Office de Tourisme de la Vallée de Munster
Office de Tourisme de la Vallée de Munster
Welcome to the Munster Valley, a nature sanctuary where wildlife reigns supreme. Nestling in the heart of the Vosges mountains in Alsace, this picturesque valley is home to an exceptional biodiversity that attracts nature lovers from all over the world.
Explore the wild, unspoilt landscapes of the Munster valley and marvel at the diversity of species that live here. From majestic stags to discreet red foxes, agile chamois and foxes, every corner of the valley is home to an unsuspected wealth of wildlife.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of bird species that inhabit the valley, from majestic birds of prey such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons to the small, colourful passerines that enliven the forests and meadows.
But the wildlife of the Munster valley is not limited to large animals and birds. The rivers and lakes are also home to a multitude of fish, while the ponds and marshes provide a haven for amphibians and insects.
Whether you’re a keen walker looking for unforgettable encounters with wildlife, or simply a nature lover in search of tranquillity and beauty, the Munster Valley offers an incomparable experience for discovering and appreciating the wealth of wildlife. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of wildlife in this unspoilt valley, where every encounter is a source of wonder and inspiration.
Reintroduced to Alsace in 1938, there are now almost 900 of them throughout the Vosges mountains (250 to 300 in the Munster valley). You can spot them on the ridges of the Munster valley at an altitude of 800 metres or more. But be discreet and don't try to get too close as they are shy animals. Autumn is the best time to see them at sunrise and sunset. Our mountain guides will be delighted to guide you along our trails, so that you can experience some unforgettable moments.
Also reintroduced in 1983 after an absence of more than two centuries, the Vosges mountains are now home to around thirty lynxes, some of which roam the Munster valley. This solitary nocturnal hunter, a member of the feline family, is very difficult to observe. Those lucky enough to spot one will recognise it by its brown spotted coat and the black brushes at the tips of its ears.
Lord of the great forest, the stag is invisible until autumn, when it goes out to meet the hinds. It is towards evening, in the mist-filled clearings, that the stag's deep, powerful bellow suddenly resounds, sometimes followed by the sound of combat between two adversaries, the clash of intertwined antlers. At the end of winter, the stag loses its antlers, which will grow back stronger in the spring. It is also in May that the female gives birth to a young fawn. While nursing, she isolates herself from her hidden calf, so as not to reveal its presence, and if it is found, it must not be touched, as the scent of humans could cause the mother to reject it.
Welcome to the Munster Valley, a botanical paradise where flora flourishes in a natural, unspoilt and diverse setting. Nestling in the heart of the Vosges mountains in Alsace, this picturesque valley is home to an exceptional wealth of plants and flowers that testify to the beauty and biodiversity of the region.
Explore the winding paths that wind through the green meadows, enchanted forests and steep slopes of the Munster valley, and discover a myriad of plants and flowers that colour and perfume the landscape.
Botany enthusiasts will be enchanted by the diversity of plant species that inhabit the valley, from delicate orchids and robust fir trees to aromatic herbs that perfume the air and mysterious mushrooms that grow in the shade of trees.
But the flora of the Munster Valley is not just about visual and olfactory beauty. Many plants and flowers also have medicinal and culinary properties, and have been used for centuries by the region’s inhabitants for their therapeutic and gustatory virtues.
Whether you’re a botanical enthusiast in search of floral rarities or simply a nature lover in search of tranquillity and beauty, the Munster valley offers an incomparable experience for discovering and appreciating the wealth of local flora. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the plants and flowers in this unspoilt valley, where every encounter is an invitation to contemplate and marvel.
Found on the Chaumes above 1,100 metres, it grows alongside Pensée des Vosges, Myrtille and Callune or false heather. Its beautiful white flowers, visible in late spring, turn into fruit with long feathery edges in late summer. This wealth of flora is due to the presence of the herds that maintain these wide open spaces through grazing.
Widespread in the escarpments below the summits, it forms clusters of beautiful pink flowers dotted with purple, in the shape of a turban. Their subtle fragrance attracts insects and their colours delight the photographer's eye.
Also known as Vosges Tobacco, Arnica forms carpets of pretty yellow flowers in the middle of mountain moorland, such as in Breitfirst and around Markstein. The properties of this hardy flower are well known for treating oedemas, blows and sprains, but picking it is regulated, with only professionals collecting it to supply certain laboratories.
Characteristic of peat bogs, which are rare in the Vosges and occupy only small areas, it is also known as ‘poor man's cotton’. Its spike-shaped flowers form dense, silky white bunches. It grows alongside other remarkable species such as the Drosera, a small carnivorous plant, the Marsh Cranberry and the Lycopod.
A member of the narcissus family, it is known for forming huge carpets of yellow flowers in the damp meadows of the valleys. Symbolising the arrival of spring, it is celebrated every two years in Mittlach and Gérardmer.
Saturday: 09:30 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 17:00
