Altenweiher walks

This hike will take us on a day-long journey to discover some of the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges, four of which are nestled in remarkable glacial cirques.

A long hike around the third highest peak in the Vosges mountains and the highest in the Vosges department, following six lakes. The route offers beautiful views and all types of terrain (paths, roads, trails, forest, clearings, alpine pastures, etc.). This is a very difficult hike for experienced hikers only (length, duration and significant elevation gain). Not to be attempted in winter; best done in late spring, summer or early autumn.

A beautiful descent! But then a beautiful climb back up!!! Magnificent scenery and lots of flowers to admire in early July... and enjoy tasting local produce at the Steinwasen farm inn...

I have named this hike "along the water" because it never leaves you. First in the form of a stream, then a waterfall, then you find it in the form of lakes, from the smallest to the largest, and finally you end the walk along the river that takes you back to your vehicle. Please note: This hike is for experienced walkers. There are many steep slopes and some sections are dangerous, especially for children. Risk of falls. 06/02/2023: Hiking is prohibited until further notice by municipal decree due to a rock and stone slide on theGR®531.

From the Col de la Schlucht, take the ridge road towards Markstein and park in the Maison de la Nature car park by the roadside. This short hike will take you up the steep slopes of Kastelberg and Rainkopf to discover the Altenweiher dam lake before climbing back up to the top of Rainkopf. You can walk around the lake, which takes about 20 minutes extra.

A beautiful, challenging hike for experienced hikers. This route is not accessible in winter. The route is closed between (8), (9), (10) and (11) from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural decree of 18 May 2022).

This route will allow you to discover the landscapes of the Hohneck massif with beautiful views of the Munster valley and you may even spot chamois on the slopes of the snowfield trail. Please note that some sections of this hike are particularly difficult, especially the descent from Rainkopf and the ascent from Séestaedtle to Kerbholz. Avoid this route in wet weather, as the rocks are particularly slippery and a fall could be fatal.

This route focuses on three beautiful peaks south of Hohneck. The climb passes by the very pretty Altenweiher (old lake) before reaching the ridge. The view of Rothenbachkopf from Rainkopf is superb. This hike combines scree, undergrowth and high-altitude pastures.

48°00'00'' North / 07°00'00'' East, starting point for this hike around Lake Altenweiher. This highly varied hike alternates between forest paths, "alpine" passages and scree slopes in glacial cirques, offering panoramic views of the Alsace and Vosges slopes from the hilltops and summits, as well as the opportunity to stop for refreshments at authentic farmhouse inns.

A superb hike to do in summer when it's very hot. Three quarters of the route is shaded. These two glacial lakes are magnificent.

Circular route along the Vosges ridges around one of its highest peaks, the Kastelberg (1350m). Passage on the Alsace side at Lake Altenweiher (925m) and on the Vosges side at Lakes Blanchemer (985m) and Lande (1034m).

The gentle, rounded shapes of the Vosges mountains sometimes conceal the harsh and authentic remains of the Ice Age: rocky chaos, turbulent streams, scree, lakes and cliffs. This hike follows paths that are sometimes difficult but well secured, and the wild beauty of the glacial cirques around Kastelberg is well worth the effort. However, it should be avoided in winter. Good footwear is essential.

A very beautiful hike through the woods and along magnificent trails, enhanced by breathtaking panoramic views, particularly at the summit of Kerbholtz.

On the agenda: a full day of breathtaking views! Starting from the summit of Hohneck, this hike will take you to a less frequented slope to the east of the Col du Rothenbach. This will lead you to the Sapin de Kolben and the chapel, before discovering the three lakes: Altenweiher, Fischboedle and Schiessrothried. Finally, return to the summit via the Col de Schaeferthal. This hike is classified as very difficult: see the Practical Information section.

Ascent to Kerbholz from Mittlach via the Koepfle Trail. Beautiful view of Hohneck from the Kerbholz Refuge. From there, you reach Lake Altenweiher through a beautiful forest. The lake, surrounded by greenery, is ideal for a break. Then descend to Mittlach via Sapin de Kolben and the Kolbenfecht valley.