Route du Patrimoine de Koestlach

Koestlach has a rich heritage that we invite you to discover on this circular walk, which will take you up the slopes of the Burgerwald to explore the Celtic oppidum of Kasteberg. You will end your walk through the village by discovering the prestigious furnishings of Saint-Léger Church, as well as the Chapel of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, the legends of Kugele and the village of Erzach, the presbytery of Nicolas Delfis and the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman settlement.

Details

880722
Creation:
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Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.49 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 600 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 617 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,136 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,506 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the square at the entrance to the village when coming from Vieux-Ferrette.

Marked by the Club Vosgien with a blue ring.

(S/E) Start the route by turning right at the voluntary drop-off point towards Kastelberg.

(1) At the next crossroads, take the steep path on the left. Pass by a water tank and you will reach another crossroads.

(2) Turn right and follow the markings to the tree trunk hut, where you can take a break. Ignore the paths on either side.

(3) From the hut, continue a few metres south and take the path on the right that climbs directly to the summit of Kastelberg, where you will be rewarded for your efforts with a beautiful view. There is a sign presenting the Celtic site of Kastelberg and a bench where you can catch your breath. It is said that the beneficial waves at the summit greatly aid recovery. The summit of Kastelberg is renowned in Alsace for its high vibrational frequency.

(4) From the summit, take the path to the south-west which leads to the prehistoric fortifications excavation site. After a short slope, cross the wooded plateau of Kastelberg and the prehistoric fortifications. Descend, following the markings, to return to the village.

(5) Just outside the forest, a sign marks the site of the lost village of Dennach. Next, head to the 17th-century chapel. Continue right on the main street.

(6) Just before the church, note the Renaissance house on the village square decorated with a fountain. At the end of the church car park, take the tarmac path that goes around the building (information sign) and join Rue des Fontaines.

(7) Turn left and then immediately right onto Rue des Vergers. Turn right again onto Rue du Doerfle, which leads to the D473. Turn left to return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,565 ft - Voluntary drop-off point
  2. 1 : mi 0.22 - alt. 1,631 ft - Crossroads after the picnic shelter, on the left
  3. 2 : mi 0.45 - alt. 1,785 ft - Crossroads at the top of the steep slope, on the right
  4. 3 : mi 1.12 - alt. 1,926 ft - Forest hut
  5. 4 : mi 1.38 - alt. 2,093 ft - Kastelberg viewpoint
  6. 5 : mi 3.41 - alt. 1,657 ft - Exit from the forest - sign for the lost village
  7. 6 : mi 3.82 - alt. 1,549 ft - Village square
  8. 7 : mi 3.97 - alt. 1,512 ft - Rue des Fontaines, on the left
  9. S/E : mi 4.49 - alt. 1,565 ft - Voluntary drop-off point

Worth a visit

During the walk, you will see:
- the protohistoric site of Kastelberg with a beautiful panorama of the Alsace plain, the Vosges and the Black Forest
- the military remains at the top of Kastelberg (First World War observation post)
- in the village of Koestlach, the chapel, Saint-Léger Church and the remains of a Roman villa just before the car park.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
boubou6855
boubou6855
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely warm-up walk for a first Sunday outing.

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Papinouxe
Papinouxe

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice little walk, very easy, not many viewpoints.

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ajvoyage
ajvoyage

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 28, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very quiet route at the end of February
We had some trouble finding our way back down after visiting the archaeological site when the trail marker (blue circle) was no longer visible: we had already encountered this problem two years ago during our previous hike
(It's easier to find your way using the Visorando app on your mobile phone)
In summary, an easy, very pleasant walk and we were very happy with our afternoon

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Dany68300
Dany68300

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 30, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful walk, very cultural. This hike can be done in hot weather, as it is mostly in the forest.

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ciloutre
ciloutre

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 30, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very pleasant and easy short hike. I recommend it.

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koukinet
koukinet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

We completed this circular route in 2 hours (actual walking time). So the estimated time of 2½ hours is generous. There is a wonderful picnic spot at the top of Kastleberg.

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