France & Germany Biking
From Wine-Rich Alsace to the Black Forest
Coveted by the French and Germans for centuries, Alsace is a compelling blend of two cultures - a region sure to capture your imagination as well as your heart. Discover medieval towns whose feudal ruins tell of battles won and lost. Pedal on the famed Route des Vins, which hugs the misty foothills of the Vosges Mountains and links a string of idyllic wine villages. Taste world-class rieslings and gewürztraminers. Then venture across the Rhine River and into Germany's Black Forest, a mythical area synonymous with spas, Kirschwasser and primeval pine woodlands - not to mention chocolate cake and cuckoo clocks. Along the way, sample celebrated cuisine and luxuriate in a trio of elegant hotels.
- Riding the famous Route des Vins
- Sample world-class rieslings and gewürtztraminers
- The 17th-century fortified town of Neuf-Brisach, shaped like a perfect octagon
- Cross the Rhine by bike from France into Germany
- The spa town of Badenweiler, originally a Roman settlement dating from 75 A.D.
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Obernai
Meet in Strasbourg 
Shuttle into the Vosges Mountain foothills to Obernai, laced with storybook cobblestone streets Bike through verdant countryside, where rolling wine land meets rural plain, and Mount Odile stands watch 
Explore Obernai's picturesque squares and impressive 13th-century ramparts.
Days 2-3 Rouffach
Pedal in a peaceful Alsatian landscape past vineyards and quaint villages brimming with half-timbered houses and cheery geranium gardens Ride the Route des Vins, perhaps stopping to sample rieslings and gewürztraminers on your way to Riquewihr, a town that has miraculously - and beautifully - survived five centuries of warfare Up for a challenge? Tackle the hills to splendidly restored Haut-Koenigsberg castle one day and to Col du Firstplan the next.
Days 4-6 Badenweiler
Cross the Rhine River and enter Germany's Markgräflerland wine region in the foothills of the southern Black Forest Sun-soaked Markgräflerland is known for its mild pleasant white wines - Gutedel is the most popular grape varietal Ascend steeply into the heart of the forest, marveling at miles of unparalleled vistas, or soothe tired muscles at our hotel's thermal pool or spa Feeling refreshed and a little healthier? It's no wonder - people have been coming to Badenweiler for its fresh air and mineral springs since Roman times Enjoy a final glimpse of village life as you pedal past Black Forest hamlets.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
As in the past, TERRIFIC! Cannot say enough good things about the leaders both individually and as a REAL team. This was our 4th trip with Backroads and we have never been in the least way disappointed in the leaders. Quite the contrary. They are just fabulous, and these three were no exception. Whoever is responsible for choosing and training leaders should feel really proud. I ran a company--consistent excellence does not happen by chance.- Steamboat Springs, CO More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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France & Germany Biking
TIMELESS TREASURES: Premiere Inns
Hotel a la Cour d'Alsace
Obernai, France (1 night) A baron's former manor house-turned luxury hotel, this stunning property offers every modern amenity in the heart of medieval Obernai.
Chateau d'Isenbourg
Rouffach, France (2 nights) This elegant refined château sits perched above Alsace vineyards.
Hotel Romerbad
Badenweiler, Germany (2 nights) At this stately "cultural residence" you'll find spacious guest rooms with sleek modern décor, a sauna, spa and thermal swimming pool.
France & Germany Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 13 miles
- 620 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 25, 47, 53 miles
- 220 - 2120 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 33, 54 miles
- 770 - 2730 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 22, 39, 47, 58 miles
- 330 - 3140 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 37 miles
- 1860 - 3360 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 14 miles
- 840 feet elevation gain