Nideck Waterfall from the Forest House

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A classic hike in the Bas-Rhin region. There are dozens of marked trails in the area, but I opted for a (very) cool late winter version. It's an easy hike that's accessible for families. Be careful on the steps leading up to the ruins of the Nideck Castles, which offer a magnificent view at an altitude of just under 500 metres. The steps are narrow, but you don't have to climb them to enjoy the view. Children may prefer to stay at the foot of the castle to admire the surroundings.
Then there's the waterfall, which is very pretty at the end of winter when the flow is stronger.

Details

n°46628461
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.39 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 205 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 206 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 599 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 430 m
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Photos

Hirschfels Rock
Nideck Waterfall in March
From the top of the upper castle of Nideck

Description of the walk

Free and easily accessible car park just below the Maison Forestière.

(S/E) Go to the end of the small car park and follow the path marked with red triangles. You will soon reach a Y-shaped crossroads.

(1) Stay on the right-hand path and now follow the red rectangle markings, which is theGR®53. Continue downhill and you will reach the ruins of Nideck Castle. Be careful here, as it's a steep climb to the top of the upper castle.

(2) Go around the lower castle and descend to the Nideck Waterfall junction.

(3) Take the pretty path downhill to the right. Follow the numerous steps down to the lowest point, where you can admire the beautiful waterfall.

(4) Climb the stairs to return to the previous crossroads.

(3) Continue to the right, following the red triangle markings to the Hirschfels viewpoint.

(5) Turn left and follow the yellow cross markings for almost 180°, which clearly indicate the Nideck Forest House. Continue along this gently uphill path to return to the Forest House car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 599 m - Nideck Forest House car park
  2. 1 : km 0.62 - alt. 521 m - GR53
  3. 2 : km 1.36 - alt. 557 m - Château du Nideck (ruine)
  4. 3 : km 1.77 - alt. 493 m - Waterfall crossroads
  5. 4 : km 2.04 - alt. 440 m - Cascade du Nideck
  6. 5 : km 2.89 - alt. 534 m - Hirschfels
  7. S/E : km 4.39 - alt. 599 m - Nideck Forest House car park

Worth a visit

(2) Nideck Castle: the oldest reference found to date dates back to 1264. The lower castle probably dates from thefirst half of the 13th century. Enjoy the view of the Hasel Valley from here.
(4) Nideck Waterfall: there are steps to access it and, on my route, to get back on the road. Nothing too difficult, just make sure you wear good shoes to avoid slipping.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 8364754

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We enjoyed the walk. The directions were easy to follow on paper, but once we got there, we encountered some confusing changes to the signs.
In the end, because it was so busy, we started with the waterfall and then went to the lower castle. We thought this was better, as there were fewer people on the route. And finally, we preferred to go downhill and then uphill a little at the end.

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Dilt
Dilt

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The hike is very pleasant and suitable for children. However, on the way back, be careful as the yellow cross is not very visible. We took the wrong path. More precise information about the location of this yellow cross would be helpful.

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Superius
Superius

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful views with the waterfall and ruined castle.
It's more of a stroll than a hike, but it's pleasant because much of it is covered by trees, which is refreshing when it's very hot...

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bruno68z
bruno68z

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

It should perhaps be noted that the Maison Forestière du Nideck is located after the hamlet of Gensbourg along the D218 road going up from Oberhaslach.

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MUSÉE DE L'ARDOISE
MUSÉE DE L'ARDOISE

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Landscapes, interesting sights such as ruined castles, viewpoints... But beware of ticks at this time of year.

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fufu5433
fufu5433

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk, beautiful waterfall and some stunning views.
Just one comment: the starting point is not at the end of the car park as indicated in the route description, but at the entrance to the car park.

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JM Motsch
JM Motsch

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Excellent, easy hike, even with a dog

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zawere
zawere

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Like all waterfalls, it is best to visit when there is plenty of water.

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lolo46
lolo46

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Pleasant hike. Follow the signs carefully as there are many paths. Quite a short route if you're looking for a short walk.

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