Munster: nature
heritage and gourmet delights
a stone’s throw from Camping Labaroche
Flavors and charm in the heart of Alsace
The Lake Route around Camping Labaroche
Whether you’re a gourmet or simply curious, the Munster cheese house is a recommended stop after walking the cheese route that surrounds the town. Additionally, Munster boasts an interesting heritage, including the remains of the former Saint-Grégoire Abbey, and strives to keep its local craftsmanship alive.
The Munster Valley
A must-see, the Munster Valley is a jewel of unspoiled nature that winds through several welcoming villages, and its heights are home to farm-inns and traditional crafts, such as the Schlitte Museum (wooden sled). You can pass through the Hohrodberg pass to reach the campsite and enjoy the sumptuous view of the valley.
A village of character at the foot of the peaks
Discover Munster and its Valley
Nestled in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park, the Munster Valley alternates between meadows, spruce forests, and viewpoints overlooking the Alsace plain. Arriving via Hohrodberg, a pass close to the campsite, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the peaks and the town below. Munster is organized around a lively center where shops, terraces, and half-timbered houses meet, while the Fecht, a mountain river, reminds visitors of the immediate proximity to nature. The surrounding villages, connected by winding roads and pleasant cycling paths, offer a peaceful atmosphere and starting points for walks of all levels.
For a first immersion, stroll through the central square, observe the colorful facades, and stop at a bakery or cheese shop to taste local specialties. Architecture enthusiasts will notice the diversity of roofs and oriel windows, testaments to an active commercial history between the plain and the mountains. Sports enthusiasts can extend their discovery with a loop towards the hillsides, before returning to town for a friendly break. This gentle introduction will allow you to tailor the rest of your day according to your desires: culture, gastronomy, hiking, or simply contemplation.
Activities for all tastes and desires
Gastronomy and expertise:
cheese, farm-inns, and the House of Cheese
It’s impossible to mention Munster without talking about Munster cheese, an emblem of mountain expertise passed down from generation to generation. Several sales points and aging cellars allow you to grasp its nuances: when younger, it reveals a soft, milky paste; when more aged, it gains power and length on the palate. The House of Cheese offers a discovery tour to understand breeding, milking, production, and aging, with demonstrations depending on the season. It’s an ideal family stop to connect product, practices, and territory.
Another essential experience, the farm-inns scattered across the heights serve rustic dishes made from farm produce: siaskas, marcaire meals, cold cuts, and seasonal tarts. The setting, often open to pastures, adds to the pleasure of dining. For a well-paced day, alternate between an educational visit and a tasting, followed by a short digestive walk to a viewpoint. If you wish to vary your pleasures, combine this gourmet interlude with a stop on the Alsace Wine Route or a hike along the Lake Route: these two itineraries, close to the campsite, perfectly complement the culinary experience with contrasting landscapes.
Between local culture and forest trails
Walks and Points of Interest: Heritage, Museums, and Landscapes
Munster boasts a discreet but charming heritage. The remains of the former Saint-Grégoire Abbey recall the town’s religious origins and the influence of monasteries in the development of cheese and trade. In the valley, local museums highlight woodworking trades and rural life, including the Schlitte Museum (wooden sled), which concretely illustrates the link between forest, transport, and craftsmanship. These reasonably timed visits can easily be fitted in between a walk and lunch.
Outdoors, marked trails invite you to accessible loops around the town or more challenging routes towards the ridges. Experienced hikers will appreciate the intertwining forest paths, ancient boundary stones, and clearings perfect for a break. To change scenery, reach the nearby Hohrodberg summit for a quick panorama, or plan a half-day in the heights towards the Vosges lakes. If you enjoy combining nature and history, extend your trip to the memorial sites of the massif or discover Hohnack Castle starting from the campsite: these stops add a heritage dimension to your stay without straying far from Munster.
To make the most of your getaway
Practical Tips from the Campsite
From Camping Labaroche, Munster is easily accessible for a day trip. On a clear day, prefer arriving via Hohrodberg to enjoy the views, then park on the outskirts of the center to do everything on foot. In summer, plan your itinerary around the opening hours of the House of Cheese and farm-inns, which are often very popular at lunchtime: a reservation is recommended. Regarding equipment, bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket; the weather changes quickly at altitude, even in town. For families, alternate between indoor moments.