The best gravel rides in Forêt Du Tannenwald
4.7
(25)
112
riders
63
rides
Gravel biking in Forêt Du Tannenwald offers diverse landscapes within the Grand Est region of France, characterized by preserved nature and varied terrain. The area includes both tranquil forest sections near Mulhouse and the picturesque Vosges foothills near Marmoutier. Cyclists can expect a mix of mostly paved surfaces on some routes, alongside unpaved and more challenging segments, with dedicated VTT infrastructure suitable for gravel biking. The region provides options for various fitness levels, from easy paths to moderately difficult circuits.
…Last updated: October 20, 2026
4.3
(3)
7
riders
31.0km
02:06
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
6
riders
36.8km
02:54
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
32.9km
02:32
450m
450m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
47.2km
03:36
700m
700m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5
riders
47.1km
03:12
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Tips from the Community
Magnificent multi-stemmed, centuries-old lime tree
0
0
Cyclists completely sheltered from cars. Bleak landscape.
0
0
Behind the Rhine plain, there is again some shade-providing forest. But there are also the first ascents.
0
0
The cannon must have been huge. It had a range of up to 40 km. It terrorized the inhabitants of Belfort. This was the response to the bombing of Freiburg, among other places. It was then used as a feint to distract from the attack on Verdun.
0
0
The German soldiers who died in the Battle of Mühlhausen in August 1914 are buried there, including the first casualty of World War I. It's a bit off the beaten track and very well maintained.
0
0
Beneath the forest canopy, you can discover numerous traces of bygone times, still visible or legible; only the "barracks" have disappeared. During a guided tour with one of the site's enthusiastic volunteers, you can explore the underground tunnels and discover the organization of this impressive military infrastructure. Of course, you can also visit the surface infrastructure yourself, following the marked route, where the panels provide detailed explanations. An application, "Site du Grand Canon de Zillisheim," is also available for download.
5
0
The Illfurth German War Cemetery was established by the French military authorities in April 1920. As a collective cemetery, it housed some of the fallen soldiers from the battles of August 7 and 17, 1914. The transfer of war dead to Illfurth, who had been provisionally buried in 64 municipalities and districts during the war or who had died in French captivity, ended in 1924. Among those reburied was the first German casualty of the 1914-1918 War on the Western Front, Lieutenant Albert Mayer, who fell on August 2, 1914, while on patrol. The first French soldier also lost his life in this battle. Several memorials erected in field cemeteries during the war were also relocated to Illfurth.
8
0
The 38 cm Schnellladekanone L/45 (38 cm S.K. L/45) was a gun used by the Imperial Navy and the German Army during World War I. Originally designed as a naval gun, it was also used on land under the designation 38 cm Geschütz Max or Langer Max. The "38 cm SK L/45" had a barrel with an inner diameter of 38 cm, making it one of the largest calibers used at the time. Its range was up to 48 km. Between 1915 and 1916, the German army installed a naval gun called the "Langer Max" in the Zillisheim Forest. This gun, designed to fire long bursts at Belfort and the Saint Amarin Valley, was actually a diversionary plan....
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Forêt Du Tannenwald?
Forêt Du Tannenwald offers a wide selection of gravel bike trails, with over 80 routes available for exploration. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails in Forêt Du Tannenwald?
The terrain in Forêt Du Tannenwald is quite varied. Near Mulhouse, you'll find a mix of mostly paved surfaces and unpaved, more challenging segments. The area near Marmoutier, in the Vosges foothills, features diverse terrain from dirt paths to trails, characteristic of the Vosges piedmont. You can expect both tranquil forest sections and routes with significant elevation gain.
Are there any easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Forêt Du Tannenwald has several easy gravel bike trails. For example, the Blue drawbridge Zillisheim – Brunstatt lock loop from Mulhouse-Ville is an easy 30.6 km (19.0 miles) route that leads through the local canal network and forested areas. The trails near Marmoutier are also generally of medium difficulty, making them suitable for various fitness levels and families.
What are some challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Experienced riders looking for a challenge can explore routes like the Nice trailhead – Small lake with island loop from Mulhouse-Ville. This 47.0 km (29.2 miles) trail features significant elevation gain through varied forest landscapes. Another difficult option is the Petit Séminaire de Zillisheim – Canal du Rhône au Rhin loop from Mulhouse-Ville, covering 42.5 km (26.4 miles) with substantial climbs.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the gravel bike routes?
Forêt Du Tannenwald offers several interesting natural features and historical landmarks. You might encounter the ancient Tumulus, Celtic tomb, or the serene Ziehlbrunnen Spring. The area also features educational signposts along routes, providing insights into local fauna, flora, geology, and heritage, especially in the Marmoutier section.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in Forêt Du Tannenwald?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in Forêt Du Tannenwald are designed as loops. Examples include the Nice trailhead – Small lake with island loop from Mulhouse-Ville and the Col Schlierbach-Landser – Small lake with island loop from Bruebach. These circular routes allow you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics easier.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Forêt Du Tannenwald?
The gravel biking experience in Forêt Du Tannenwald is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse forest landscapes, the well-maintained VTT circuits, and the opportunity to explore the picturesque Vosges foothills.
Is Forêt Du Tannenwald suitable for family gravel biking trips?
Yes, Forêt Du Tannenwald is suitable for families. The forest near Mulhouse has equipped sites with shelters, perfect for family picnics. The trails near Marmoutier are generally of medium difficulty, with circuits ranging from 5 to 13 kilometers, making them accessible for families. Look for easy-rated routes like the Blue drawbridge Zillisheim – Brunstatt lock loop from Mulhouse-Ville for a more relaxed family outing.
Are there any specific areas for mountain biking (VTT) that are also good for gravel bikes?
Both areas of Forêt Du Tannenwald feature dedicated VTT (mountain bike) trails that are also excellent for gravel biking. Near Mulhouse, there are 8 kilometers of reserved VTT trails within the 300 hectares of forest. The Marmoutier area offers three dedicated VTT circuits provided by Alsace à Vélo, indicating a strong infrastructure for off-road cycling that gravel bikes can enjoy.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Forêt Du Tannenwald?
Forêt Du Tannenwald is generally enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year due to its preserved nature and varied terrain. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer can also be good, especially in the shaded forest sections. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any amenities or places to explore near the gravel trails?
Yes, especially near Mulhouse, the forest is close to urban amenities. You can find the Zoological and Botanical Garden nearby, and Parc Alfred Wallach which overlooks the Tannenwald forest. For more information on outdoor activities in the area, you can visit tourisme-mulhouse.com. The Marmoutier area also has educational signposts along routes, enriching the experience with local insights.
Most popular routes in Forêt Du Tannenwald
Most popular attractions in Forêt Du Tannenwald
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
