Créé par Romane, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
Alsace Farm Inns: Authentic Gourmet Mountain Experience
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Perched on the heights of the Vosges mountains, Alsatian farm inns embody a centuries-old tradition where gastronomy and heritage harmoniously combine. Between verdant pastures and breathtaking panoramas, these authentic establishments invite you to discover the marcaire meal, a true emblem of Alsatian culture. From Rogabrageldi to Munster cheese, each specialty tells the story of the marcaires, these farmers who have perpetuated the art of mountain hospitality for centuries.
Alsatian farm inns: a gourmet tradition rooted in history
The history of Alsatian farm inns dates back more than ten centuries and has its roots in the pastoral traditions of the Vosges mountains. These authentic establishments are much more than a simple place to eat: they represent a true cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation.
The origins of the marcaire tradition
In the past, valley peasants led their herds to the high chaumes of the Vosges ridges during the summer period. These mountain farmers, called marcaires (term derived from the Alsatian dialect Malker meaning "the one who milks cows"), settled their animals in small alpine farms to benefit from the fragrant pastures. The emblematic breed of the region, the Vosgienne, produces exceptional milk ideal for making the famous Munster cheese while participating in the maintenance of natural spaces.
With the development of hiking trails and the creation of the Club Vosgien in 1872, the first visitors began to venture to the heights. The marcaires then began to welcome these hikers by offering them drinks and farm products such as bacon, cheese and homemade bread. This is how the first farm inns were born, true gastronomic institutions of Alsace.
Transhumance, living tradition
Even today, Alsatian marcaires perpetuate the tradition of taking their herd to the mountains in summer through the famous transhumance. For this decisive moment, the cows and their beautiful bells are cleaned, brushed and trimmed before taking the road to the alpine pastures. The farm inns have expanded and modernized over time, now offering the possibility of living a complete experience by even offering the opportunity to spend the night there to fully immerse yourself in the mountain atmosphere.
The marcaire meal: a traditional Alsatian feast
The marcaire meal constitutes the centerpiece of the farm inn experience. This generous traditional menu highlights farm products and local specialties in a sequence of hearty dishes that will delight the strongest appetites.
Gourmet starters
The meal generally begins with a good homemade soup with seasonal vegetables, lovingly simmered according to ancestral recipes. It is often followed by the traditional meat pie accompanied by green salad, a creamy preparation where the meat is cooked and served in a crispy puff pastry crust.
The famous Rogabrageldi, star of the main course
The heart of the marcaire meal is undeniably the Rogabrageldi, a specialty whose name is only pronounceable by Alsatians! This unique preparation consists of potatoes cooked for several hours in a pot while braised, accompanied by smoked collar (smoked pork shoulder) and salad. The slow and gentle cooking gives the potatoes a tender texture and incomparable taste.
The farm cheese platter
Before dessert, it's time for farm cheese tasting. In addition to the famous Munster, undisputed star of the region recognizable by its powerful smell and pronounced taste, you will discover other specialties such as Bargkass (aged mountain cheese) and Tomme des Vosges. These cheeses are made on site from the milk of Vosgienne cows that graze in the surrounding alpine pastures.
The traditional marcaire dessert
To conclude this feast, don't miss the Siaskass, traditional dessert composed of fresh cheese of the day drizzled with Kirsch brandy, thick fresh cream and sugar. An explosion of flavors that perfectly combines sweetness and freshness! You can also opt for cottage cheese tart, wild blueberry tart or other seasonal fruits depending on the time of year.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Colmar on foot and independently
Before or after your gourmet escapade in the farm inns, take the time to visit Colmar, the wine capital of Alsace. Thanks to the Ryo audio-guided itinerary, stroll through Little Venice, admire the colorful half-timbered houses and discover the 21 points of interest of this enchanting medieval city. A 4.7 km route in 2h10 allows you to explore the architectural treasures of Colmar in complete autonomy. Discover the complete itinerary to visit Colmar and enjoy an immersive experience in the heart of authentic Alsace.
The Route des Crêtes: an exceptional natural setting
To access the most authentic farm inns, you need to gain altitude and take the mythical Route des Crêtes. This panoramic route offers you breathtaking landscapes and constitutes the ideal starting point to discover the marcaire traditions.
