on a lunch stop here or continue on to Colmar to explore the canals, museums, and great shopping. Colmar has been a famous market and wine center since the 13th century.
Freiburg is arguably one of Germany's most beautiful cities with its impressive cathedral and colorful houses lining its streets. You will also find the old "Bächle," an unusual system of gutters that run throughout its center. These Bächle were once used to provide water to fight fires and feed livestock. They have a constant flow of water diverted from the Dreisam River. During the summer, the running water provides a natural form of air conditioning and offers a pleasant sound of running water. It is said that if one accidentally falls or steps into a Bächle they will marry a Freiburger, or 'Bobbele.'
Enjoy Freiburg, shopping museums, strolling around or for those who really want to pedal and climb we have the perfect ride for you to tackle on your own, alternatively you can take the funicular up to the Shauinsland and enjoy the views and go for a hike. Or join us in a walking tour of town!
DAY 10: Bike the Black Forest to the highest brewery in Germany
Highlights: Titisee, Schluchsee, Rothaus Brauerei with guided visit
Today’s ride takes you through stunning natural areas with very few tourists. Climb through the dense pine trees of the Black Forest up to the village of Titisee and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Titisee and Schluchsee lakes. Or, if you’re in the mood to relax, jump on the Höllentalbahn - a train that passes through the impressive “Hell’s Valley.” No matter how you choose to get there, we will finish our day enjoying a guided visit of Germany’s highest brewery located right next our hotel in Rothaus. From our hotel you also have the option to take a 2 km hike to an isolated lake if you’re in the mood for a swim.
DAY 11: Bike from the Black Forest to the Rheinfall
Highlights: Schlüchten gorge, Rheinfall, Schaffhause city of the orlies
This morning you’ll enjoy quiet roads descending through the stunning Schluenchten Gorge to the Rhein. This is actually referred to as the “Uping Rhein" since it’s still a small river and not the wide river most think of then they think of the Rhein. We will cycle right next to the breathtaking Rhein waterfall, supposedly the largest waterfall in Europe. If you’d like to stop by the Laufen Castle along the way you can overlook the falls for another stunning perspective. We will end our day in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. This beautiful town was untouched by WWII so you will be able to admire the town’s pristine history. As you stroll through the “City of Bay Windows” enjoy this charming medieval town ornately decorated with oriel windows and extravagantly painted facades.
Highlights: Crossing Germany and Switzerland borders, Diessingen wooden bridge
Today you’ll weave across the German and Swiss border about seven times as you take in the fairy-tale scenery and medieval towns. When you arrive at the point where the Rhine River becomes Lake Constance you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time as you cross the wooden bridge into Stein am Rhein. Famous for its Old Town and the well-preserved monastery of St. Georgen, this town’s scenic streets and colorful history are sure to delight.
Highlights: Insel Mainau – island of flowers, Island Raichenau
Bisected by the Rhine River, sidling up to the Swiss border and outlined by the Alps, Constance sits in one of the most idyllic settings you could dream of. Spared from WWII bombing, this town has the mark of Roman emperors, medieval traders and 15th century bishops - a delightful backdrop to the lively buzz brought on by today's university culture. Today you can enjoy a loop ride along quaint roads and rolling hills between Überlingen and Gnaden. If you prefer a day off the bike, enjoy the town’s lakefront views as you stroll its tree-lined promenade or take a boat trip to the island of Meinau, or Flower Island, named for its spectacular flower gardens. We will enjoy our final dinner together tonight in the Dominikaner Beer Garden.
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Strasbourg Airport (SCB). Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is a 2.5-3.5 hour train ride away.
From Strasbourg Airport to the Day 1 Hotel:
Taxi (30 min/EUR 30-40)
Or public transportation:
Airport Shuttle to the Strasbourg Gare (9 min/EUR 2.5)
Look up French train schedules and book tickets, if necessary, SNCF.com or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
Day 14: Departure Information
Bon Voyage! - Constance
Your trip ends on the final day after breakfast.
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
We recommend flying out of the Zurich Airport (ZRH).
From the ending hotel to the Zurich Airport:
Taxi from the ending hotel to the Konstanz/Constance train station (5 min/EUR 5- 10) - or walk 8 minutes (click here for map).
Train from Konstanz/Constance to ZRH Zurich Airport (1 hour to 1.5 hours/fares vary)
Look up German train schedules at Bahn.de or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Hilly
Cycling Corsica Plus! Beaches and Bonifacio
Cycling the Dordogne Plus! the Vineyards of Bordeaux
Cycling Champagne and Burgundy
