Things to do in Le Hohwald: must-see attractions 2026

Le Hohwald, the village wrapped in the Vosges forest

At an elevation of 750 metres, surrounded by 13,000 hectares of beech and fir trees, Le Hohwald smells of damp forest floor the moment you step out of the car. There are no grand monuments here, no medieval alleyways to photograph from every angle. Just a village of 409 residents that moves with the rhythm of the seasons, split between hikers in the summer and cross-country skiers in the winter.

People come here for something else: crisp air, absolute quiet, and that feeling of being miles from civilization even though Strasbourg is only 45 kilometres away.

Is this destination right for you?

If you like walking for hours without running into another soul, sleeping with the window open to birdsong, and finishing the day with a tarte flambée after a long trek, Le Hohwald will suit you well. It is also an ideal base for exploring the Alsace wine route without dealing with the summer crowds.

On the other hand, if you are looking for nightlife, shopping, or striking architectural sights, you might run out of things to do within two days. The village itself takes about twenty minutes to walk through.

Reasonable prices, far from the costs in Colmar or Strasbourg

Estimated rates subject to change

Practical realities of a stay in Le Hohwald

There is no pharmacy or supermarket in town: for groceries, head to Barr, a 10-minute drive away. Accommodation options are modest, especially during the peak summer season and the February school break when cross-country skiers book up months in advance.

A car is practically essential. A bus network exists, but runs on limited schedules geared toward local residents rather than travelers eager to hit the trails.

The forest and its trails, the real heart of the trip

Le Hohwald is crisscrossed by a dense network of marked trails maintained by the Club Vosgien. Pack a sturdy pair of shoes and a physical map, because cell service and GPS can be spotty under the dense canopy.

Mont Sainte-Odile

About fifteen minutes away by car, this clifftop monastery offers sweeping views over the Alsace plain. You can also hike up to it from Le Hohwald via a forest footpath, a multi-hour trek winding through the mountain range.

Le Champ du Feu

The highest point in the Bas-Rhin at 1,099 metres, this is the local hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. In summer, the mountain plateau and its observation tower offer 360-degree views across the Vosges and, on a clear day, all the way to the German Black Forest.

Friendly tip: avoid driving up to Le Champ du Feu on Sunday afternoons in winter, as the small parking area fills up quickly after the first snowfall. Go early in the morning instead.

Vineyards and Alsatian villages within easy reach

Le Hohwald sits just above the wine route. As you descend toward the plain, you will pass through Barr, a small wine-producing town with half-timbered houses and tasting cellars, followed by Obernai, which is busier and more tourist-focused, featuring medieval ramparts and a lively market square.

Both stops are less than a 20-minute drive away, making it easy to mix things up: forest in the morning, vineyards in the afternoon.

Mountain biking and road cycling in the Vosges mountains

The slopes around the village have drawn cyclists for years. The winding roads climbing toward the col du Kreuzweg or Le Champ du Feu are favorites for road cyclists, while several marked mountain bike trails thread through the surrounding woods to suit various skill levels.

Where to eat and drink in Le Hohwald?

The region stays true to traditional Alsatian cooking: thin, crispy tarte flambée, baeckeoffe stewed for hours, and local cured meats served alongside generous portions of sauerkraut. The village inns and surrounding mountain chalets serve these classics in rustic dining rooms, often with forest views.

For wine, head back down toward Barr or Mittelbergheim, where the local tasting cellars pour Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris harvested from the neighboring hillsides.

Where to stay in Le Hohwald and the surrounding area?

The village center concentrates a handful of family-run hotels and guesthouses, which are convenient for stepping right out onto the trails. For more dining and shopping options, places to stay in Barr or Andlau, 10 to 15 minutes away, strike a good balance between quiet surroundings and amenities.

How to get to Le Hohwald?

Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport is about a 40-minute drive away, with connections to several European cities. From Strasbourg, allow 45 minutes by car via Barr. From Paris, the high-speed TGV train to Strasbourg takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, after which a rental car is necessary to reach the village.

How to get around Le Hohwald?

The village itself can be explored entirely on foot in a few minutes. To explore the surrounding forest, Le Champ du Feu, and the wine villages, a car is by far the most practical option. Regional bus lines serve Le Hohwald from Barr, but schedules are limited, particularly on weekends.

When is the best time to visit Le Hohwald?

Summer (June to September) brings the best hiking conditions, offering welcome cooler temperatures compared to the baking plains below. Winter, from December to February, draws cross-country ski enthusiasts whenever snow sticks at Le Champ du Feu.

Avoid November, which is often gray and rainy, and marks a slow season when many local businesses cut back their hours.