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Park in the Col du Schaentzel car park, not far from the Club Vosgien's Abri Schaentzel. The Alsatian-style building houses lodges and was built in 1906.
Red disc markings
(S/E) With your back to the car park, follow the signs for "Abri pain d'épices" and walk straight ahead. At the first intersection, take the path on the right and continue. On your left, you will pass the old pumping station that supplied water to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle for nearly a century, and shortly afterwards you will see the buildings of the Volerie des Aigles raptor breeding centre. Continue along this gently sloping path until you reach the junction with the D159.
(1) Cross the road carefully (caution: two-way traffic) and continue straight ahead on the forest road. After 350 m, turn left at the intersection.
Red rectangleGR®5signpost
Climb for 300 m where the slope is a little steeper. Turn right and continue. After a few hundred metres, the path curves around the contour of the mountain. Turn right and follow the small path which leads to a narrow staircase at the top, next to the small pavilion.
At the foot of Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, you can admire the panoramic view of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest.
(2) Cross the D159 and take the path below the castle. You can visit the castle (check opening times in advance) by turning right and following the information signs.
Red Ring Markings
(3) At the intersection, take the path on the right (circular walk) leading towards the Ruins of Oedenbourg. Walk straight ahead for 150 metres, then turn right. If you wish to have a picnic, there is a large table on the right. After a few metres, you will see the Ruins of Oedenbourg. Visitors are not allowed inside this small castle, but you can see its picturesque ruins behind a gate.
(4). Retrace your steps back to the fork.
Red rectangleGR®5signpost
(3) Gradually begin to descend to the right. At the first intersection, turn right, then descend to the D159.
(5) At the intersection, cross carefully (cars only come from the right) and descend along the car park on your right. After 150 m, cross the road again. Cross carefully (caution: two-way traffic) and follow the same markings, straight ahead.
Continue towards Col du Schaentzel, staying on the path that descends, and you will arrive at Col du Schaentzel (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Difficult 
