Metzeral

Metzeral is an Alsatian village tucked away at the far end of Munster Valley, within the Vosges massif (Haut-Rhin). Surrounded by meadows, fir forests, and rounded peaks, it serves as a gateway to the Vosges alpine meadows and Fischboedle Lake. The village attracts hikers and nature lovers seeking peaceful surroundings, far from the hustle of larger resorts.

Quick facts at a glance

• Access: from Colmar, D417 road via Munster (approximately 20 km); Metzeral railway station accessible from Colmar via the Munster Valley railway line.
• Recommended duration: a full day to combine the village and hiking; a weekend to explore the surrounding area.
• Attire: hiking boots recommended for mountain trails.
• Accessibility for disabled visitors: the village center is accessible; mountain trails are not.

What to see

The village preserves typical Alsatian architecture: half-timbered houses, flower-adorned fountains in season, austere Protestant church. The damp meadows surrounding the village harbor flora characteristic of the Vosges. The nearby heights offer sweeping views across Munster Valley and, on clear days, out toward the Alsatian plain.

History and context

Metzeral was profoundly marked by the First World War. The stabilized front across the Vosges crossed these heights; several military cemeteries and trench remnants remain on the nearby ridges. The village itself was partially destroyed and rebuilt after 1918. This wartime memory coexists with an ancient pastoral tradition rooted in cattle raising and the production of Munster cheese.

Highlights of a visit

Fischboedle Lake

This small mountain lake, reachable on foot from Metzeral in under an hour, is the sector's most sought-after excursion. Set within a forested cirque, it offers a tranquil stop away from crowds. The trail follows Fecht stream and climbs gradually through Vosges forest.

Kastelberg and Hohneck alpine meadows

The ridges accessible from Metzeral lead toward Kastelberg and, further on, to Hohneck, one of the Vosges' highest peaks. The chaumes—high-altitude meadows—are characteristic of the Vosges landscape and deliver expansive views across both slopes.

Munster Valley

Metzeral occupies the upper reaches of this verdant valley. The road climbing it from Colmar passes through several typical Alsatian villages and follows Fecht stream. It's a pleasant route by bike or car, dotted with farm inns serving farmhouse Munster cheese.

Photography tips

Morning light illuminates meadows and wooded slopes from the east. In autumn, beeches and firs offer a palette of colors. Fischboedle Lake photographs well mid-morning, before mist rises. On the ridges, favor golden hour to capture the Alsatian plain below.

Location and access

Metzeral sits at the end of the Colmar–Metzeral railway line, one of the few active mountain lines remaining in Alsace. By car, the D417 connects Colmar to Munster, then the D10 climbs to Metzeral. The village is roughly 20 km from Colmar and a few kilometers from Munster, the namesake cheese capital.

Nearby attractions

• Munster — valley town renowned for its AOP cheese and lively market.
• Hohneck — Vosges peak with panoramic views across both slopes and the Alsatian plain.
• Gérardmer Lake — large Vosges lake on the Lorraine side, reachable via the ridges.
• Colmar — Alsatian town with remarkable medieval architecture, gateway to the valley.
• Alsace Wine Route — wine-focused itinerary skirting the Vosges foothills, accessible from Colmar.