Robertsau and La Wantzenau Forest National Nature Reserve
Since 2020 this national nature reserve has protected a 710-hectare forest north-east of Strasbourg, shared between the Robertsau district and the commune of La Wantzenau. Open to all year-round and free, it is explored on marked trails, about 4.5 km from the city centre. A big breath of forest, provided you follow its code of conduct.
A city forest turned nature reserve
The reserve was created by a decree of 27 July 2020. It covers 710 hectares of forest and meadows between the Robertsau, Strasbourg's northern district, and the neighbouring commune of La Wantzenau. The forest is heavily used by people from the metropolitan area, and the decree regulates the activities carried out there, from hunting and fishing to farming and sport. It is managed by the City of Strasbourg, which also carries out ecological management work there.
Seven entrances and marked paths
The reserve has seven entrances, each reached in a different way. The city maintains a network of marked paths open to walkers, cyclists and riders, and offers a discovery circuit suited to all levels that crosses several natural habitats. Most routes start from the Château de Pourtalès or the Ferme Bussière. In some managed meadows, Highland cattle graze as part of eco-grazing: watch them from a distance without disturbing them.
The code of conduct in practice
As a nature reserve, the forest is subject to precise regulations. The official site of Strasbourg's reserves asks visitors to keep to the marked paths and follow the code of conduct, which is worth reading before you go: it sets out, among other things, what applies to dogs, picking plants or cycling. Any breach can lead to a penalty. Environmental police officers patrol the site and are happy to answer walkers' questions.
Reaching the forest by bus, bike or car
On foot or by bike, you reach the forest from the Robertsau via the Mélanie area or rue Kempf. By bus, line 15 or 15a goes to the Lamproie stop, about ten minutes' walk from the Château de Pourtalès; line 72 towards La Wantzenau serves the Maison forestière du Steingiessen and the Unterjaegerhof. By car, three car parks lie to the east on the route de Glaserwoerth (Blauelsand, Rohrkopf, Karpfenloch) and three to the west off the route de la Wantzenau (Mélanie, Ferme Bussière, Fortin).
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Robertsau reserve?
North-east of Strasbourg, about 4.5 km from the centre, between the Robertsau district and the commune of La Wantzenau. Part of the reserve therefore lies outside Strasbourg itself.
Is access free?
Yes, the reserve is open to everyone all year round, free of charge. You keep to the marked paths and follow the code of conduct.
Can I bring my dog or my bike?
Some marked trails are open to cyclists and riders. For dogs and other uses, the rules are in the code of conduct published on the Strasbourg nature reserves website: check it before you come.
What can I combine with the visit?
The Château de Pourtalès, starting point of many routes, and the Robertsau district, with Kaysersguet and its Lieu d'Europe.
Wikimedia Commons — Ji-Elle · Wikimedia Commons — Lidine Mia
