Famous for framing the vineyards of Alsace, the Vosges mountains are low mountains massif in eastern France. They are defined as being wholly in France and easily accessible from Strasbourg. Vosges is known for:
- Medieval Castles
- Medieval towns
- Lakes
- Skiing
- Camping
- And hiking!
Vosges mountains: hike to the Haut-Andlau Castle and Spesbourg Castle, starting from Andlau
1. On the trail, getting from Andlau village to the mountains
Pictured below: coming from Andlau village (wine-growing center and traveler destination) to the observation platform:
2. Reaching Château de Haut-Andlau
Built on a rock formation at 451 meters, the castle overlooks the peaceful valleys below. It was built from granite blocks, by Eberhard d’Andlau in 1246 – 1264. After the attachment of Alsace to France, it was looted and then sold to a merchant who sold the castle piece by piece.
In 1818, Antoine-Henri d’Andlau bought the ruin and saved it from destruction. Repair work was started in 1856 and going on. The castle still belongs to the Andlau family.
Pictured below: Château de Haut-Andlau, majestic outside, and empty inside:
3. Keep going through the forest
Pictured below: trail through the forest (we saw both,
coniferous and deciduous) and trail markers:
4. Getting to the Château de Spesbourg and some history about it
The Spesbourg Castle was built around 1250 by Alexander de Stahleck-Dicka, the counsel of Andlau Abbey, and afterward passed to the knights of Andlau.
In the 16th century, the castle was set on fire by men from a nearby village after a young girl was dishonored by the castle’s servant.
The castle was returned to the Andlau family after the French Revolution and later sold to the city of Andlau, its current owner.
As well as the Château de Haut-Andlau, Château de Spesbourg is majestic from the outside, and empty inside.
Pictured below: Spesbourg Castle and the view from it:
5. Where we rented a car
Since we moved to Strasbourg, we use “Citiz” car sharing, we like it. Kids still need car seats, we use foldable ones.
6. Other interesting stops on the way back to Strasbourg
You can come back to Strasbourg by riding through the Alsacien wine route, towns of Mittelbergheim, Barr, Heiligenstein, and Obernai.
7. Where we stopped for a lunch
We stopped for lunch at Obernai, L’Étoile Bleue fast food restaurant, a good place to bring a family, in the old center of the city. Pictured in the bottom-right photo:
8. Hiking to the Haut-Andlau Castle and Spesbourg Castle: Good to know
- There was no restroom or portable water on/near the hike during our visit
- Pack water and snack, dress in layers and wear comfy shoes
- We went with kids 5, 8, and 13 y.o., and they did well
- The entire hike was for around 7 km and took us 3 hours
- We started from Andlau, the shortest way to the castles from near Barr
Make sure to check hours, prices, and conditions before you go
Thanks for reading!
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The Vosges: French Mountains With Dozens of Castles
One Day in Colmar, Ideally Preserved Medieval Town
Strasbourg Tourist Train
