Orbey combines extensive forest areas with elevations ranging from 450 to over 1,200 metres. Almost half of the municipality is covered by the communal forest, which covers 887.8 hectares. There are also opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and Nordic skiing, as well as lakes, historic sites and cultural attractions. This raises a practical question when planning your trip: would you like to focus on outdoor activities, winter sports or the history of the area?
Forests, highlands and lakes
The communal forest offers visitors recreational opportunities with hiking trails, mountain biking routes and cross-country ski trails for Nordic skiing. These three activities each have a different focus: hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. This means Orbey’s forest landscape offers more than one way to enjoy the outdoors.
The landscape also includes the 637.58-hectare Deux Lacs state forest. It encompasses the area around Lac Blanc and Lac Noir, as well as the summit of the Immerlins–Tête des Faux massif. Together with elevations ranging from 450 to over 1,200 metres, this gives the area a character defined by forests, lakes and mountain ridges.
Walks and other activities
Creux d'Argent is a starting point for beautiful walks. The Plateau des Hautes Huttes offers a different perspective, with panoramic views over well-maintained meadows. The “From the Wackelsteine to the Sources of Orbey” circular trail starts at Saint-Urbain Church in Orbey. These places offer different options for planning a walk: a stroll at Creux d'Argent, views across the meadows or a circular route starting at the church.
Another outdoor option is Lac Blanc Parc d'Aventures in Orbey. It offers nine treetop adventure courses of increasing difficulty. The range of difficulty levels sets it apart from the walks and circular trail: here, the focus is on a course-based activity.
Winter activities and finding your way around
The Lac Blanc resort offers downhill skiing and snowshoeing. The communal forest has cross-country ski trails for Nordic skiing. For winter planning, three distinct activities are available: downhill skiing and snowshoeing at the Lac Blanc resort, and cross-country skiing in the communal forest. These options clearly distinguish between the activities rather than grouping them together as a single winter sport offering.
A road leads towards the summit of Faudé, which is crowned by a tower inaugurated in 2004. The tower is a notable landmark in the highland landscape described here; the year indicates when it was inaugurated.
Local history and cultural heritage
Orbey was first mentioned in 1049 under the name Orbeiz. Another historical landmark is Pairis Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in the Noirrupt Valley in 1138. The two dates mark distinct moments in the area’s history: Orbey’s early mention and the founding of the abbey.
A chapel-school is also part of the area’s history. It has been known since the 18th century and is still used for celebrations in honour of Saint Barbara on 4 December. Here, a long-established institution is connected with a celebration that continues to be observed on a fixed date.
The Mémorial du Linge is located at Collet du Linge in Orbey, in the Haut-Rhin department. The Musée du Linge and its battlefield recount the fierce fighting that took place there. Alongside local and religious history, Orbey’s range of historical sites also includes a place of remembrance dedicated to war; a stay can therefore bring together different historical perspectives.
Tailor your stay to your interests
Discover more destinations: Bollwiller, Kientzheim, Fessenheim, Wickerschwihr, Thannenkirch, Huningue, Andolsheim, Masevaux
See the broader travel guide: Haut-Rhin.
