Mountain biking spot: 5 must-see routes in the Sundgau in southern Alsace
The Sundgau Hotel is located in the south of Alsace, at the crossroads of Switzerland and Germany. It stands out for its beautiful half-timbered peasant houses, numerous ponds, magnificent landscapes and authentic heritage. It is an ideal region for green tourism, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded cities.
With a vast area of 33 laps and over 700 km of trails, the Sundgau is undoubtedly a favorite mountain biking destination. For experienced mountain bikers, the Alsatian Jura massif offers the most sporting trails, embellished with beautiful climbs through landscapes with contrasting relief. Conversely, the Largue and Ill valleys are crossed by more accessible trails suitable for families. All chains are carefully maintained and labeled.
Many clubs organize popular events every year and offer several varied, family-oriented and very friendly courses, always complemented by very generous offerings. The Sundgau Tourist Office offers a mountain bike ride to get away from it all for a weekend, between discovery and gastronomy, in the heart of unspoiled nature. It is also possible to organize a day of mountain biking with Vianni, the mountain biking instructor from the Tourist Office who can give you personalized and personalized advice. A guidebook and a detailed map are also at your disposal to discover all the routes. Mountain bike rentals are available all year round during your visit to our region. So don't hesitate! Come and discover the Sundgau, a mountain biking paradise!
For more information: Sundgau Tourist Office.
MTB routes not to be missed
Our selection of the most beautiful mountain biking trails in the area. Be careful to make sure they are appropriate for your level.
Ferrette - MTB Route 6 In the footsteps of Loucelle Abbey
Just like telling you that your calves are likely to heat up, because this is undoubtedly one of the most challenging runs in the Sundgau, gaining over 42 km with almost 1200 m difference in altitude. But this route has many attractions: in addition to many individual trails and great viewpoints, it offers an intrusion and connection to mountain bike trails in Canton and the Jura Republic in Switzerland. You will discover, in particular, the old Cistercian abbey of Lusel, its green surroundings and the lake.
Ferrette - mountain bike trail no. 3 In the heart of the Alsatian Jura
This is a very wooded field, however, it offers magnificent panoramas of the Alsatian and Swiss Jura. Several technical transitions and a sporty climb adorn it all! Ideal for experienced mountain bikers, this loop can be extended 7,5 km while staying on red trail 2 up to Leihaus farm, between Oltingu and Biedertal.
Ferrette - MTB track no. 2 Saint-Bris track
A sports route with several single tracks, this course will immerse you in the history of World War II in the heights of Betlach, where you will discover the first remnants of the Maginot Line.
Hirsinge - MTB Route 17 Lost Village of Rossbourne
The trail crosses a forest with the characteristic Sundgau ponds. The trail is very pleasant in summer thanks to its shade, it leads to the Himmelreich pond, a term that can literally be translated as "kingdom of heaven" and which perfectly matches the poetry of the place.
Friesen – Mountain bike trail No. 23 La Borne des 3 Powers
This pleasant and varied trail crosses the Largue Valley, the Mooslarg golf course and several ponds, as well as the Terminal of the Three Powers, which dates back to the meeting of the three borders between 1871 and 1918. On the technical side, this loop will delight mountain bikers who love trails because there are so many of them. It invades Switzerland and thus allows them to join their many mountain bike routes.
To see or do absolutely
Several places worth visiting if you have time.
Ferret Castle
A small town located at the foot of its castle, the city of the powerful Counts Ferrett is located at the first foothills of the Alsatian Jura ... This city with a prestigious past will enchant you with its narrow and romantic paths leading to the haughty ruins of the Château de Ferrette and the mysterious cave of the dwarves, where the famous legend.
Discover its castle, one of the oldest in Alsace. The first mention of it dates back to 1105. It was one of the main possessions of the Counts of Ferrett, a dynasty formed by the division of inheritance with the Counts of Montbéliard. A magnificent view awaits you at its top!
Hirzbach village
Following the course of the stream (Hirschbach), we find beautiful half-timbered houses of this typical village of Sundgauvien, as well as an avenue of centuries-old lindens. Walking through the Charles de Reinach park, you can admire the last ice house of the Sundgau, magnificent remarkable trees and the Reinach castle opposite.
The Chapel of Saint Afr and the parish church are full of artistic and architectural landmarks, including a Guzwiller painting, a Limido fresco (in the church) and a XNUMX century drink (in the chapel).
XNUMXth century Romanesque church of St. Jacques in Feldbach
The Romanesque gem of the Sundgau, the church dates from 1144. It was designed by Count Frederic I de Ferret as a burial place for himself and his family. Listed as a Historic Monument, the church is today the oldest in Alsace and is dedicated to Saint-Jacques-le-Major. The pilgrims' route to Compostela actually ran through Feldbach, the crossroads of many old roads. These pilgrims came mainly from the Palatinate, passing through Strasbourg. The restored church was inaugurated on July 1, 3 years by the assistant bishop of Monsignor Brand, now the Archbishop of Strasbourg.
To taste in the surroundings
Local specialty: fried carp! This is a typical Sundgau culinary specialty.
He gave the name to the tourist route Les Routes de la Carpe Frite, a gastronomic route not to be missed in this region. It is impossible to imagine the discovery of the Sundgau without tasting this signature dish. Served with salad, french fries, always with lemon and mayonnaise, carp can be eaten with your fingers. In an effort to promote local traditions, about thirty restaurateurs with their traditional know-how have united in the association "Sundgau, Routes de la Carpe Frite".
Accomodation
📸 Vianni Müller, Martin Ramondo, Mathieu Weimer
