Who said you had to go to the other side of the world to escape?

Discovering wonder close to home is possible and now is the perfect time! Every week this summer, we'll be sharing ideas for outdoor and nature getaways to enjoy in our corner of Alsace, or within an hour's drive of Haguenau.

Immersion in the National Nature Reserve (Offendorf Forest): 22 kilometers from Haguenau

In the heart of unspoiled nature, immerse yourself in the Offendorf forest massif and the Offendorf National Nature Reserve . Access to the reserve, which is not marked, follows a 2km stretch from the village, then you walk along the Rhine's high-water dikes for 30 minutes.

This 60-hectare Rhine alluvial forest is well worth the effort; we recommend it to intermediate-level hikers who enjoy immersing themselves in nature. So, if that doesn't deter you, come and delve into this lush , jungle-like landscape and observe diverse biotopes, as well as numerous insects and birds of all kinds.

Ideal for getting lost in the wilderness!

Guided tours are sometimes also offered there, information available from the Rhine Country Tourist Office .

Practical information : Park your vehicle next to the municipal shed (at the end of Rue de la Digue), as you leave Offendorf towards the Rhine. Continue on foot to the high-water dike, which you will follow (to the left) for 2 km. Approximately 400m after the 4th bunker, a path (to the right) descends towards the nature reserve, which you enter by crossing a wooden bridge. Please stay on the marked trails.

In the footsteps of the fighters (Circuit 1870 Alsace Verte, Woerth): 16 kilometers from Haguenau

Want to take a step back in time and history ? This hiking trail, "Battlefield of August 6, 1970," invites you to retrace the steps of this tragic past. During your walk, you'll discover imposing monuments erected in tribute to the combatants. These include the Elsasshausen Tower and the Church of Peace in Froeschwiller, built on the site of the village church that burned down during the battle.

Through fields, forests, orchards and villages , this route guarantees you an immersion in history but also in the landscapes of " Green Alsace ".

Practical information : Detailed information sheet downloadable from rando-niederbronn or visit.alsace . Starting point in Woerth, on the Lembach road, at the playground parking lot. Marked with red rings. Distance: 7,5 km loop with no particular difficulty.

For many more getaway ideas, consult the brochure "20 getaways in northern Alsace"!