An unforgettable panoramic route
Connecting Cernay to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines over 73 kilometers, the Route des Crêtes winds through the Vosges mountains at the border between the Alsace plain and the Lorraine plateau. Accessible from the Munster valley, it takes you from hairpin turn to hairpin turn towards exceptional panoramas. The landscape gradually reveals its treasures: high chaumes grasslands, dense forests, mysterious peat bogs and sparkling altitude lakes. This precious natural heritage is protected and is part of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park.
A paradise for nature lovers
Outdoor enthusiasts will find their happiness on the Route des Crêtes, summer and winter. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding in summer; alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter: the possibilities are endless to explore these magnificent mountains. In autumn, the spectacle is particularly striking when fog invades the valleys while the sun shines at the summit. A real ocean of clouds unfolds before your eyes, and in clear weather, you can even see the curve of the Alps on the horizon.
Observing chamois in the wild
Emblem of the Vosges mountains, the chamois attracts many passionate hikers in search of the perfect shot. Now very present on the massif, these graceful wild animals are easy to observe around the summit of Hohneck. To maximize your chances of spotting them, favor outings early in the morning or at sunset, times when they are most active.
1. Kahlenwasen: authenticity and panorama at Petit Ballon
From Munster, head towards Petit Ballon to discover the Kahlenwasen farm inn. The Lochert family welcomes you all summer in an idyllic setting in the middle of the mountains, where you can taste the traditional marcaire meal and other delights such as broth fondue. The establishment also offers a shop where you will find farm products to take away: artisanal cheeses, smoked charcuterie, homemade jams...
To extend the experience and wake up facing the Vosges summits, Kahlenwasen offers unusual accommodations. Imagine opening your eyes to a breathtaking panorama, lulled only by the gentle melody of bells hanging around the cows' necks. A night in the middle of nature that you won't soon forget!
2. Auberge du Schantzwasen and the reindeer farm
Auberge du Schantzwasen welcomes you in the heart of the Tanet massif, summer and winter. Located in the middle of the Tanet ski resort, this family inn benefits from a privileged location. From its panoramic terrace, relax while admiring a breathtaking view of the Munster valley, the German Black Forest and the Swiss Alps on clear days.
On the gastronomy side, typical dishes are revisited to offer you refined and authentic dishes. You can taste for example the crispy Munster Strudel, a delight composed of Rogabrageldi, smoked bacon, caraway, grated apple and farmhouse Munster, all rolled in a golden brick sheet. Traditional dishes are also on the menu: Fleischschnaka (meat snails), homemade Spaetzle accompanied by meat in sauce, deer stew... You can spend the night on site in mountain-style accommodation for the most authentic stay.
In the immediate vicinity of the inn, don't miss the reindeer farm! This unique place invites you for an educational journey to meet these mythical animals. Depending on the season, the farm has 30 to 40 reindeer that roam in a natural space dedicated to them. A magical attraction that will delight young and old and give the impression of being transported to Lapland!
3. Auberge du Schupferen: a hidden treasure in the mountains
Auberge du Schupferen is a real treasure that we would almost like to keep secret. Nestled in the heart of the Tanet massif, it is only accessible on skis or snowshoes in winter, while a forest path leads you there in summer. Unlike other farm inns that have chosen to expand and modernize, the Schupferen family jealously guards the tranquility of this exceptional place whose setting has not changed for decades.
This small intimate inn where it is preferable to book in advance offers simply delicious food at very reasonable prices (no more than 13€ for a very copious dish). On the menu, two dishes to choose from prepared with exceptional quality products. The traditional Fleischschnakas are often offered, as well as other meats such as coarse salt beef served on a huge platter accompanied by fresh vegetables and tender potatoes.
But the real star of the house is the warm goat cheese starter. The cheese used is the one produced on site, impossible to be fresher and more local! If you come at the right time, you can even meet the goats that roam freely in the pastures before returning to the inn at the end of the day.
4. Steinwasen: panoramic view over the great Munster valley
To find the Steinwasen farm inn, you will need to take a small rocky path from the Route des Crêtes. The ideal is to arrive on foot after a beautiful hike in the surrounding alpine pastures that will give you the necessary appetite to devour the generous specialties served.
