This is a lovely walk in the plains of the river Ill, which will let you to escape for two hours from the bustle of this area popular with tourists. In summer you'll be nice and cool, thanks to the many streams and towering trees.
Technical sheet
n°4098313
A Sélestat walk
posted on 29/07/13 by LB_Neil. Last update : 30/11/19
Leave the cars in the small car park near the roundabout (the crossroads of the D424 and the D159 on the south side) (1).
Follow Sentier de l’Ill, marked with a red ring towards the south, across the fields. It runs along the Hollockgraben, which is a drainage ditch of the river Ill.
At the bridge, we reach the course of the river Ill (3). Do not cross the bridge, but stay on the marked trail that veers left.
The trail then enters the Ill Forest. You can admire the vegetation that is unique to this the alluvial forest: alder, ash, unusually tall oak trees.
We pass a hut where the trail starts out at right angles to the right. (4) Do not try to take the shortcut through the woods, it leads to wooden bridges in poor condition. Always follow the markings (red rings).
In the woods, after about 600 m, the path heads off at a right angle to the left (5) and crosses several rivers and drainage ditches (6).
After a kilometre, arrive at a crossroads indicating Illhausern to the right and Sélestat to the left. (7) Turn left, then continue straight.
We pass the Chapelle du Chêne (shelter) where you can take a break (8).
Then take the path back to Sélestat.
The way out of the forest, pass opposite the pumping station on your right and reach the D424. Reach the car park turning left and taking the bike path for a few hundred metres. (9)
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 171 m
1 : km 0.49 - alt. 168 m - Sentier de l’Ill along the Hollockgraben
2 : km 1.53 - alt. 168 m - Bridge over the Ill. Do not cross. - Ill (rivière)
3 : km 3.08 - alt. 180 m - Hut. Take the right fork.
4 : km 3.7 - alt. 176 m - Change of direction. Turn 90° to the left
5 : km 4.15 - alt. 179 m - Cross rivers and drainage paths
6 : km 4.83 - alt. 180 m - Intersection. Turn left.
7 : km 6.54 - alt. 180 m - Chapelle du Chêne.
8 : km 8.45 - alt. 173 m - intersection with the D424.
S/E : km 8.65 - alt. 171 m
Useful Information
This is an alluvial forest and can be flooded in winter. In summer, the roads are passable because they are gravelled.
The entire route is well marked (red ring), which helps not to get lost.
Learn about the tree species of the Illwald before leaving so you can recognise them. This forest is of particular interest for lovers of beautiful trees.
Even in the month of August you will barely see anyone meets during the two-hour walk, maybe one or two joggers. It is an exceptional spot in this very touristy region. There are other variants in the same area. See tourist offices.
If it has rained there will likely be mosquitoes - bring repellent.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Visit Sélestat with its beautiful Romanesque church.
Reviews and comments
4.5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Clarity of route description 5 / 5
Clarity of route map 4.5 / 5
Walk interest 4 / 5
YorkshireTyke42
Overall rating :
4 / 5
Date of walk : 23/09/22 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
A nice walk at the start of a break - flat so good to loosen up a bit. Good directions and enjoyable in the Autumn but a little sameness towards the end
Katewalks
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 24/06/18 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Lovely walk, varying scenary between meadow and forest, with streams and a river along the route. Good for birdwatching, especially the local Storks.
Bad for mosquitoes in June. We had long sleeves and repellant and still got bitten a lot!
