Westhalten combines winegrowing, nature and local history, with marked trails of varying lengths. This makes the village an appealing place to stay if you are weighing up walks, regional wine and historical discoveries. A good place to start is with the routes that begin at Place de la Mairie and the distinctive dry grasslands of the Collines sous-vosgiennes protected area.
Dry Grasslands and Nature in the Winegrowing Area
The southern sector of the Collines sous-vosgiennes protected area includes the dry grasslands of Bollenberg, Strangenberg and Zinnkoepflé. The area extends across six municipalities, including Westhalten, covers 472 hectares and is designated under the Habitats Directive. Warm, dry conditions prevail in the winegrowing foothills of Haut-Rhin. The flora and fauna resemble those found in Mediterranean habitats.
The two Vignoble et Collines Sèches walking trails cross a remarkable natural area. Several orchid species, bloody cranesbills, wild tulips and grape hyacinths grow there, and the area is also home to hoopoes and emerald lizards. Which species you may see depends on the season; sightings are not guaranteed. This gives the natural surroundings their own distinct appeal alongside the wine-growing landscape, without requiring you to count on spotting any particular animal or plant.
Choose a Marked Trail by Walking Time
The marked Circuit des Croix de Chemin starts at Place de la Mairie. It is 3.4 kilometres long and takes about two hours to walk. The marked Vignoble et Collines Sèches loop from Westhalten includes a 5.1-kilometre circuit of Strangenberg, with a walking time of about one hour and 40 minutes. For a considerably longer outing, you can also start the marked Grande Promenade Mystique at Place de la Mairie: it is 15.1 kilometres long, with an estimated walking time of about five hours.
The figures make the differences in time commitment clear: the Strangenberg circuit is longer than the Circuit des Croix de Chemin, but is listed with a shorter walking time. The Grande Promenade Mystique is the longest of the three routes described, both in distance and walking time. Check the route details locally before setting out.
Wayside Crosses and Local History
Within the municipality of Westhalten, the Circuit des Croix de Chemin passes at least 25 wayside crosses. At Place de la Mairie, the loop goes past the Stockbrunnen, a Marian fountain dating from 1811. It also points out a former prison from 1767, described as having an iron-studded door with a peephole, as well as a fountain dating from the 16th century.
Today’s Eglise Saint-Blaise offers another perspective on local history. Built between 1836 and 1841, it has a central nave, side aisles and a bell tower with a porch and four bells. The route and church provide two different ways to explore the heritage: historical landmarks along the way and the architecture of a church building.
Wine Designations and Tours
The wine designations also cover different geographical areas. The municipal designation Vallée Noble in Westhalten includes the AOC Alsace Grand cru Zinnkoepflé. The eastern part of the municipality falls within the Côte de Rouffach designation, which includes the AOC Alsace Grand cru Vorbourg. The chalky soil of Bollenberg plays a part in the wine Clos Sainte-Apolline; a Mediterranean-influenced microclimate also contributes.
Domaine Schlegel Boeglin in Westhalten offers wine tastings at the estate. Groups can take a guided cellar tour with a wine tasting, lasting one and a half hours and intended for groups of six to 40 people. It is offered in French, German or English, and must be booked in advance. Confirm your booking with the winery ahead of time.
Vins Clos Sainte-Apolline – Domaine du Bollenberg offers guided tours for individuals and groups by prior arrangement. If this type of visit suits your plans, request available dates in advance. This distinguishes the two offerings: one combines a cellar tour and wine tasting for groups with a reservation, while the other offers guided tours by prior arrangement.
Discover more destinations: Ottmarsheim, Riedwihr, Winkel, Strueth, Staffelfelden, Wittenheim, Battenheim, Hartmannswiller.
For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
