Blanchemer Lake, Rainkopf, Steinwasen and Rothenbachkopf circular loop

Park in the Lac de Blanchemer car park (986 m), above the village of La Bresse. 

(S/E) Walk along the north side of the lake for 200 m, then turn left onto the path marked ‘Yellow Ring’. You’ll soon reach the road; follow it in the same direction for approximately

(1) Turn right at the hairpin bend to continue on the ‘Yellow Ring’ route. Keep left at the three-way junction; further on, pass the ‘Blue Triangle’ path on your right – you’ll take this on the way back – and carry on to the Route des Crêtes.

(2) Cross carefully and continue straight ahead to reach the star-shaped junction at Collet du Rainkopf (1,192 m) near the Auberge de la Chaume du Firstmiss. Take the second path on the right and climb through the woodland, following the Blue Rectangle markings, to reach the summit of Rainkopf (1,305 m) and its viewpoint.

(3) Descend the Rainkopf via the path marked with a Blue Cross and reach another star-shaped junction (1,203 m).

(4) Go straight on along the path marked with a Red Disc, then veer left, following the markings, to reach the Rothenbachkopf (1,316 m).

(5) Continue following the Red Disc markings to the Steinwasen farmhouse inn (1,131 m).

(6) Turn right onto the Yellow Triangle trail and join the road. Continue to the right, climbing gently towards the ridges, until you reach a car park.

(7) Turn right to follow the ridge along the GR® for about 400 m. When the path veers off to the left, carry on straight ahead, staying on the ridge, to reach the Batteriekopf (1311 m).

(8) Continue along the ridge, passing close to the Rothenbachkopf, and head to the small pass you passed on the way out.

(4) Turn left onto the GR® to reach the Collet du Rainkopf, then turn left to rejoin the Route des Crêtes. 

(2) Cross back over carefully, then turn left into the forest onto the Blue Triangle-marked path, which you spotted on the way out. Come out onto the Chemin du Grand Bougre and follow it to the left for about 500 m. 

(10) Turn right, following the Blue Triangle markings, and join the Lac de Blanchemer nature trail.

(10) Walk round the lake on the left to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

There are two farm inns along the route: Auberge de la Chaume du Firstmiss and Auberge du Steinwasen.

Hiking boots recommended.