Farmhouses: a gourmet journey in the heart of Alsatian traditions

On the heights of the Munster Valley: discover the world of farmhouses, for a gourmet journey in full nature!

Living Christmas magic through the famous Alsatian markets . Flâner dans les allelles fleuries de Riquewihr . Climb to the castle of Haut-Kœnigsbourg. Go on to discover the famous wine route or stroll between the bridges and canals of the little Venice to Colmar . So many experiences that will make a unique stay in Alsace.

But above all, Alsace is known for its gastronomy. In addition to its famous sauerkraut and its flambées pies, discover the world of farms and hostels! On the heights of the Munster valley, let yourself be transported in a gourmet paradise, in the middle of nature. But take care, you'll certainly not get out without a few extra pounds...

Farmhouses: a gourmet and traditional trip

Imagine an exceptional view, accompanied by a delicious meal based on local products... A unique and gourmet experience offered by the famous Alsatian farmhouses. If they represent today a real concept that is furious in Alsace, it is above all a history of traditions and customs dating back to more than ten centuries.

A tradition anchored in Alsatian History

In the past, the peasants of the valleys went up their flocks in small summer farms planted on the high chaumes of the Vosges ridges, to make the animals enjoy the scented pastures. These mountain farmers are called Marcaries , word from the Alsatian dialect « Malker He who deals with cows.

Vosgienne is the emblematic race of the region. In addition to its milk, perfect for the manufacture of Munster’s famous cheese, it also participates in the maintenance of natural spaces by valorizing the territories and fighting against swelling.

Thanks to the development of hiking trails and the creation of club Vosgien In 1872, the first visitors finally ventured to the heights. The marcaires thus took the habit of receiving these hikers by offering them drinks and farm products (lard, cheese etc.). This is how the principle of reception and the firstfruits of the concept of farm-inn develops.

Today, the Alsatian marcaries perpetuate this tradition of raising their flock in the mountains in the summer, through the famous transhumance . For this decisive moment, cows and their beautiful bells are cleaned, crushed and cut.

Nowadays, the farm-in-houses have grown, developed and modernized, sometimes offering a complete experience, passing through the night. So let yourself be transported in this gourmet and authentic journey!

And what is on the menu?

All the farms have their specialties, but the one that you will find almost everywhere and that puts everyone in agreement is the famous meal .

Your taste buds may not forget the unique and melting taste of Roïgabrageldis , a flagship element of the menu. This speciality, which can only be pronounced by the Alsatians (and again) means a preparation based on potatoes cooked for several hours to the suffocated potato.

But be careful, you better be very greedy. These potatoes, accompanied by smoked glut and salad, are only the main dish of the menu. Before that, you will be entitled to a good homemade soup followed by the traditional salad peat (cooked meat plate and served in a pie wrap).

And before dessert, place at the cheese tasting of the farm. In addition to being able to taste the famous Munster, star of the region, other specialties such as Bargkass or the Tomme des Vosges will delight cheese lovers.

To finish, don't miss it Siaskass ! This traditional dessert consists of fresh cheese of the day, watered with life water at Kirsch, cream and sugar. Otherwise, let yourself be tempted by white cheese pie, Myrtilles or other seasonal fruit.

The ridge road: breathtaking views

But to be able to find these famous farms-inns, you'll have to take a little bit of height... Go the ridge road! Prepare your lungs to host a large bowl of fresh air.

An exceptional natural space...

Along its 73 km, the ridge road is accessible from the Munster valley. With a pin in pins, you slowly leave the valley that leaves room for a parade of breathtaking views. Welcome to the heart of the Massif des Vosges, the boundary between the Alsace plain and the Lorraine plateau.

This natural paradise is full of wonders: lawns of high chaumes, forests, peatlands, altitude lakes... A precious heritage that is protected and is part of Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges .

...possible to explore in all seasons

The outsiders will no longer know where to start. Summer as winter, the massif does not lack charms and activities. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing, snowshoes... so many ways to discover these beautiful mountains.

If you have the chance to come there in autumn, you will then discover a landscape covered with shimmering colors. The most impressive is when the mist takes possession of the valleys. As cities and villages are buried under the fog, the sun shines with a thousand lights at the top of the mountains.

It is then an ocean of clouds that takes place under your eyes, a magical show. If the sky is clear enough, you will even have the chance to see the Alpine curve in the distance.

