Rathsamhausen Castle – Mount Sainte-Odile loop from Ottrott
Rathsamhausen Castle – Mount Sainte-Odile loop from Ottrott
4.7
(9)
253
runners
Rathsamhausen Castle – Mount Sainte-Odile loop from Ottrott
02:15
17.0km
610m
Running
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: July 24, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
2.76 km
Rathsamhausen Castle
Highlight • Castle
The Ottrott castles are open to the public when volunteers are present on the site:
TUESDAY mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m
SATURDAY all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
They are closed in bad weather.
Outside these slots, the castles can be visited upon special request, which you can send to us on the GROUP VISITS page
amchott.fr/infos-pratiques/acces
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.07 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
8.49 km
Mur Païen South and North
Highlight • Historical Site
The imposing structure has fascinated archaeologists and visitors alike for centuries with its sheer dimension and construction method. Around 300,000 irregularly hewn sandstone blocks were piled up without mortar to form a dry-stone wall up to two meters wide. To give the huge blocks stability, the builders connected them with swallowtail-shaped wooden clamps made of oak. This exceptional technique secured the structure against the shifting of stones in the steep forest terrain.
For a long time, the structure was surrounded by great mystery. Due to the name Pope Leo IX gave the wall in the 11th century, its origin was suspected to be in prehistoric, Celtic, or Roman times. Modern scientific investigations finally brought clarity: using dendrochronology (tree-ring analysis), the wooden connecting wedges could be precisely dated to the late 7th or early 8th century AD. The wall thus originated in the Merovingian era.
To this day, research puzzles over the exact purpose of this gigantic structure. The most likely theory is that the wall served as a mighty refuge for the population in times of political unrest. At the same time, the monumental structure demonstrated the claim to power and prestige of the then Dukes of Alsace, to whose family Saint Odilia also belonged.
Today, the Heidenmauer is a protected cultural monument and a popular destination for hikers. A well-signposted
Showing Translation
Tip by
9.01 km
Way of the Cross
Highlight • Trail
They come from the ceramist Leon Elchinger (1871-1942).
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.13 km
Mount Sainte-Odile
Highlight • Settlement
The monastery complex now also houses a hotel and a restaurant. The monastery can largely be visited freely and there are many corners to go 'into yourself'.
The place is widely known and popular, so it is usually well frequented.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10.1 km
Sentier des Merveilles Wooden Animal Sculptures
Highlight • Structure
You can see, for example, a Eurasian hawk bear or deer.
The sculptor is Alfred BAUMGART. He has been carving wood since 1975 and has won prizes for his chainsaw work.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10.1 km
Sentier des merveilles
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.1 km
Rocher des Géants
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.7 km
View of the plain
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
17.0 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.97 km
7.00 km
737 m
698 m
457 m
118 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.06 km
4.42 km
2.16 km
479 m
386 m
321 m
168 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 14 August
38°C
19°C
18 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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