In a warm and authentic setting, the Matter family welcomes you all summer in their farm inn with its breathtaking view over the great Munster valley. On the menu: complete marcaire meal, country omelet with smoked bacon, homemade charcuterie platter, Munster and Bargkass from the farm, creamy Siaskass... Enough to leave with a satisfied stomach and gourmet memories!
A little desire for something unusual? Book your night in the accommodation offered by the farm: a traditional caravan that majestically overlooks the valley. Wake up peacefully in this exceptional setting while taking the time to breathe the pure mountain air and admire the sunrise over the peaks. To perfect this unique experience, a hearty breakfast composed of farm products will be served: homemade bread, artisanal jams, cottage cheese, smoked charcuterie... With a little luck, you can enjoy it in the sun on the panoramic terrace while watching the cows peacefully grazing in the surrounding meadows.
From Steinwasen, you can also set off to discover magnificent hiking trails that crisscross the Vosges ridges and offer spectacular viewpoints over the Alsace plain. Don't hesitate to ask the Matter family for advice, who will be happy to show you the most beautiful routes according to your level and desires.
Practical tips for enjoying Alsatian farm inns
To fully experience your farm inn experience, here are some essential recommendations. Most farm inns are only open during the summer season, generally from May to September, when the herds are in the alpine pastures. Some establishments like Auberge du Schantzwasen remain open in winter to welcome skiers and snowshoe hikers.
It is strongly recommended to book in advance, especially for the most intimate farm inns like Schupferen where the number of places is limited. Weekends and public holidays are particularly popular. Plan good walking shoes if you want to access the farms on foot, and don't forget that in the mountains, the weather can change quickly: always bring a jacket and protection from the rain.
Budget-wise, expect between 20 and 35 euros per person for a complete marcaire meal, which remains very reasonable given the generosity of the portions and the quality of the farm products. Most farm inns accept cash and credit card payments, but it is best to check when booking.
In conclusion, Alsatian farm inns represent much more than a simple gastronomic stop during your stay in Alsace. They embody a way of life, a philosophy where time seems suspended, where warm hospitality combines with the authenticity of local products. Whether you are an experienced hiker, food lover or simply seeking authenticity, a visit to these establishments perched on the heights of the Vosges will mark you permanently. Don't hesitate to visit Colmar in addition to your discovery of farm inns for a total immersion in Alsatian culture. Between half-timbered houses, picturesque canals and generous gastronomy, you will live an unforgettable experience in the heart of a region that has been able to preserve its traditions while opening up to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit farm inns in Alsace?
The ideal period extends from May to September, when the herds are in alpine pastures and most farm inns are open. Summer offers the best weather conditions to enjoy the panoramic terraces, while autumn reveals chatoyant colors and the magical spectacle of the sea of clouds. Some farms remain open in winter for winter sports enthusiasts.
Do you need to book in advance at farm inns?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to book, especially for weekends, holidays and during the high tourist season. The most reputed farm inns and those with small capacity like Schupferen are often fully booked. Booking also allows farms to plan the necessary quantities of fresh products.
Can you access farm inns by car?
Most farm inns are accessible by car via the Route des Crêtes or forest roads. However, some like Schupferen are only accessible on foot or on skis/snowshoes in winter. It is advisable to inquire with each establishment about access conditions before leaving, especially in case of bad weather.
What exactly is a marcaire meal?
The marcaire meal is the traditional menu served in Alsatian farm inns. It generally consists of a soup or pie as a starter, Rogabrageldi (potatoes cooked while braised) with smoked collar as a main course, a platter of farm cheeses (Munster, Bargkass, Tomme des Vosges) and a dessert such as Siaskass or a fruit tart. It is a hearty menu that reflects the culinary traditions of the marcaires.
Are farm inns suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Farm inns are perfect places for families. Children love discovering farm animals (cows, goats, chickens...), the mountain environment and wide open spaces. Many farms offer menus adapted to younger ones and some have outdoor play areas. The reindeer farm near Schantzwasen is particularly appreciated by children.