See the chamois at liberty: emblem of the Massif des Vosges, this wild animal attracts many passionate hikers in search of the most beautiful cliché. Today very present on the massif, the chamois are easy to observe around the top of the Hohneck.

After a nice hike on the ridges, what better than a good traditional meal in Farmhouse? No matter the way you choose, you can't miss them! Yet some of them are sometimes well hidden.

Even if the farms are numerous and are all worth it, we have concocted a nice little selection to discover afterwards. So, attach your stomachs and let yourself be carried in this gourmet world!

The Kahlenwasen

From Munster, direction the Little Ballon to discover the Kahlenwasen Farmhouse. The Lochert family welcomes you all summer in an idyllic setting in the middle of the mountain, where you can enjoy the marcary meal and other delights such as fondue with broth.

To last your pleasure and make your loved ones enjoy it, you will even have the opportunity to buy products from the farm (fromages, charcuterie) to bring them home.

And if you want to push the experience to its peak, prepare to spend the night at Kahlenwasen. In the unusual and authentic style, it is difficult to do better. Imagine: waking up with a breathtaking panorama. Nothing will come against the tranquillity of the mountain except for the sweet melody of the bells hung at the neck of the cows.

The Schantzwasen Inn and the Reindeer Farm

The Schantzwasen Inn welcomes you in the heart of the Massif du Tanet Summer and winter! Indeed, the hostel is located in the middle of the Tanet resort: a rather small ski area, which makes it all its charm. From the Schantzwasen terrace, relax and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Munster Valley, the Black Forest and the Swiss Alps.

In addition, you can spend the night at the hostel in mountain-style accommodation, for a stay of the most authentic! On the kitchen side, typical dishes are revisited to offer refined, authentic and regional dishes.

For example, you can enjoy the crispy Strudel at the Munster: a delight composed of Roïgabrageldi , bacon, carvi, grated apple and munster, all wrapped in a brig leaf. Also, traditional dishes are obviously served, like the Fleischschnaka or Spaetzle accompanied by meat.

To make your experience at the Schantzwasen unforgettable, head to the Shut up! ! Located near the hostel, it invites you for a pedagogical journey against these mythical animals. According to the season, the breeding ranges from 30 to 40 reindeer that evolve in a natural space that is dedicated to them. Are we in Alsace where in Lapland ?

The Auberge du Schupferen

The Auberge du Schupferen is a treasure that we almost want to hide... must we already find it! Just like the Schantzwasen, she is nestled in the heart of the Tanet Massif. Accessible only in skis or snowshoes in winter, a forest path leads you to the summer.

Unlike other farmhouses that have made the choice to expand and modernize, the Schupferen family ensures that its tranquility is preserved in an exceptional setting that has not moved for decades. A small hostel where it is best to book in advance, to have the chance to enjoy a simply delicious food.

On the menu, two dishes to choose from. Traditional Fleischschnakas are often proposed. Other meats also like beef fat salt, served on a huge tray accompanied by vegetables and potatoes. The quality of the products turns out to be grand, for a more than reasonable price (no more than 13€ for a very rich dish).

But above all, our heart is packed for the "hot goat" entrance. And for cause, the cheese used is that of the house, we can't make any more fresh and local. If you come at the right time, you can even meet these goats who are wandering freely to return to the hostel at the end of the day.

The Steinwasen

To find the Steinwasen farm-inn, you will have to take a little silly path from the ridge road. The ideal is to get there on foot after a beautiful hike that will give you the appetite to devour the served specialties.

In a warm and authentic setting, the Matter family welcomes you all summer in their farmhouse and its breathtaking view of the large Munster valley. Meals, peasant omelette, charcuterie plate, Munster and Bargkass from the farm, Siaskass ... of what to leave with a broken stomach!

A little desire for unusual? Book your night in the accommodation offered by the farm: a trailer overlooking the valley. Wake up quietly in this exceptional setting, taking the time to breathe the pure air of the mountain.

To finish this unique experience, a breakfast of the farm will be served a lot. With a little luck, you can even enjoy it in the sun on the terrace and its panoramic view!

So, did all these traditions give you water to your mouth? Now you know a little more about the Alsatian specialties that it is possible to enjoy in the middle of the mountain in the farms-inns. A step not to miss during a stay in Alsace!