Lovely Short Walk from Munster

Munster from Narrenstein Walk
Munster from Narrenstein Walk

By Vicky · Published Apr. 10th, 2024

This short walk starts from Munster in Alsace and heads up Narrenstein for great town views before continuing through fields and forests.

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Location

This short walk starts at the car park by the tourist information in the centre of Munster, Alace. Munster is 25 minutes drive from Colmar or alternatively, you can take the convenient train from Colmar to Munster Train Station.

Tips for the Short Walk from Munster

Short Walk from Munster Route Description

Munster from Narrenstein Walk
On a short walk from Munster in Alsace

From the car park in Munster, head towards the church (Église Saint-Léger) in the centre of town. Walk around the back and continue across the bridge. Head slightly right then take the first left up the side road. The road soon ends and becomes a track, then a smaller path.

This narrow path, slightly steep and rocky in places, zigzags upwards to Narrenstein Viewpoint (Fool’s Stone Viewpoint). All the way up this path there are great views back over Munster town and the valley beyond. Take a while to sit on one of the benches, enjoy the view and catch your breath.

Walking in the Vosgues Mountains in Alsace, France
Views of Munster Valley on a short walk in Alsace

After the steep section, the path heads through the trees before returning to some open fields. Continuing upwards, you’ll soon come to the little hamlet of Hamlet where you’ll find more good views over Munster Valley and the surrounding hills.

Head through the village and down the gentle road on the other side. When the road bends the corner, turn right up the path through the woods. After one zigzag you’ll return to walk through some lovely fields. Follow the signs to descend to the road. Take a left here and left again along the track.

The route now contours along the hillside before taking a right to head downwards through the wood. You’ll soon come back to the outskirts of Munster. Take a left before the river to walk along the promenade through the park. The park ends and you’ll reach a road before coming to the first bridge you crossed near the beginning of the walk. Retrace your steps a short distance to return to the car park and the end of this short walk near Munster.

What to do in Munster after the Walk

A church in Alsace, France
What to do in Munster
Walking through a village in Alsace

After this walk, you can stroll around the little town of Munster. In the centre are a few churches, a ruined monastery and a nice town square. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to sample traditional Alsatian food such as tarte flambee.

Cheese making at the munster cheese museum
Munster Cheese Museum

One of the best things to do is visit the Munster Cheese Museum. This is slightly out of town, so you can either walk 30 minutes, take a short bus ride or drive there if you have your own car. The exhibits are in French, English and German, and the demonstration is in French with some English. You get to sample several varieties of cheese plus wine at the end of the tour.


Guidebooks & Maps for Exploring Alsace

Check out the Walk Up Petit Ballon Peak from Munster Valley, the Hohneck Peak Walk, the Best Walking Routes in Alsace, or our France Walking and Hiking page for a nearby walk. Alternatively, see our Guide to the Best Villages in Alsace or our article about the Alsace Wine Route.

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