La Forêt indivise de Haguenau
Une forêt d'exception®
Remarkable trees, tangs, tumuli, Celtic nunneries and other relics of history... The undivided Forêt de Haguenau is full of hidden treasures! A veritable green lung for northern Alsace, with a surface area of over 13 thousand hectares, it is one of the largest forested areas in France.
© Haguenau Tourist Office
Heritage value, remarkable flora and fauna
Two flagship species make up the area: the Scots pine (one variety of which is found only here) and the echêne each occupy just over a third of the area. The forest was severely affected by the 1999 storm, with 40% of the area ravaged. This contributed to changes in the structure and species composition of the forest. Scots pine (the species most affected, with the equivalent of 10 years of harvesting ripped out), has given way in places to birch.
Walk through the forest and pay close attention to the varied flora of the Forêt de Haguenau, with landscapes that vary between deciduous and résineux. The undivided Forêt of Haguenau has numerous watercourses, wetlands and sandy pine groves, and boasts a great wealth of local flora. It also offers a variety of habitats conducive to the development of rare animal species.
Among its many treasures are the Saint-Arbogast chapel, the Gruendel tangs and the Hunshof washhouse. The Haguenau forest is also home to hundreds of Celtic burial mounds and nunneries, which will reveal themselves to you as you follow the trail.
The area's heritage is unique in terms of its history, landscape, biodiversity and valuable woodland. A forest to contemplate throughout the seasons, where the landscape is punctuated by colours and smells. Whether it's spring to contemplate the lily of the valley or autumn to pick mushrooms, there's so much to cover!
© Zvardon - Haguenau Tourist Office
The largest undivided forest in France
The Forêt de Haguenau, through its undivided status, is half owned by the State and the City of Haguenau. This legacy of the past implies a very special form of governance in terms of management. It is home to a biological reserve covering more than 250 hectares, areas in which man no longer intervenes, or only to the benefit of the restoration of natural environments.
Label created by the Office National de la Forêt, Forêt d'exception® recognises outstanding forest heritage, the sustainability of its management and the enhancement of its natural heritage. Only 14 forests in France are considered exemplary. The undivided Forêt of Haguenau is also classified as Natura 2000. The aim of this designation is to protect sensitive animal and plant species and their habitats.
charcoal; clay, for the potters of Soufflenheim and Betschdorf; and oil are valued by the local populations, with a peak in production in the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Hunting is also practised here, with 20 plots today, 1 of which has been managed by the ONF since 2010 on an experimental basis, in order to restore the forest and game balance on the massif.
It is also possible to hunt in the area's forests.
Stay in one of our Gîtes de France locations in northern Alsace, near Haguenau:
- Gîte Abricot et chocolat (for 4 people, à 6 km from Haguenau)
- Gîte Le Wintervalhof (sleeps 6, 7 km from Haguenau)
- Gîte La Casa de Weitbruch (for 2 people, 7km from Haguenau)
- Gîte Albert (sleeps 4, 7km from Haguenau)
- Gîte Le Pavillon (sleeps 2, 7km from Haguenau)
- Gîte chez Claude (sleeps 5, 8km from Haguenau)
Cover all our accommodation in and around Haguenau
© The chêne monument trail - Zvardon
A friendly, accessible space
At the heart of the forest and close to the Eberbach stream, the Gros Chêne area can be found. Its name comes from a 5-6 century old tree that was struck by lightning in the early 20th century. Today, only part of the trunk remains, topped with a tulip-shaped hat. Linger in front of the Monument du chêne. This installation by contemporary artist Gloria Friedmann pays tribute to the tree that was felled by fire and lightning. The site is much appreciated by many visitors for its picnic areas, children's playground and hostel.
Extending for almost 30 kilometres from west to east and 10 kilometres from north to south, the Haguenau forest can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. Its many hiking trails and cycle paths make it welcoming to all, including a 1.7km trail for people with reduced mobility (ideal for pushchairs too). And if you're feeling more sporty, there are a number of farmyards set out in the forest for you to explore. The Haguenau forest also offers fishing and hunting in the rivers that flow through it. All the ingredients are there for a great time out with family and friends!
To explore the undivided Forêt of Haguenau at your own pace, we recommend these peer itineraries:
- The Blumengarten circuit, a 6.7-kilometre loop (consult the itinerary)
- The Covered Trail, a 2.5-kilometre loop for all ages (consult the itinerary)
- The Grand Tour Haguenau-Eschbach, a 16-kilometre trail (consult the itinerary)
- Le circuit de la Schierlach, a 7-kilometre trail (consulter l'itinéraire)
- The Chêne Monument Trail, 14.5 kilometres to reach the forêt from the town centre (consult the itinerary)
© Le sentier du gros chêne - Cyrille Fleckinger
A rich forest to cover all year round, with activities and outings based around different themes (creative walks, treasure hunts, historical heritage discovery, etc.).), for an immersive découverte. Today, it's a privileged place of détente; for all :