Forêt de Haguenau
Stretching over 13,000 hectares directly north of the city, the Forêt de Haguenau is the largest contiguous lowland forest in France and one of the great natural treasures of northern Alsace. Ancient Scots pines, silver birches and oaks create a cathedral-like canopy above sandy paths that are perfect for cycling, hiking and quiet contemplation.
Tumuli trails and ancient mysteries
The forest conceals more than 500 Bronze and Iron Age burial mounds — the tumuli whose excavated contents now star in the Musée Historique. Many mounds remain in situ, moss-covered humps rising gently from the forest floor, and a waymarked archaeological trail links the most significant clusters. Walking among them at dusk, when the pines filter the last light, is genuinely atmospheric.
The tourist office produces a free tumuli trail map; the most accessible cluster lies about 4 km north of town near the hamlet of Schweighouse-sur-Moder, reachable by bike along the well-signed forest cycle network.
Cycling, swimming and wildlife
Over 100 km of marked cycling and hiking trails thread through the forest, many of them flat enough for families with young children. The GR53 long-distance footpath passes through on its way north to the German border, offering a taste of serious walking without requiring an overnight stay.
The Étang de Rothenbach, a quiet lake within the forest, is a local favourite for a summer swim and a picnic on its sandy shore. Great spotted woodpeckers, red squirrels and, if you are lucky, black storks inhabit the deeper sections — bring binoculars.
More of Haguenau
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Haguenau →
