Covering 2,936 hectares, Ottrott brings together winegrowing, forest and a diverse cultural heritage. 2,500 hectares of the area are forest. To the south, Ottrott is bordered by Mont Ste Odile; to the north, by the Ehn Valley. These two directions help situate the town geographically. At the same time, the areas illustrate different scales: forest accounts for a large part of the territory, while the vineyard is a smaller, clearly defined focus of local character.
Winegrowing and the Wine Trail
Ottrott’s vineyard covers 25 hectares. Pinot Noir is the main grape variety, and the local winegrowing tradition is associated with Rouge d’Ottrott. Winemakers welcome visitors and introduce them to their products, although individual visitor opportunities may vary. To discover winegrowing beyond the grape variety, follow the Sentier Viticole, an approximately two-kilometre circular route. Information panels explain the distinctive features of winegrowing and the various stages of winemaking. The trail starts on Route de Barr, next to the washhouse; check the starting point on site before setting out. The route thus combines the wine-growing landscape with information about how its wines are made.
Castles and Hiking
Rathsamhausen and Lutzelbourg castles were built at an altitude of 485 metres below Mont Sainte-Odile. The municipality of Ottrott has a particularly high concentration of castles. The castles in the Massif du Mont Ste Odile can be reached via numerous hiking trails marked by the Club Vosgien; Altenkeller is an exception. Trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out. A hike to Mont Sainte-Odile starts in Ottrott at the car park behind the railway line. The 10.5-kilometre Pagan Wall enclosure can also be explored on a hike from Ottrott. These destinations each offer a different focus: the castles, Mont Sainte-Odile and the enclosure provide distinct historical highlights for a hike.
Abbey, Museum and Park
The abbey on Mont Sainte-Odile stands at an altitude of 753 metres and welcomes pilgrims and tourists. In Klingenthal, the Maison de la Manufacture has been housed in the former village school as a museum since 2007. Exhibits include reconstructed workshops, historical documents and photographs, tools, and an extensive collection of bladed weapons, armour, scythes and sickles. Different forms of cultural heritage are presented side by side: the abbey welcomes pilgrims and tourists, while the museum focuses on workshops and historical objects. The Domaine du Windeck also includes an eleven-hectare park, which is listed as a museum of trees. It adds a landscape dimension to the architectural and collection-related themes.
Plan Your Journey
Ottrott is served by a regular bus/tram line. If you plan to use this connection for your arrival or day trip, check the timetable in advance. This will help you coordinate your journey and choice of excursions with the services actually available.
Discover more destinations: Elsenheim, Reinhardsmunster, Le Hohwald, Gertwiller, Betschdorf, Bilwisheim, Oberbronn, Meistratzheim.
See the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
