Bergholtz-Zell Quarries Circular Loop

The start is at the information sign on Rue des Raisins. You can park in the square beneath the sign, or on Rue des Suisses. Alternatively, there is a car park in front of the church, less than a 5-minute walk away.

(S/E) Walk due south along Rue des Raisins to the end, then take the small path leading uphill to the right. This path is sometimes quite overgrown, but that is the only difficulty on this route. Just before the junction with the road, take the path on the right and then, at the next junction, take the path leading downhill to the right. At the end of this path, go round the back of the church and you’ll reach Rue du Bois.

(1) Turn left, ignore a street on the left and continue along Rue du Bois to the end. It continues through the forest, reaching a junction after a wide left-hand bend.

(2) Take the path on the right; at the next Fork in the road, keep left. Then walk past the chalet, following the path on the right for about 200 m until you reach a crossroads.

(3) Several trees are marked with white paint; turn right, following the ‘Red Ring’ signposts. Cross a forest track and continue straight on towards the west until you reach a junction with a dirt track.

(4) Follow this track to the left as it climbs, then, at the next junction, go straight on, following the sign for “Chemin des Carrières”. Continue following the Red Ring markings until you reach the next junction.

(5) Pass the return path on your right, as well as the path a few metres further on to the left, heading east. Take the path on the left heading south-east. Carry on straight ahead, then, at the Fork in the road, keep to the right to reach the quarry. Walk alongside it, then follow the path which moves away from and then back towards the cliff. The path eventually reaches a junction with some benches.

(6) Go round them on the right to take the small path, still following the Red Ring markings. At the next junction, turn onto the path on the right and continue due north.
Along the way, veer slightly to the right to enjoy a magnificent view of the valley – not to be missed.

(7) The site also has a small picnic area. Then return to the path and follow it straight on until you reach the junction you passed on the way out.

(5) Turn right, as if starting a second loop, but a few metres further on, take the first path that descends to the left and reaches a junction some 300 m further on.

(8) Turn right onto the path leading downhill. Join a wider path and follow it straight on at each junction. Pass close to the fitness trail and arrive at a small car park at a place called Egten.

(9) After the car park, take the road on the left marked with a Red Diamond. Follow this road due north and enter the village. Continue straight on until you reach Rue des Raisins on your left and your parking spot (S/E).

This walk, which is based on those shown on the information board at the starting point, does not present any particular difficulties, but the ground may be slippery if it has rained recently. It is therefore advisable to wear suitable footwear.
There are several benches along the route, with a picnic area at the point (7).

It is also possible to start the walk near the point (9), by parking in the Etgen Bergholtz car park. See the walk on the Guebwiller Tourist Office website.

Understanding the Club Vosgien’s trail markings.

The village of Bergholtz-Zell is well worth a visit, particularly the Oelberg Calvary, which lies on the hiking route shortly before you return to the start.