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Car park on the D430 leading to Markstein from Guebwiller, 350m to the right after the Dauvillers forest ranger’s house.
(S/E) Near the ‘Forêt du Florival’ information sign, head up the ‘Chemin de l’Enfer’ towards Lac de la Lauch and the ‘Sentier Fernand Hanssen’. After 300m, you’ll pass above the Klinzrunz stream, which flows down the slope from the Klintzkopf.
(1) After the stream, head up to the left along the Blue Cross-marked path. The climb is steep; keep the paths towards Linthal on your right and continue until you reach the D430 on your left.
(2) Cross the road and head left towards a large rock and a bridge; to the left of the bridge, the Blue Cross trail resumes. Wide for the first 300 metres, it then narrows. You’ll pass several scree slopes and the sound of a waterfall grows louder. After a tricky section across a stream, secured by a cable, you’ll come to a wide path at a bend. This is the old Markstein road.
(3) Turn left and head downhill towards the waterfalls. Within a few minutes, you’ll reach the highest of the waterfalls at a bridge.
(4) Climb the secured steps on the right after the bridge; you’ll have plenty of time to admire the waterfalls. The path, which is quite steep, is signposted with a Blue Triangle. The slope levels out and you’ll catch sight of the Lac de la Lauch dam. Head right towards the disused buildings of the Auberge du Lac. Go round them on the left and walk up the ramp towards the road and the dam.
(5) To walk round the lake, cross the dam and turn right onto the path marked with a Blue Triangle, heading towards Markstein. Ignore the paths leading uphill to the left and stay as close to the lake as possible.
The path is no longer signposted. You are approaching the marshy area to the west of the lake, with its characteristic bog flora. The path climbs back up towards the road and then runs alongside it on the right for 200 metres. At the bend, you’ll come across several streams, including the Lauch, which flows down the slopes of the Lauchenkopf.
(6) After the bridge, at the bend, a small path – initially gravelly – descends steeply towards the lake. Follow this lovely stretch through the damp forest to reach the lakeshore, a popular spot for anglers, then head back up to the far end of the dam and the road.
(5) Follow the road to the small car park at the Auberge du Lac. Head towards the far end of the car park, near the information boards.
(7) Here you’ll find the start of the old Markstein road and the Blue Cross signposting for a gentle descent. Return to point (3), then turn right to enjoy the view of the large waterfall once more
(4). Turn left after the bridge. The return journey follows the Blue Triangle trail, which descends along the right bank of the Lauch – a beautiful path amongst moss-covered rocks through the forest of the Guebwiller State Organic Estate. Cross a forest track, then, 700 metres further on, a footbridge, and finally, to the right of a bridge, you’ll come to the tarmac road leading to Lac du Ballon.
(8) Cross the road and follow it for 80 metres to rejoin the Blue Triangle trail on the left and the right bank of the Lauch.
(9) As you emerge from the forest, near the old First World War military cemetery, you’ll approach the Forest House. Head left towards the bridge. You’ll come to the D430 and the car park on your left (S/E).
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