Looking for a new way to explore Alsace? The Portes Bonheur, le chemin des carrières ("Happiness Gates, the quarry trail") — a former railway line converted into a picturesque 11 km path between Rosheim and Saint-Nabor — is the perfect answer. Nestled at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile, one of Alsace's essential tourist sites, it offers a genuinely unique experience.

What is the history of this route?

This former railway line, inaugurated in 1902, connected the stations of Rosheim, Boersch, Ottrott, and Saint-Nabor. It played a crucial role in transporting stone extracted from the Saint-Nabor quarries to the plain.

Passenger services ran until 1954. In 1969, the heritage train S'Bimel-Bähnel took over, offering a unique experience until the line's permanent closure in 2002, which also marked the end of quarrying operations.

Since then, nature has reclaimed the landscape…

This trail has no fixed start or end point. You can join it wherever and whenever you like — by bicycle, scooter, on foot, or even by pushchair. The route is wide enough to be comfortably shared by all types of walkers.

Blending art, nature, and heritage, the path is lined with breathtaking landscapes, contemporary sculptures, and remarkable historic features.

Along the way, you will find picnic areas, water points, and even bike repair stations with air pumps.

At the end of this walk, a panoramic view over the Alsatian plain awaits. Photography lovers will be in their element.