A bit of history… Strasbourg’s many walls and fortifications bear witness to the city’s important role as a stronghold. After 1870, as a replacement for the Specklin and Vauban fortifications, deemed obsolete, two new lines of defence were erected: an 11 km city wall, and a ring of 19 advanced forts (16 in France, 3 in Germany). Built while Alsace-Lorraine was part of the German Empire under Wilhelm I, the forts initially bore the names of key German politicians and military leaders, until they were re-named after 1918 in honour of French generals and marshals. The different forts, fortified structures, shelters and casemates are camouflaged under a canopy of trees like black locust, chestnut or walnut. Over the years, most of the forts have become completely overgrown, and only 4 are now open to the public, Fort Rapp (Moltke), Fort Frère (Baden), Fort Kléber (Bismarck) and Fort Ducrot (Podbielski). Exploring these forts combines history with pleasure, a path of discovery that is both fascinating and fun. …Nature in abundance! The Forts Trail is also an opportunity for cyclists to enjoy the diversity of the surrounding landscape, from the cool forest atmosphere to the shade of a café terrace, and from half-timbered buildings to lock-keepers’ houses, as they play leap-frog over the Rhine, or stop for a picnic within the fortified walls. The Forts Trail can also be accessed from the city centre or via the cycle tracks that run along the Marne/Rhine - Eurovélo®5, Bruche and Rhône/Rhine - Eurovélo®15 canals. Discover shorter or longer sections of the Trail at your own pace, without any major difficulty, with family or friends.