4.6
(101)
500
hikers
Circuit of the Five Castles
04:19
13.8km
520m
Hiking
Hike the difficult 8.6-mile Le mont Sainte-Odile loop from Saint-Nabor, featuring historical sites and panoramic Alsace plain views.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment that may be dangerous
A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
After 7.49 km for 201 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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4.39 km
Pagan Wall
Highlight • Monument
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4.68 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 …
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4.75 km
Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption
Highlight • Other
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4.91 km
Orientation panel at Mont Sainte-Odile
Highlight • Viewpoint
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6.35 km
Koeberle Gate
Highlight • Monument
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7.61 km
Hagelschloss Castle ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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9.74 km
Koepfel Castle
Highlight • Castle
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10.5 km
Rathsamhausen Castle
Highlight • Castle
The Ottrott castles are open to the public when volunteers are present on the site:
TUESDAY mornings …
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13.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.03 km
3.52 km
2.73 km
615 m
400 m
327 m
201 m
Surfaces
3.56 km
3.55 km
2.73 km
2.18 km
729 m
724 m
343 m
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Elevation
Highest point (760 m)
Lowest point (330 m)
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Weather
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Sunday 24 May
31°C
17°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a challenging hike?
The "Le mont Sainte-Odile — loop from Saint-Nabor" trail is generally rated as difficult. It covers nearly 14 km with over 500 meters of ascent, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness. The initial ascent from Saint-Nabor is quite steep, and sections involve varied terrain including forest paths and sandstone steps.
What are the main points of interest along the route?
This loop offers a rich blend of history and nature. You'll encounter the mysterious Pagan Wall, the iconic Mount Sainte-Odile monastery with its panoramic views, and the ruins of Hagelschloss Castle, Koepfel Castle, and Rathsamhausen Castle.
When is the best time of year to hike this loop?
The trail is enjoyable in spring, summer, and autumn. The wooded sections provide ample shade during warmer summer days. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while spring brings fresh greenery. Always check local weather conditions before you go.
Is the trail dog-friendly?
Dogs are generally allowed on the hiking paths, but they are not permitted inside the Mont Sainte-Odile monastery grounds. Please keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or other hikers.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this hike?
No, there are no permits required or entrance fees to hike the "Le mont Sainte-Odile — loop from Saint-Nabor" trail itself. Access to the natural areas and historical sites along the route is free.
Where can I park to start this hike?
The loop starts from Saint-Nabor. While specific parking details aren't provided, you can typically find parking in or near the village to begin your hike. Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the route?
The terrain is varied, featuring forest paths, roads, and sections with notable sandstone steps, particularly leading up to Mont Sainte-Odile. You'll navigate through dense forests and encounter some remarkable rock formations. Sure-footedness is recommended due to the varied surfaces.
Are there any facilities like restrooms or places to eat along the way?
Yes, the Mount Sainte-Odile monastery complex includes a hotel and restaurant, offering options for food and restrooms. There are also picnic areas with benches and shelters along the trail for a more rustic stop.
Does this trail connect with other hiking paths?
Yes, this route intersects with several other well-known paths. You'll find sections that are part of the Alsatian castles path, the Traversée du massif des Vosges, Saverne-Châtenois, and the Sentier du Mur Païen, among others.
Are there good viewpoints on this loop?
Absolutely. The Mount Sainte-Odile monastery offers spectacular panoramic views of the Alsace plain, and on clear days, you might even spot Strasbourg Cathedral. There's also an Orientation panel at Mont Sainte-Odile to help you identify landmarks.
Is this trail suitable for families with children?
Given its 'difficult' rating, steep sections, and varied terrain, this loop is generally more suitable for families with older children or those who are experienced hikers. Younger children might find the distance and elevation challenging.
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Trail Reviews
What beautiful tours you can make in Alsace! Today we chose to start with a steep climb again, after which the route slowly went down. Also funny that you only meet people 100 meters from a parking lot. This time hordes of tourists at Mont Sainte-Odile, probably because it was New Year's Day. For the rest, we were able to walk wonderfully quietly in this beautiful area. Highly recommended!
Today we followed a recommendation from Thomas and his friend Ernst and went on our first hike in Alsace. We started in Saint-Nabor. The motto of the tour can be described as ruins and lots of panoramas. A really highly recommended tour. Many thanks to @TomTom.
Today over the Rhine to 🇫🇷 and (again) a trip to nearby Alsace: A visit to Mount Sainte-Odile is on the agenda. On the way to the monastery, the hiker passes numerous castle ruins - an Eldorado, not only for (photo) fans of such historical buildings. Finally, a longer passage leads along the mystical Heidenmauer 👍🏻 (http://www.odilienberg-elsass.de/die-heidenmauer/) From the 764m high Odilienberg you finally have a fantastic view of the Rhine plain and across to the Black Forest...
In the beautiful Alsace, my path today took me on a circular tour of Mont St. Odile in the central Vosges. The mountain is - like Alsace - a place steeped in history. There are four castle ruins on its slopes. The mountain owes its name to Saint Odilia, the patron saint of Alsace, who is buried in a pilgrimage church on the mountain summit. From the mountain you have wonderful views of the upper Rhine valley as far as Strasbourg or across to the Black Forest. There is also a mysterious building on the mountain, the Heidenmauer. A wall that is at least 1200 years old surrounds the mountain for around ten kilometers, and its purpose is still unknown today.