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Departure from the Kolben car park near a chapel in Kolbenwasen, at the bottom of the valley on leaving Mittlach via Rue Erbersch
(S/E) Take the Croix Jaune trail, which climbs steeply through the forest to the Altenweiher dam.
(1) At the end of the dam, turn right onto the Blue Cross path towards Kerbholtz. After 150m, it becomes a path climbing to the left through a humid and bucolic forest. Pay attention to the markings so you don't get lost among the rocks. You will cross several scree slopes, then the slope becomes gentler. The trail crosses the path that climbs to the Kastelbergwasen farm and becomes easier going until you reach Kerbholtz, where you can enjoy a wide panorama with an exceptional view of the Spitzkoepfe.
(2) Behind the refuge, on the left, is the Rectangle Bleu trail, which you will follow to Rainkopf. After a beautiful stretch through the forest, a panoramic trail leads to the Kastelberg farmhouse inn. Continue along the carriage road for 1 km.
(3) Don't miss the Blue Rectangle trail on the left. After 1 km, you will reach the Firstmiss (or Ferschmuss) hilltop with its farmhouse inn and the Louis Hergès refuge (Club Vosgien de Mulhouse Crêtes) at the foot of Rainkopf.
(4) 100 metres after the refuge, leave the Yellow Cross trail on your left and the Red Rectangle with a White Bar on your right to climb into the forest via the Blue Rectangle. As you leave the forest, the slope becomes steeper, but the view to the left over the Fecht valley is magnificent, with Lake Altenweiher below.
(5) Stop at the summit to enjoy the 360° panorama. Descend via the path opposite, heading south, or take the Blue Cross marked path a little further on. These parallel paths lead to the Col de Rothenbach. Opposite you is the uniquely shaped summit of the Rothenbachkopf.
(6) At the pass, take the Croix Bleue trail on the left, which crosses the Cirque du Leibelthal below the Rothenbachkopf to the Steinwasen farmhouse inn (beautiful view of the valley). The return through the forest begins in a meadow via the steeply descending Croix Bleue trail.
(7) Turn right to enter the forest, then follow the Blue Cross trail as it winds downhill. You will occasionally cross the Steinwasen road, which is a longer but easier alternative.
(8) Once you reach the Wiedenbachrunz valley, a road runs alongside the stream. Follow it for 100 metres to rejoin the Blue Cross trail on the right bank of the stream. Further on, leave the trail that leads to Mittlach and take the left turn towards the Kolben car park. After 400 metres, you will come to the large rock marking the GPS point 48° North / 7° East, then the tarmac road leading to the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
