Around Hohneck via Lake Schiessrothried and Dagobert Cave

Remember to book the refuge before you leave: http://www.vosges-trotters-colmar.fr/le-...
The refuge is comfortable (drinking water, electricity, toilets – but no showers – kitchen equipped with wood stove, crockery, fridge, games), and you sleep in dormitories (blankets and bolsters are provided, but bring a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner). Drinks can be purchased on site. Some rubbish can be left behind, but recyclables must be taken away with you. The welcome is warm and the setting is beautiful.

For the sections on the GR®531 (Rectangle Bleu), be careful, especially in wet weather (metal steps, handrails and ropes, scree slopes), as some areas are tricky, although very beautiful. Nevertheless, we managed it with our full backpacks (we set off for two days with sleeping bags, clothes and food for one adult and one child per bag) and the children loved it (aged 7 and 10).

You can buy farm produce or eat at the various farm inns along the route (Hohneck, Kastelbergwasen, Schiessroth, Frankenthal, at least the ones we saw open when we passed through).

The ridges are very beautiful but windy. There is an orientation table behind the inn that gives a good overview of the surrounding area. The entire walk around the Hohneck offers a good view of the route that will be taken over the two days.

It seems that the area is often frequented by chamois, but we didn't see any during our walk. In mid-October, you can watch the cows being herded back down from the mountains to the Hohneck and hear the tinkling of their bells!

Spitzkoepfe: a lovely viewpoint on this peak, between the rocks, and a good place for a picnic (be careful of the wind, though)!

Schiessrothried refuge: a comfortable refuge with a pleasant little beach below.

Dagobert's cave: it's not very impressive, but it has an interesting history and is a point of interest to motivate children. The rocks next to the path just before the pontoons are a good spot for a picnic or for children to build huts!