4.5
(389)
3,165
riders
198
rides
Touring cycling around Schwoben, a commune in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, France, offers routes through a rural landscape. The area is characterized by elevations ranging from approximately 296 to 403 meters, indicating gentle hills rather than steep climbs. Hydrographic features include the Thalbach river and the Horith pond, contributing to the local scenery. The region provides a network of routes suitable for touring cyclists seeking varied terrain.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.6
(5)
49
riders
22.5km
01:22
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
25
riders
37.4km
03:01
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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11
riders
20.1km
01:14
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Altkirch is definitely worth a visit. The small town in Sundgau boasts a diverse architectural heritage that reflects its medieval and religious history. The Priory of Saint-Morand, the church Notre-Dame, the old city walls, and various medieval ruins bear witness to this richness.
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Typical village of Sundgau with its half-timbered houses which are becoming rare these days.
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At border post 111, on the French-Swiss border near Pfetterhouse, the Western Front of the First World War officially began in the autumn of 1914. This spot, where the borders of France, Germany and Switzerland had previously met, became the symbolic Kilometre Zero of a front line that stretched over 750 kilometres to the North Sea. Today it is a peaceful spot along a hiking and cycling trail, where you literally stand at the start of one of the most defining fronts in modern history.
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This 7.5 km loop takes you through the wooded border area around Pfetterhouse, where the borders of France, Germany and Switzerland met from 1871 to 1914. During the First World War, the Western Front began here at border post 111, the official Kilometre Zero. Along the path you will discover restored bunkers, observation posts and boundary stones of the French, German and Swiss lines. A unique journey through a landscape where neutrality, conflict and memory come together.
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Near the border stone 111, the official Kilometre Zero of the Western Front, there was a wooden observation post of the Swiss army during the First World War. This Poste d'observation N°2 offered a view of the French and German lines, while Switzerland maintained its neutrality 1. The post was a symbol of the tense calm at this unique border location, where three armies followed each other closely. Today, the site has been partly reconstructed and forms a special historical point along the hiking and cycling path in the far south of Alsace.
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Ferme du Largin – border farm between war and neutrality: The Ferme du Largin is located on a Swiss border spur near Pfetterhouse, at a symbolic place where France, Germany and Switzerland met. During the First World War, it was an important observation point on the edge of the front, guarded by neutral Switzerland. The farm was shelled in October 1914, which led to a diplomatic incident between Germany and Switzerland. During the Second World War, it became a refuge for resistance fighters and refugees. Today, the farm has been partly restored and is a silent witness to border history, war and human resilience.
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Here, you can find ready-made meals from the 24-hour vending machine. They still need to be heated in the oven.
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Altkirch forms a hub for cycling, where various routes converge. The route down from Folgensbourg. From the valley of Oltingen / Waldighoffen. Coming from Mulhouse / Illfurth as well as heading towards Dannemarie / Belfort. And finally from the north from the Vosges from the Cernay / Thann area. Furthermore, the Rhine-Rhone Canal passes nearby. Altkirch itself, situated on a hill, has retained the charm of many somewhat forgotten provincial towns with a past of industrialization. There are a few cafes as well as the view over the plain towards the Vosges.
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There are over 200 touring cycling routes available around Schwoben, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored over 2,400 touring cycling trips in the area.
Touring cycling around Schwoben is characterized by a rural setting with gentle hills, as elevations range from approximately 296 to 403 meters. You'll find routes that traverse river valleys, such as those along the Thalbach river, and pass by local hydrographic features like the Horith pond.
Yes, Schwoben offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, The Ill in Hirsingue – Porte de Belfort loop from Bettendorf is an easy 14.0-mile (22.5 km) trail with a gentle gradient, taking about 1 hour 21 minutes to complete. There are 24 easy routes in total.
Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, there are 71 difficult touring cycling routes around Schwoben. An example is Three Powers Boundary Stone – Footbridge Over the Largue loop from Bettendorf, a 50.2-mile (80.9 km) route with significant elevation gain, typically taking over 4 hours.
Many of the touring cycling routes around Schwoben are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is Heidwiller lock – Illfurth lock loop from Schwoben, a moderate 28.1-mile (45.2 km) path offering views of local waterways.
While cycling around Schwoben, you can explore several interesting points. Highlights include the Zillisheim Drawbridge and Lock No. 35, the historical Grand Cannon of Zillisheim, and the Illfurth German military cemetery. You might also encounter the Altkirch-Hirsingue cycle path, a former railway line, and the Our Lady of the Snows Chapel in Luemschwiller.
The touring cycling routes around Schwoben are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 240 reviews. Cyclists often appreciate the varied terrain, from gentle river valleys to routes with more elevation gain, and the rural charm of the area.
Given Schwoben's rural setting and moderate elevations, spring through autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling. The weather is typically milder, and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Winter cycling might be possible, but conditions could be colder and potentially include frost or snow.
While specific 'dog-friendly' designations for cycling routes are not typically provided, many of the rural paths and quiet country roads around Schwoben are suitable for cycling with a well-behaved dog, especially if they are accustomed to running alongside a bicycle or riding in a trailer. Always ensure your dog's safety and respect local regulations.
Schwoben is a small commune, but the broader region of Haut-Rhin and nearby towns like Altkirch offer various amenities. While specific cafes directly on every route might be limited, planning your ride to pass through villages or towns will likely provide opportunities for refreshments.
The touring cycling routes around Schwoben vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter routes like The Ill in Hirsingue – Porte de Belfort loop from Bettendorf, which is 14.0 miles (22.5 km) and takes about 1 hour 21 minutes. Longer routes, such as The Ill in Hirsingue – Saint-Brice Chapel loop from Hausgauen, cover 22.7 miles (36.5 km) and can take nearly 3 hours.
While Schwoben itself is known for its rural charm rather than dramatic vistas, routes that follow river valleys or traverse the gentle hills of the Sundgau region often provide pleasant scenic views of the countryside, agricultural lands, and local waterways like the Thalbach river and Horith pond. The Heidwiller lock – Illfurth lock loop from Schwoben, for example, offers views of local waterways.
The unique aspect of cycling in Schwoben lies in its authentic rural French setting within the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace. It offers a peaceful cycling experience through gentle landscapes, historical elements like an old mill dating back to the 13th century, and a chance to explore the quiet charm of the Sundgau region away from more crowded tourist areas.


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