The best cycling routes around Schweighausen

The Églises Saint-Martin (Sint-Martinuskerk) in Masevaux is a historic, neoclassical church in Alsace. The church is particularly known for its impressive organ history and the annual international organ festival

A picturesque mountain lake at the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace, surrounded by forests and steep slopes. 🚴‍♂️🏞️⛰️

The Doller-fietspad (Voie Verte de la Vallée de la Doller) between Masevaux and Sewen largely follows a former railway line through the Doller valley in the southern Vosges. The route is approximately 10 to 12 km long, almost entirely car-free and asphalted. The gradient towards Sewen is very gradual, around 1%, making it a pleasant approach to the surroundings of the Ballon d'Alsace.

Bahnhof Burnhaupt-le-Haut The Bahnhof Burnhaupt-le-Haut is located on the former railway line from Cernay to Sewen, which led through the Dollertal. The line was built in the 19th century and was of great importance for passenger and freight transport in the region. During the First World War, the station gained particular strategic importance. Burnhaupt was located immediately behind or close to the front line between German and French troops. The railway was used to transport soldiers, weapons, ammunition, and other supplies. Due to the fighting, the station was heavily damaged. After the war, the station building was rebuilt between 1921 and 1923. A building typical of the region with elements of Alsatian architecture was created. The station has largely been preserved to this day and serves as a reminder of the importance of the railway for the region's development and the destruction of the First World War. Regular passenger service on the line was discontinued in 1967, and the line was later closed. Part of the former railway line is now operated as a museum railway by Train Thur Doller Alsace. Historic locomotives and wagons run on the line through the Dollertal, making the history of the railway tangible for visitors. The Bahnhof Burnhaupt-le-Haut is therefore not only a former transport hub, but also a historic site where the history of the region, the railway, and the First World War converge. Further information and historical photos: Train Thur Doller Alsace – Bahnhof Burnhaupt

This old chapel was erected after the French Revolution on the old path to Thann and fell into disrepair over time. In 1932, the community decided to rebuild it. The current small building has a simple nave, an open porch, and a small bell tower with a bell. In front of the chapel stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, which underscores the character of the place as a pilgrimage and devotional site. The chapel is dedicated to the "Mother of God of Perpetual Help" and belongs to the typical small religious monuments of southern Alsace.

calm and well-rolling section

Thann's sloping vineyards are famous for their south-facing orientation with slopes that can reach 45°, offering spectacular and dizzying landscapes. These hillsides, located between 350 and 450 meters above sea level, extend over an area of 22 hectares and are renowned for their volcanic terroir and their proximity to the Thur River, which provides the humidity necessary for the grapes to ripen. Among the grape varieties cultivated are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat, all grown in often rocky and well-exposed soil, which gives the wines great finesse. Viticulture on these steep terrains requires harvests that are often carried out with ropes to ensure safety on these very steep slopes. These vineyards, particularly the Grand Cru Rangen, are among the most emblematic of the region.

The French and European National Cycleway is a great cycleway winding along side of the Rhine Rhone Canal with very little climbing, for those who do not like to climb. However those who are climbing shy, must be aware of the wind in this area. A lot of the locks still have the former lock man’s house which adds a bit of charm to every lock. One is never alone on this route as there is a constant passing of bicycles, both leisure and racing bikes.