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Mont Sainte-Odile: A Spiritual Summit in Alsace

Discover Mont Sainte-Odile: a spiritual sanctuary in Alsace with panoramic views, ancient walls, and rich history.

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Mont Sainte-Odile, rising above the Alsatian plain, is a historic and spiritual site crowned by the Hohenburg Abbey. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit to explore its chapels, enjoy panoramic views, and discover the ancient Pagan Wall.

A brief summary to Mont Sainte-Odile

  • Ottrott, FR

Local tips

  • Visit the Chapel of Tears and the Chapel of Angels for their historical and artistic significance.
  • Hike along the Pagan Wall to experience the mystery and grandeur of this ancient structure.
  • Drink from the Sainte-Odile spring, located below the abbey, and learn about its legendary healing powers.
  • Check the website for the abbey's opening hours, as the chapels close earlier than the main site.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Mont Sainte-Odile is accessible by car. From Ottrott, follow the signs for Mont Sainte-Odile. The drive takes about 15 minutes. There are several free parking lots available, including one reserved for hotel residents. Parking P1 is closest to the abbey, but P2 and P3 are located further down the mountain and offer a more scenic, though longer, walk. Be aware that P1 fills up quickly.

  • Public Transport

    During the tourist season, Bus Line 257 connects Obernai to Mont Sainte-Odile. From Strasbourg, take a train to Obernai and then transfer to Bus 257. Check the Réseau 67 website or Fluo for the current bus schedule. A single bus ticket costs around €3.

  • Walking

    For a more immersive experience, consider walking to Mont Sainte-Odile from Ottrott via the Pilgrims' Path. The 5km hike takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, park at parking lots P2 or P3 and walk the rest of the way to the top. This shorter walk allows you to enjoy the surrounding nature and the Pagan Wall.

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Discover more about Mont Sainte-Odile

Mont Sainte-Odile, also known as Odilienberg, is a 764-meter peak in the Vosges Mountains, near Ottrott, France. This iconic site is named after Saint Odile, the patron saint of Alsace, and has been a place of pilgrimage and spiritual significance for centuries. The summit is home to the Hohenburg Abbey, founded in the 7th century by Saint Odile. The abbey has been rebuilt several times throughout history, with the current buildings dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. Visitors can explore the Tomb Chapel, containing the sarcophagus of St. Odile, the cloister, the panoramic terrace with its chapels, and the Stations of the Cross. One of the most intriguing features of Mont Sainte-Odile is the Pagan Wall, a megalithic enclosure that surrounds the mountain's plateau. The wall, constructed of around 300,000 large stone blocks, stretches for 11 kilometers. Its origins are still debated, with theories ranging from Celtic origins to a 7th-century construction date. Mont Sainte-Odile offers stunning panoramic views of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest. The site also includes a miraculous spring, said to have been created by Saint Odile, which is believed to have healing properties for eye ailments. Numerous hiking trails crisscross the area, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty and historical landmarks.

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