Elzach-Villé Cycle Path

Stage 1: Elzach - Waldkirch (14 km)

The route begins in the picturesque town of Elzach with traditional Black Forest farms, well-known gastronomy, and above all greenery in all shades – from lush meadows to the dark coniferous forests on the slopes of Gschasikopf, Hörnleberg, and Kandel. Following the course of the Elz river downstream, there are only a few spots on this stage where pedaling power is really challenged.

Route: Start at the train station in Elzach. Through the new development area of Elzach and over the Yachbach bridge to the sports field. At the Staudenhöfe, enjoy the first panoramic views. From Oberwinden, the cycle path follows the road, and for those in a hurry, the direct connection Niederwinden-Bleibach-Gutach is an option. Closer to nature is the 'leisure route' along the Elztalbahn railway line, passing the Hotel "Silberkönig." In Bleibach, the romantic Simonswäldertal valley flows into the Elztal, and the cycle path reaches the town of Gutach. Crossing the Elz river, the path runs along the Elz shore to Waldkirch, where the stage ends at the station, directly below Kastelburg castle.

Tip: Refreshment and relaxation after the tour are offered by the Waldkirch outdoor pool. Worth seeing are the tower of St. Margarethen Church and the Kastelburg above Waldkirch. Also worthwhile is a city tour including the Elztal Museum, a visit to the Black Forest Zoo with playgrounds, or the town’s railroad lake. Exciting is also the treetop path featuring Europe's longest tube slide.

Stage 2: Waldkirch - Emmendingen (11 km)

After Waldkirch, the Elz valley widens towards the Rhine plain, and the varied route along vineyards promises many beautiful views and charming impressions.

Route: From Waldkirch station, the path initially follows the Elz river and then runs beneath the Buchholzer vineyard. Shortly before Sexau, the impressive ruins of Hochburg castle come into view, and in the spa town of Sexau, a charming forest playground at the edge of town invites a rest stop. Accompanied by the Brettenbach stream, the cycle path leads into the heart of the district town of Emmendingen.

Tip: Take a stroll through the historic town center of Emmendingen. Numerous street cafés offer a pleasant break. Emmendingen - Riegel (8 km) This section is very comfortable along the Elzdamm cycling path directly on the bank of the Elz, leading to the northern Kaiserstuhl. Between Köndringen and Riegel, the river landscape of the renatured Elz is worth seeing.

Route: The route follows the Elz canal, and soon the distinctive silhouette of the Riegel brewery appears: you have reached the Kaiserstuhl. Watch out for car traffic when leaving the Elz dam! Tip: In historic Riegel, several garden restaurants and an ice cream café invite you to linger. Art lovers will enjoy the well-known Messmer Art Hall with contemporary exhibits, and for muscle relaxation and leisure, the Teningen outdoor pool or the Köndringen gravel lake beckon.

Stage 3: Emmendingen - Riegel (8 km)

This stage is very comfortable along the Elzdamm cycling path directly on the bank of the Elz, leading to the northern Kaiserstuhl. Between Köndringen and Riegel, the river landscape of the renatured Elz is worth seeing.

Route: The path follows the Elz canal, and soon the distinctive silhouette of the Riegel brewery comes into view: the Kaiserstuhl is reached. Be cautious of car traffic when leaving the Elz dam!

Tip: In historic Riegel, several garden restaurants and an ice cream café invite you to linger. Art lovers will appreciate the well-known Messmer Art Hall with contemporary exhibits and, for muscle loosening and relaxation, the Teningen outdoor pool or the Köndringen gravel lake. Stage 3: Riegel - Rhine (17 km) This comfortable stage allows you to experience the Upper Rhine as a garden landscape with a mix of grain, asparagus, sunflowers, cherry trees – and above all, plenty of Kaiserstuhl panorama.

Stage 4: Riegel - Rhine (17 km)

This comfortable stage allows you to experience the Upper Rhine as a garden landscape with a mix of grain, asparagus, sunflowers, cherry trees – and above all, plenty of Kaiserstuhl panorama.

Route: From Riegel town hall, the cycle path leads on farm roads into the historic center of Endingen. The picturesque romantic town offers many good dining options. Through the impressive town gate, the path continues on agricultural roads lined with cherry trees to Königsschaffhausen. Through fields and orchards, the cycle path leads to the wine village Sasbach and along the floodplain forest to the Rhine.

Tip: Stop by the garden restaurant at Gasthaus zur Limburg and visit the scientific nature trail on the Limberg.

Stage 5: Rhine - Sélestat (17 km)

A flat stage through the Ried and the fertile Alsatian plain – always with the blue shimmering Vosges mountain chain in view.

Route: A modern reinforced concrete bridge spans the Rhine into Alsace, and the route passes the Marckolsheim lock on the Grand Canal d’Alsace and the hydroelectric power plant. Through the Rhine plain, the cycle path separated from the road by a conspicuous marking leads past Marckolsheim and Heidolsheim. Those wanting a quieter ride can alternatively detour south around Marckolsheim via Ohnenheim to Heidolsheim. Finally, the stage reaches the city center of Sélestat.

 Tip: In Sélestat, “Savoir-Vivre” is the order of the day – sit in a restaurant or café and simply enjoy life. Before or after, visit the historic town center with the unique Humanist Library (Bibliothèque Humaniste).

Stage 6: Sélestat - Villé (18 km)

This charming stage connects the Rhine plain with the Alsace Wine Route and the Vosges. The Weil valley offers numerous attractions and a variety of hiking and cycling paths.

Route: Past the “Parc des Cigognes” amusement park, the route leads to the half-timbered and wine village of Kintzheim. Tip: Besides the amusement park, a visit to the monkey mountain “Montagne des Singes” and the eagle enclosure “Volerie des Aigles” is worthwhile in Kintzheim.

With views of Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, the route follows agricultural roads and the old “Roman road” at the foot of well-known vineyards to Chapelle de la Croix and the wine village of Châtenois. To the north, the Wine Route leads towards Dambach and past Scherwiller into the Villé valley. The cycle path follows vineyard and forest paths at the foot of Ortenburg castle to Villé, where the last stage ends.

Tip: To round off the cycling tour, take a hike to the summit of Climont (965 m) with panoramic views over the Vosges.