Circular in the Obernai forest starting from Vorbruck

Park in the Vorbruck car park on the D426 after Klingenthal. It can accommodate a dozen vehicles, and it is rare not to find a space. I always park there in the morning without ever encountering any problems.

(S/E) Cross the road at the car park exit and take the forest path marked Croix Rouge. The path is wide, with moderate bends but a steep slope. At the first hairpin bend, you will reach a crossroads.

(1) There are two possible options:

• choose the easiest option by continuing on the main path, then, at the next junction, take the path on the right, following the Red Cross markings,
• for the more adventurous, take the path that starts in the middle of the right-hand bend, climbing steeply and joining the Red Cross a little higher up; this is the route shown on the map. Be careful not to go past the start of the path, as the steep climb continues beyond it; continue to the right.

From this crossroads – reached either by the steep path or the marked trail – continue for about 400 m, then take the stairs on the left. The very steep climb offers a breathtaking view of Hagelschloss Castle. A few steps from the top, turn right to access the castle grounds, of which unfortunately only a few ruins remain, then exit by the same place.

(2) Now take the Mur Païen path on the right, following the yellow signposts. You will reach the Koeberlé Gate.

(3) Continue along the Mur Païen trail until you reach the right-angle junction with the red signposts.

(4) Descend to the right, following the red signposts, and a few metres further on, turn right again, following the same signposts. Walk around the Château du Dreistein, parts of which are well preserved, and continue down this path until you reach a forest track.

(5) Turn left and continue to follow the Chevalet Rouge markings until you reach the Saegmuehlmaettel car park, take the exit opposite and cross the road.

(6) Here you have two options:

• turn right and follow the blue triangle markings to the Willerhof forest house, then take the blue loop trail to the Kagenfels Castle crossroads ,
• head left, which is the route shown on the map, first on the tarmac road towards the forest house, then, 80 metres further on, take the small bridge on the left onto the Yellow Ringtrail.
  Aftera steady climb, you will reach a crossroads below Birkenfels Castle and near the Cabane du Club Vosgien. The castle, located a little higher up on the left, is worth a visit.

(7) After visiting Birkenfels Castle, return to the hut and continue on to the forest path just a few metres further on. Here, too, there are two options:

• either take a shortcut by following the Blue Ring Blue Cross markings on the right, reach the car park near the Breitmatt crossroads , cross it to reach the Red Ring trail crossroads and then continue the hike at point (11),
• or, following the route on the map, turn right onto the forest path and, almost immediately, left onto the unmarked trail that climbs almost straight up to the D426.

(8) Be careful here as this is a very busy road. Cross it with caution, then follow it to the right until you reach the entrance to a path about 20 metres further on. Take the forest path on the left. You will come to a crossroads.

(9) Turn right onto the Blue Disc marked trail , follow it and you will reach the summit of Kienberg, marked by a sign.

(10) Turn right to enjoy the view and the bench a little further on. Then take the Yellow Triangle marked path, which winds downhill. Watch out for slippery roots in this area. At the end of the descent, turn right onto the GR®5 marked with a red rectangle. Then cross the D426, a very busy road, with great caution. Continue straight ahead on the red-white-red rectangle, which joins a tarmac road (no traffic) marked with a red ring a little further on. Take it to the left.

(11) Follow the road uphill for 430 metres to reach the Carrefour du Schwarzenberg.

(12) Turn left, in a hairpin bend, onto the Chevalet Rouge path to reach the Carrefour du Neugruenrain, indicated by a sign, 830m further on.

(13) Turn right onto the magnificent Chemin des Bornes, following the yellow signposts, and you will reach the junction with the blue cross signposted path. Pay close attention to the signposts as it is easy to miss this junction.

(14) Turn right and begin the descent on the blue cross-marked path to reach the Kreuzweg crossroads.

(15) Cross the crossroads, leaving the Vosgiens club shelter on your right, and take the blue cross marked path on the left.
Continue along this path until you reach a tarmac road (no traffic). Follow it to the right for about 250 metres, then turn left onto the blue cross marked path. At the next junction, just a few metres further on, turn opposite, uphill, to reach Kagenfels Castle.

(16) From the plateau offering a view of the castle, continue along the path and descend on the opposite side. Once at the bottom, turn right and follow the blue cross markings. Continue along this path for about 2 km until you reach the bottom. After a final detour to the left, you will reach a tarmac road. Turn right and rejoin the D426 250 m further on.
Turn left and cross the Vorbach River to reach the Vorbruck car park (S/E).

You can also do this route in the opposite direction. The hike is a little more difficult with a 600m elevation gain right from the start to the Chemin des Bornes, followed by a very steep climb to reach the Kienberg via the south face, and finally the climb between the Saegmuehlmaettel and the Mur Païen. A word of warning to enthusiasts.

(2) The Mur Païen is a place that invites silence. Respect this soothing atmosphere and let yourself be immersed in the peace and tranquillity that reigns there. You will come out feeling completely rejuvenated. Enjoy the natural scents of the forest, wood, sap, earth and mushrooms. Avoid using excessive amounts of perfume or deodorant, which can alter the air for other hikers. Savour the authentic aromas of nature and you will appreciate this place, rich in forest scents, even more.
(6) The Saegmuehlmaettel car park is another good starting point for hikes.
(7) A Club Vosgien shelter provides protection from the elements at Birkenfels Castle.
(10) The summit of Kienberg is an excellent place for a picnic, not only because of its bench, but also because of the view it offers.

(13) This spot is also ideal for a break on the bench. The view may not be spectacular, but the calm and beauty of the surrounding forest make it a peaceful place.

(15) The Kreuzweg crossroads offers shelter if needed. There is also a river nearby where you can give your dogs a drink.

(16) The benches facing the castle offer a pleasant break, ideal for resting while admiring the view.

(2) Hagelschloss Castle
(2) Pagan wall
(3) Koeberlé Gate
(5) Dreistein Castle
(7) Birkenfels Castle
(10) Kienberg viewpoint
(13) Boundary stone trail
(16) Kagenfels Castle