Munster

Munster is a town in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, nestled in the valley that bears its name, within the Vosges mountain range. Founded around a Benedictine abbey, the town lent its name to the well-known soft cheese produced in the region for centuries. The Munster valley, surrounded by peaks such as the Hohneck and the Petit Ballon, provides a natural setting well suited to walking, skiing and visiting the traditional farm-inns where local specialities like tourte, munster cheese and marcaire dishes are served. The town centre retains some traces of its historical past, particularly around the market square and the former abbey. The nearby Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park offers highland pastures, forests and lakes to explore, including Lac de la Lauch and Lac de Fischboedle. The Alsace Wine Route is also within easy reach, offering a contrast between mountain scenery and vineyards. Munster therefore makes a good base for those interested in nature, regional gastronomy and rural Alsatian heritage, throughout the year.