Eppenbrunn walks

Known as the Vosges Colorado or Alsace Colorado since the French Club Vosgien discovered this remarkable natural area relatively late in the 20th century, it is a magnet for hikers from France on fine days. Apart from the site itself, German forests are usually very quiet in autumn.Do not expect to see even the ruins of an ancient castle... nothing remains, but the real beauty of the site lies in the rocks with their magnificent colours.The French name is probably the result of an excellent marketing strategy, as this site is in no way comparable to the famous Provençal colorados (Rustrel or Roussillon). Apart from a few beautiful colours, it could more easily be compared to Luxembourg's Petite Suisse.However, the site is well worth a visit and even a detour!

Colorado du Bitcherland for some. This is a pink sandstone formation 1.5 km long, 35 m high and with four "towers" towering over visitors. No remains of the castle exist, but the unusual shapes, rocky overhangs and colours that change with the light of day enhance this rock formation. Trail marked with the German "Premiumweg" label.

Gentle climb to Eulenfels, a spectacular but little-visited rocky site. Pass through the Wusteichelsbach peat bogs before climbing gently to the breathtaking Altschlossfelsen rock formation (very popular). Return to Eppenbrunn via the Rocher de Diane, on the French-German border, and the Teufelstisch rocks.

Why is it called the Alsatian Colorado... when it's just across the border in Germany? Our German neighbours call it the Altschlossfelsen or "Old Castle Cliffs". In any case, this easy horse ride between France and Germany, with no major difficulties or steep slopes, allows you to discover this beautiful pink sandstone rock formation, hidden among the vegetation.A short, easy hike, ideal for families with children who enjoy walking.

A lovely forest path for the whole family. Lovely surprises will delight young and old alike. Start in the village or at the football ground, then follow the signs and markers along the way.

A breathtaking walk that will make you feel like you're travelling at the foot of the Grand Canyon. A place to visit again and again, attracting many hikers, this is a beautiful family hike with plenty of tables for picnicking in the shade of the trees.

Starting from the quiet little hamlet of Bremendell, this easy walk takes you through the forests of the Bitche region, taking in several notable sites, including the village of Sturzelbronn and its abbey, as well as the Luchsfelsen.

A beautiful walk in the Northern Vosges to discover the Colorado of Bitcherland.

The castles of Hanau - The Erbsenfels arch.

A lovely, undulating walk through woodland in the south-western part of Obersteinbach. It will certainly appeal to walkers who love old stones from the medieval period and their history (Steinberg, Lutzelhardt, Schoeneck and Wineck), as well as those who admire the beautiful geological formations of pink sandstone, characteristic of the Northern Vosges (Steinberg, Windsteinerfels, Bayerischefels, Gabelfels).

The trail marked with the "Premiumweg" label is a meeting point between Alsace and the Palatinate, between The Northern Vosges and the Wasgau: two of the most beautiful natural sites in Europe thanks to their landscape of endless forests, pink sandstone rocks rising towards the sky and remarkable castle ruins. This 33 km trail was originally divided into two circular loops. Here is the second part, covering 16 km.

On this second stage of your journey through the Vosges with Passion Vosges, you’ll pass numerous castle ruins – it’s a whole different experience. It’s an opportunity to discover the technical and architectural feats achieved at the time in such a hostile environment. This is particularly true of the semi-troglodytic castles of the Northern Vosges, where you find yourself wondering every time how parts of the structure managed to cling to the rock faces. A dizzying question. This stage is described by Franck Buchy in *Passion Vosges*, the hiking magazine published by *DNA* and *L’Alsace*. The entire route follows the Red Rectangle, unless otherwise stated.

This trail takes you to rocks and castles with magnificent, unobstructed views of the valley and Obersteinbach. You can visit the Bohemian Rock or "Tziganes", Wasigenstein Castle, Petit Arnsberg Castle and Wachtfels Rock with its breathtaking view. There is a short stretch of tarmac at the start and end of the hike. This is a fairly easy hike, but I have rated it as moderately difficult due to its length.

This hike in the Northern Vosges will allow you to discover five castles which, although less well known than Fleckenstein, are just as worthy of a visit! Much of the walk takes place on small forest paths, making it very pleasant in hot weather.

Magnificent hike on the forest paths around Hanau Pond. Visit the ruins of Falkenstein, Rothenburg and Waldeck Castles, passing by the splendid sandstone arch of Erbsenfelsen.