Nature Reserves in Alsace

Nature reserves in Alsace are protected areas established to conserve the region's diverse ecosystems, which range from Rhine valley wetlands to the peaks of the Vosges mountains. This page aggregates more than 10 such reserves, offering over 1,600 routes for human-powered outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

The primary activities are hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking, with thousands of routes available across the region's protected areas. Many reserves also offer dedicated trails for jogging and nature walks. Specific guides are available for Hiking in Alsace and Cycling in Alsace.

Some of the most significant reserves include the Réserve Naturelle De La Petite Camargue Alsacienne, the oldest in Alsace, and the Réserve Naturelle Du Ried De Sélestat (Ill*Wald), known for its large fallow deer population. In the mountains, the Réserve Naturelle du massif du Grand Ventron provides access to the high Vosges landscape.

The Réserve Naturelle Du Ried De Sélestat (Ill*Wald) features a predominantly flat landscape defined by the Ill river. Its terrain consists of alluvial forests, periodically flooded wet meadows, and a dense network of waterways. This makes it well-suited for family-friendly hiking and cycling on its many marked trails.

The Réserve Naturelle De La Petite Camargue Alsacienne offers a network of trails for hiking and cycling through its wetlands and alluvial forests. It is a prime location for birdwatching, with observation points available. The EuroVelo 15 cycling route also passes through the reserve.

The Réserve Naturelle du Frankenthal-Missheimle offers challenging hiking and mountaineering routes through a rugged, alpine-like landscape of glacial cirques and rocky paths. The area is known for its steep ascents and includes sections of the famous Sentier des Roches. It is best suited for experienced hikers due to the difficult terrain.

Yes, several reserves offer gentle routes suitable for families. The Ill*Wald reserve near Sélestat has flat, well-marked trails through forests and meadows. The Petite Camargue Alsacienne also features easy discovery trails ideal for walking. Many of these areas are detailed in the guide to Family-friendly hikes in Alsace.

Rules regarding dogs vary by reserve and are in place to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats. In many French nature reserves, dogs must be kept on a short leash at all times. Some fragile areas may prohibit dogs entirely. It is essential to check the specific regulations for each reserve before visiting.

The reserves can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on the activity. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with spring being ideal for observing migratory birds in wetland reserves like Petite Camargue Alsacienne. Summer is popular but can be hot in the plains, while higher elevation reserves in the Vosges offer cooler temperatures. Some trails may be inaccessible in winter due to snow.

Yes, there are several reserves close to Strasbourg. The Réserve Naturelle du massif forestier de Strasbourg-Neuhof/Illkirch-Graffenstaden is located on the city's outskirts. A short distance away are the Réserve Naturelle De L'Île Du Rohrschollen and the Réserve Naturelle De L'Île De Rhinau, both protecting unique Rhine alluvial forests.

The nature reserves in Alsace cater to various types of cycling. Flat reserves along the Rhine and Ill rivers, such as Ill*Wald and Petite Camargue Alsacienne, are ideal for leisurely touring bicycle routes. The mountainous reserves in the Vosges, like Grand Ventron, offer challenging road cycling climbs and descents, as well as dedicated mountain bike trails.