Wasgau

Wasgau is a cross-border natural region that spans the border between Germany and France. It comprises the northern Vosges in the French Grand Est and the Palatinate Forest (Pfälzerwald) in Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate, forming a continuous sandstone massif along the Upper Rhine region. The Wasgau is a traditional geographic term rather than an administrative unit, used to describe this shared, forested landscape.

Geography and geology: The Wasgau covers a densely forested highland with ridges, plateaus, and deep valleys carved by erosion. The landscape is dominated by sandstone formations, cliffs, and a network of streams, supporting a diverse flora and fauna typical of Central European mixed forests. The region is known for its scenic rock outcrops and extensive hiking and cycling routes that traverse both sides of the border.

Conservation and administration: The Wasgau lies within the Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve, a cross-border UNESCO designation that aims to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable development and cooperation between Germany and France. The reserve helps coordinate conservation, land use, and tourism across the Wasgau area.

Cultural and recreational aspects: The region has a long history as a borderland, with numerous castles, ruins, and historic towns in its vicinity. It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, especially hiking and cycling, offering cross-border trails and viewpoints that showcase the landscape and heritage of both the Pfälzerwald and the Vosges du Nord.