The best road cycling routes around Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord
4.5
(946)
17,266
riders
14
rides
Road cycling routes around Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord primarily traverse flat to gently rolling terrain, characteristic of the Upper Rhine Plain. The region is defined by its extensive forest cover, agricultural lands, and a network of canals, including the Rhône–Rhine Canal. Road cyclists can expect routes with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for various fitness levels. The landscape offers a mix of shaded forest paths and open stretches alongside waterways.
Best road cycling routes around Forêt domaniale de…
Last updated: November 7, 2026
4.6
(53)
572
riders
51.5km
02:16
110m
110m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(2)
60
riders
102km
04:40
990m
990m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
25
riders
132km
06:17
1,410m
1,410m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
24
riders
96.1km
04:05
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(1)
23
riders
88.2km
04:19
860m
860m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
When you drive from the Route des Crêtes towards Le Grand Ballon, you pass the Col du Haag (1233 m) almost unnoticed. Yet, this pass marks a special point on the southern flank of the highest mountain in the Vosges. Here, steep roads from the Thurdal leave the wooded slopes and reach the open heights of the massif. From the col, a typical Vosges landscape unfolds with mountain meadows, scattered farms, and sweeping views. The proximity of the Grand Ballon is felt everywhere: the imposing summit towers above the pass and forms the natural goal of the final climbing kilometers. For cyclists, the Col du Haag is mainly known as the point where difficult climbs from the valleys converge before the road continues to rise to the highest point of the Vosges.
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Le Markstein (1184 m) is meer dan alleen een kruispunt op de Route des Crêtes. Het is echter een echte bergpas en het hoogste punt van de oversteek tussen het Lauch- en Thurdal. Het ligt in het hart van het Vogezenmassief, midden een populair wintersportgebied dat nauw verbonden is met de Grand Ballon
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Le Markstein is a well-known winter sports and outdoor resort in the High Vosges, located at an altitude between 1020 and 1268 meters. The resort is situated directly on the iconic Route des Crêtes and forms an important crossroads and recreational area within the municipalities of Oderen and Lauw (near Wildenstein). At Le Markstein, you will find several traditional Fermes-Auberges and hotels where you can taste the local repas marcaire (a traditional hearty meal from the Vosges). Additionally, the location has gained significant fame in cycling; it is regularly the setting for tough mountain stages in the Tour de France (and the Tour de France Femmes), often as the final challenge after the climbs of Petit Ballon and Platzerwasel.
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Beautiful viewpoint from restaurant Tre.
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it's fun to ride up there
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Beautiful view of a part of the Thur Valley.
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The VV221 cycle route is part of the EuroVélo 5 network and begins in Ensisheim at the Thur bridge and ends in Cernay after about 17 km. The route initially runs alongside the road, then past ponds and finally through a wooded area. It runs alongside the Thur and passes the Alsatian Ecomuseum (another route leads to Ungersheim via the Petit Prince Park). The Green Route then winds along the Thur, passing Pulversheim, Staffelfelden, and Wittelsheim, and finally reaches Cernay, still along the Thur.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord?
There are over 590 road cycling routes in Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in the region?
Yes, the region offers over 140 easy road cycling routes. Many routes feature minimal elevation gain, making them ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. An example is the Rhône–Rhine Canal – Niffer Lock loop from Rixheim, which is rated easy.
What are some options for longer road cycling tours in the Hardt-Nord area?
For those looking for longer rides, routes like the Kreuzweg Pass Summit – Niffer Lock loop from Bantzenheim cover over 100 km, providing an extended experience through varied landscapes.
Are there challenging road cycling routes available in Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord?
Yes, there are over 100 challenging routes for experienced cyclists. While the terrain is generally flat, some routes incorporate longer distances or more complex sections to provide a greater challenge, such as the Kreuzweg Pass Summit – Niffer Lock loop from Bantzenheim.
What are common starting points for road cycling routes in the region?
Popular starting points for road cycling routes include Bantzenheim, Rixheim, and Sierentz, as many routes are designed as loops originating from these towns.
What kind of scenery can I expect on road cycling routes in Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord?
Road cyclists can expect a mix of dense forest sections, picturesque canal-side paths along the Rhône–Rhine Canal, and open agricultural landscapes. The region is characterized by its extensive forest cover and a network of waterways.
Are there circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many road cycling routes in Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. An example is The Hardt-Nord state forest — loop from Bantzenheim.
What can I see along the road cycling routes in Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord?
Along the routes, you can explore various points of interest. Notable attractions include sections of the Rhône–Rhine Canal and historical sites like the Hardt Battles Memorial.
What do other road cyclists enjoy the most about road cycling in Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 770 reviews. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the diverse scenery that includes both forest and canal sections.
What is the typical duration for road cycling routes in this region?
Route durations vary significantly based on length and difficulty. For example, a moderate route like BL275 - Canals and Forest Estates Trail typically takes around 2 hours 15 minutes, while longer, more challenging routes can take upwards of 4 hours 40 minutes.
Are there routes that combine forest and canal experiences?
Absolutely. Many routes in Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord are designed to offer a blend of experiences, traversing both the shaded forest paths and scenic stretches alongside the Rhône–Rhine Canal, such as the BL275 - Canals and Forest Estates Trail.
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Most popular attractions around Forêt domaniale de la Hardt-Nord
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