Baerenthal, Hanau and Lieschbach ponds and the ruins of Ramstein Castle

To reach the starting point, from the D1062/D662 via Niederbronn or Bitche, turn off at Philippsbourg towards Baerenthal via the D36. Access is also possible from Zinswiller (D141/D87) via Untermuhlthal. In Baerenthal, head towards Mouterhouse then Ramstein Plage/ND de Confiance. Car park near the Church of Notre-Dame de Confiance (pilgrimage site) and the former Baerenthal cutlery factory.

(S/E) From the small bridge over the Zinsel du Nord, take the footpath that runs alongside the Ramstein lake. After about 800 m, you’ll come out onto a small road and reach the Étang de Baerenthal.

(1) Turn right and pass between the houses along Chemin de la Source d'Argent. Follow the road for a few dozen metres, then head left up towards the forest (forest track towards the Col du Petit Dunkelthal – Red Ring markings). Walk for about 1.5 km to reach the Col du Petit Dunkelthal, where you’ll find a major crossroads.

(2) Numerous paths lead off from this junction. Take the second on the left (GR®532), which descends slightly (marked with a Yellow Rectangle and a Red Diamond – towards Étang de Hanau). After passing through a small valley with a meadow, you’ll reach a road (D662). Cross it __with care__, head straight on and you’ll reach a small pond with an old fishing spot.

(3) Continue left for about a hundred metres along the small road, then leave it and head straight into the forest (Yellow Rectangle, Red Diamond markings) to reach Étang de Hanau after about 700m.

(4) “It is not possible to walk around the lake, as a large section is closed and privately owned (Hanau Plage campsite and leisure area).” Take the path on the right, which climbs slightly, towards the Col Kachler (Blue Cross markings). At the first junction, keep to the right and continue along the path (marked with a Blue Cross) to the pass with its multiple junctions.

(5) Of the three paths ahead, take the middle one, heading due east, and after about 400 m, descend to the right to the Étang du Lieschbach.

(6) “A very pretty lake with jetties and benches for picnics.” Walk along the left-hand side of the lake and, at the end, turn left then immediately right (marked with a Yellow Disc). Head towards the meadows, then cross the hamlet of Lieschbach keeping to the left and come out onto the D662 (Niederbronn-Bitche road).

(7) Cross it __with care__ then turn right onto the path at the corner of No. 37. Pass between the houses, cross a stream (the Falkensteinerbach) and arrive at a T-junction. Turn right then immediately head up to the left. After a fairly steep climb, you’ll reach a slightly wider path; follow it to the right (Yellow Disc markings) towards the Col du Grand Dunkelthal/Ramstein. The somewhat monotonous path winds through the forest to the Col du Grand Dunkelthal, where there is a junction with several paths.

(8) Continue straight on, down a steep descent, towards Ramstein Castle and reach the Schlossberg, where the ruins of Ramstein Castle are located.

(9) “The ruins are accessible.” Take the path that crosses the castle and enjoy the views of the surrounding area. Head back down from the ruins towards the main path and arrive at the first houses of Baerenthal. Turn right (Rue du Ramstein) and head straight on to the car park at the foot of the Church of Our Lady of Trust (S/E).

There are no places to eat along the route.

- Baerenthal Pond.
- Hanau Pond.
- Lieschbach Pond.
- Ramstein Castle: 13th-century ruins on a sandstone outcrop. Below, two interconnected underground entrances can be seen. They were dug in 1936 by the Royal Engineers to serve as a supply depot for the Maginot Line (source: Wikipedia).
- Church of Our Lady of Trust: In 1866, the Chapel of Our Lady of Trust was built in Baerenthal for the village’s small Catholic community and dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Built in the Neo-Gothic style, it houses a statue of the Virgin and Child. It survived the three Franco-German wars relatively unscathed and remained relatively unknown until 18 May 1960, which marked the opening of the ‘Notre-Dame de Confiance’ pilgrimage.