Forêt D'Erstein is a region in Alsace, France, distinguished by its unique alluvial forest and status as a National Nature Reserve. Located south of Strasbourg, its generally flat terrain is shaped by the Rhine River and a network of ancient waterways, making it suitable for various outdoor pursuits. This distinctive landscape offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, mountain biking, and more. The area's rich biodiversity, including diverse flora and bird species, adds to its natural…
111
Routes
4.5
(482)
Average rating
3284
People visited

4.6
(109)
533
hikers
8.93km
02:16
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(84)
424
hikers
6.66km
01:41
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(16)
46
hikers
10.4km
02:38
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(11)
34
hikers
6.28km
01:35
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(82)
676
riders
46.5km
02:45
50m
50m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(10)
41
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(4)
37
riders
78.2km
04:38
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

29
riders
8.72km
00:29
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
38
riders
75.7km
03:09
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.7
(25)
470
riders
48.1km
01:56
60m
60m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

40
riders
52.0km
02:09
70m
70m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

39
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(5)
14
riders
41.5km
03:07
600m
600m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.5
(4)
13
riders
40.8km
03:05
550m
550m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
10
riders
58.2km
04:34
1,020m
1,020m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
36.8km
02:18
110m
110m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.6
(5)
17
riders
62.2km
03:36
100m
100m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
8
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
riders
40.0km
02:45
50m
50m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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10
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
runners
16.1km
01:42
20m
20m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
runners
11.5km
01:16
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
17
runners
8.68km
00:56
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Forêt D'Erstein is known for its alluvial forest, a National Nature Reserve located approximately 12 miles (20 km) south of Strasbourg. This unique ecosystem is shaped by the Rhine River and its network of ancient waterways, supporting rich biodiversity. It is a Natura 2000 site, important for bird protection and habitat conservation.
Forêt D'Erstein offers various outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Road cycling, Mountain biking, Jogging, and Gravel biking. The region's generally flat terrain makes it suitable for different skill levels. Komoot lists 5 routes in the area, with more than 71,000 visitors sharing their experiences.
Yes, Forêt D'Erstein offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy strolls to longer routes. The paths wind through the ancient alluvial forest, providing opportunities to observe the region's biodiversity. More information can be found in the guide Hiking in Forêt D'Erstein.
The flat terrain and extensive path network make Forêt D'Erstein suitable for various forms of cycling, including touring and road cycling. Routes are available along the Ill River, the Rhine Canal, and through picturesque landscapes. Consult the guide Cycling in Forêt D'Erstein for more details.
While the terrain is generally flat, dedicated mountain biking trails exist in the broader region. Komoot lists routes in the Réserve Naturelle Du Ried De Sélestat (Ill*Wald) area, which is near Forêt D'Erstein. Specific information is available in the guide MTB Trails in Forêt D'Erstein.
Forêt D'Erstein offers activities suitable for families, particularly its easy hiking and cycling routes through the flat alluvial forest. The natural environment provides opportunities for wildlife observation. The guide Family-friendly hikes in Forêt D'Erstein provides specific options.
Key natural features include the alluvial forest, a remnant of the Rhine's floodplain with diverse tree species and high bird density. The Plobsheim Lake Nature Reserve, an 5-mile (8 km) long artificial lake, is important for migratory waterfowl. The region is also crisscrossed by the Rhine River and its 'Giessen' network of ancient waterways.
The terrain in Forêt D'Erstein is generally flat, making it accessible for various levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Paths are typically well-maintained, though some sections may be less even. Appropriate footwear is advised for hiking.
Forêt D'Erstein is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 71,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The 5 routes in the region have an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 stars, based on over 13,000 ratings.
Yes, Forêt D'Erstein features easy hiking routes suitable for beginners and those seeking a relaxed experience. The flat terrain of the alluvial forest makes many paths accessible. Specific easy options are detailed in the guide Easy hikes in Forêt D'Erstein.
Forêt D'Erstein offers traffic-free cycling routes, particularly along the Ill River and the Rhine Canal, providing a peaceful experience. These routes are suitable for both touring and road cycling. Information on these paths is available in the guide Traffic-free bike rides in Forêt D'Erstein.
The Forêt D'Erstein National Nature Reserve boasts exceptional biodiversity. It is home to nearly 300 plant species, 29 vertebrate species, 44 butterfly and dragonfly species, and 78 bird species. The Plobsheim Lake is a significant wintering ground for migratory waterfowl.
Official information about the Forêt D'Erstein National Nature Reserve can be found through the DREAL Grand Est, the regional environmental agency. The Réserves Naturelles de France also provides details. For tourist inquiries, the Office de Tourisme du Pays d'Erstein can be contacted at +33 (0)3 88 98 14 33.

