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Start from the car park at the Col du Hundsrück, accessible via the Route Joffre (D14-bIV) from Masevaux (all year round) and from Bischwiller-les-Thann outside the winter season.
Unmarked
(S/E) From the pass, at the side of the road, to the left of an information sign, a path climbs due north-west towards the Ferme du Buissonnet. The slope is steep for about 250 metres. After this strenuous start, the path levels out, runs along the edge of the forest to the Martisplatz crossroads, and offers an unobstructed view of the Doller valley and southern Alsace.
Red Triangle markings
(1) Turn right onto the Red Triangle-marked path towards Thanner-Hübel. A lovely climb with views to the right over the Thann valley and the Grand Ballon. The path reaches a hairpin bend to the left.
(2) After this hairpin bend, followed by another to the right, the path emerges onto the Thanner-Hübel plateau. Head towards the farmhouse inn of the same name. There is a beautiful panoramic view of the main ridge of the Vosges from the terrace.
(3) Walk past the farm buildings heading north, then enter the forest and skirt round the summit of the Thanner-Hübel to the east and north. On emerging from the forest, a vast scree slope stretches across the north-eastern slopes of the Vogelstein and the Rossberg, with the abandoned Rossberg Farm in view and, beyond it, the Gsang Farm-Inn.
(4) Walk alongside the buildings of the Gsang farm to find the Red Triangle path, which climbs northwards. After a wide bend to the left before the forest, you’ll reach a crossroads where the Blue Triangle path branches off to the left, climbing up to the Vogelstein (see the short alternative route in Practical Information).
(5) Continue to the right towards the woodland, heading for Belacker. This woodland path on the northern slope of the Vogelstein, which is idyllic in summer, is cold, damp and difficult to navigate when there is heavy snow. Stay almost at the same altitude (around 1,000 m) until you meet the Red Cross-marked path coming from the right.
(7) The path climbs slightly, leaving the forest and emerging into the light of the vast Belacker moorland. Head towards the farmhouse inn and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view from its terrace.
Red Rectangle markings
(8) Head south-east across the scree to find the Red Rectangle-marked trail, theGR®®5merging with theGR®®532(Yellow Rectangle). Continue uphill towards the Vogelstein rocks and the forest.
(9) Let theGR®®532branch off to the right and head into the forest. You’ll reach a crossroads opposite a large beech tree with signposts.
Immediately to the right, you can climb one of the Vogelstein rocks. Its summit overlooks the Wegscheid Volcano Forest(3) and offers an exceptional panorama. Take care – the view over the Masevaux valley is dizzying.
Head back down to the crossroads, leave the Blue Triangle path on your left and continue for a few dozen metres along theGR®®5towards Thanner-Hübel.
Unmarked
(10) As you emerge from the forest, leave theGR®®5and head right towards the ridge, following a fence. Enjoy panoramic views all along the path as you make your way to the summit of the Rossberg(4), the highest point of the route.
(11) Head down to the left, towards the Mulhouse Ski Club chalet and a junction with numerous paths.
Red Rectangle markings
(12) Head south-east along theGR®®5towards Thann and the Col de Hundsrück. The path enters the forest, begins a gentle descent and leads to the small Place du Nussbaum, with its fountain and picnic table. Further on, it emerges at Martisplatz.
(1) Cross the junction and head down into the forest, following the Red Rectangle markers ofthe GR®®5and ignoring the side paths until you reach the Col de Hundsrück (S/E).
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