Walking Itinerary in Strasbourg: Our 5 Favorite Spots
Looking for an itinerary in Strasbourg for a walking tour in the heart of Alsace?
Whether you enjoy gentle hikes or are simply curious to discover the city from a different angle, Strasbourg offers a wide range of easy-to-access routes, through canals, forests, historic districts, and nature. Between the Ill River, the Bruche Canal, charming bridges and the streets of the city center, every corner invites you to take a stroll.
From urban circuits to wilder paths close to the Vosges foothills, the Alsatian capital is a perfect playground for walkers of all levels. Discover our 5 favorite walks, easy to follow without a guide, with suggestions for starting points, information on distances, elevation gain, and how to easily download the itineraries.
1. The Grande Île Tour: Strasbourg by the Water
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grande Île is the historic center of Strasbourg. This walking itinerary is a real immersion into the city’s architectural and cultural wealth.
- Starting point: Place Kléber
- Distance: around 3 km loop
The walk follows the Ill River, crosses the Covered Bridges, and lets you discover treasures such as the Cathedral, Petite France, half-timbered houses and the quays. It’s the perfect stroll to experience the historic heart of Strasbourg, between heritage and water.
2. From Parc de l’Orangerie to the European Parliament
This itinerary takes you through parkland, institutions and along the canal, ideal for combining nature and culture.
- Starting point: Parc de l’Orangerie
- Distance: around 4 km
Start in the city’s most iconic park, spotting storks and French-style gardens. Then continue to the institutions such as the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, walking along the Marne–Rhin Canal. A flat, peaceful walk, ideal for a family outing.
3. The Trails of Robertsau and the Wantzenau Forest
Head north of Strasbourg for a nature hike in the Robertsau district, where a large floodplain forest begins.
- Starting point: Rue Kempf
- Distance: between 6 and 10 km depending on the chosen route
Here, the trails run alongside the Ill River, through wet meadows and small lakes. Continuing toward Wantzenau, you reach a wooded area close to the German border, a remnant of the Vosges massif. This route offers a breath of fresh air just a few minutes from the center.
4. The Towpath of the Bruche Canal
This path follows the old Bruche Canal, once used to transport stones from the Vosges to Strasbourg.
- Starting point: Montagne-Verte
- Distance: 7 km (possibility to continue as far as Molsheim)
This tree-lined, calm, and linear trail runs along the water through the Alsatian countryside. Perfect for a peaceful stroll, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Along the way, you might meet hikers, fishermen and cyclists in a convivial, relaxing atmosphere.
5. From Neustadt to Place Saint-Étienne: Discovering the Imperial City
This urban route immerses you in Strasbourg’s imperial past, with wide boulevards and majestic monuments.
- Starting point: Place de la République
- Distance: around 3 km
The walk takes you past the Palais du Rhin, the University, Saint-Paul’s Church, and on to Place Saint-Étienne, hidden among old streets and historic mansions. A perfect itinerary for admiring the architectural richness of this UNESCO-listed city.
For the More Curious: A Bonus Hike to Château de Pourtalès
Looking for a little more distance? Start from the Robertsau district and head to Château de Pourtalès, walking through woods and meadows. This route, about 8 km round trip, takes you to a peaceful area alternating between forest, small paths, and open fields.
The château, now a hotel and conference center, is a great place to stop for a break in the greenery, between Alsace, Germany and European institutions.
Tips for Your Walks in Strasbourg
- When to go? Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking: pleasant light, mild temperatures and colorful scenery along the Ill River and in the Robertsau forests. Summer can also be pleasant for a walk along the canal or around a lake, as long as you start early in the morning.
- Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes, a bottle of water, a hat, sunglasses, and an app to download the itineraries such as Komoot or Visorando.
- Safety: even on foot, be careful in areas shared with bikes or cars, especially at bridges and intersections. Trails near the Bruche Canal or on the edge of the forest can be slippery.
- With family? Choose short loops with no elevation, like those of the Grande Île or Parc de l’Orangerie.
Conclusion: Strasbourg, a City of Walks to Explore
In Strasbourg, there’s no shortage of walking routes, whether historical, natural, cultural or cross-border. Between canals, forests, old paths and emblematic districts, the city reveals itself at every turn, along the water or under the trees. Alone, as a couple, with friends or family, every itinerary offers a unique experience between France and Europe.
Whether you’re strolling by the canal, in the heart of the Robertsau forest, or around a lake, Strasbourg offers an ideal setting for an accessible and refreshing hike. Explore the richness of this region at your own pace, on routes that combine nature, heritage and a European atmosphere.
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