Discover Le Buchwald

The history of the site

A living heritage in the heart of the forest

Nestled in the heart of a sunlit clearing, on the wooded slope of a hill in the Northern Vosges – a territory now designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – the old Buchwald forest ranger's house stands discreetly amidst unspoilt nature.

Built in 1875 from pink Vosges sandstone, it bears witness to traditional Alsatian forest architecture and recalls a time when these modest buildings were essential focal points for the management and surveillance of vast forested areas.

Built under German administration at the place called «Das Jaegerfeld im Buchwald», literally «the hunter's field in the beech forest», it replaced a modest forester's hut dating from 1779. This first shelter, a simple wooden construction intended to house a ranger and protect forestry equipment, had itself been established on the remains of an old watchtower, recalling the strategic importance of this crossroads for observing and monitoring the territory.

Situation Report — 1870

Napoleonic Map

Over the decades and the upheavals of Alsace's border history, the forest lodge has seen several generations of forest wardens, both French and German, come and go. Each of them lived a life closely tied to the rhythm of the forest, watching over the beech, oak, and Scots pine stands that cover these Vosges hills. A silent witness to the seasons, storms, and changes of sovereignty, the building has traversed eras while retaining its sober and robust character.

Today, carefully renovated in keeping with its original spirit, the former forest keeper's lodge at Buchwald offers a peaceful and authentic retreat.

Nestled amidst deep forests and woodland trails, it invites you to reconnect with nature and the history of the place. Steeped in memory and simplicity, it now offers an ideal haven for a revitalising stay in the heart of the unspoiled landscapes of the Northern Vosges.

Interior

Living spaces

Exceptional volumes, a majestic yet soothing atmosphere.

Reception

The Cathedral Hall

The cathedral hall houses a period Kachelofe. It serves a separate kitchen, a lounge, a dining room, and the mezzanine.

Kachelofe Beams Mezzanine

Friendly

La Grande Véranda

Master living room with triple aspect and its numerous openings, it gives the sensation of being part of the surrounding forest.

Fireplace Billiards Winter garden

Gastronomy

Kitchens

Two fully-equipped kitchens: one with a separate sitting area, the other with a bar, authentic oven and rotisserie fireplace.

2 kitchens Bread oven Rotisserie

Overnight stays

The rooms

Eight elegantly furnished and decorated bedrooms, spread over two buildings.

Spacious rooms

Located on the first floor of both buildings, each decorated with care.

Private bathrooms

Most rooms have their own private bathroom.

Relaxation areas

Conservatory, fireplace nook, billiards room and a library mezzanine with a piano under exposed beams.

Wellbeing

Your relaxation area

Heated indoor swimming pool

A wellness area with direct access to the park terrace.

Sauna

For a refreshing break after a day of hiking.

Sports hall

Indoor court gymnasium.

Exterior

Nature as far as the eye can see

An exceptional area where man and nature have been interacting for centuries.

Vosges du Nord Nature Park

A landscape of beech, oak and Scots pine forests, home to remarkable biodiversity.

GR53 starting from Buchwald

One of the most beautiful hiking routes in the Northern Vosges runs directly alongside the property.
Grand Wintersberg (581 m)

The massif's highest point, at the foot of which nestles the forest estate.
Biosphere Reserve

Le Buchwald is located within the transboundary Biosphere Reserve,
Vosges du Nord / Palatinate Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wildlife

Lynx, roe deer, foxes, badgers - unspoilt nature on your doorstep.

Practice

Good to know

Arrival & Departure

Arrival from 4pm
Departure at 10am

Capacity

Up to 15 travellers
8 bedrooms

Car park

Capacity of
Sufficient parking

WLAN

WLAN Connection
very high-speed

On request

Catering service
Body care and well-being
Equestrian boarding
Walking guides

Ranking

5-star holiday cottage

Label

WWF Panda Gîte

Professional

Projector and screen
Table for 18 people

Ancienne Maison forestière de Buchwald

Between Alsatian heritage and preserved nature

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