Freundstein and Molkenrain

Two possible access routes: via the Route des Crêtes (D 431) from Uffholtz, near Cernay, towards Vieil-Armand, and continuing past the Hartmannswillerkopf museum (this route is closed to traffic during winter); or via the Thann valley (N 66) to Willer-sur-Thur, then right onto the D13bis to the Col Amic. From there, join the Route des Crêtes (D 431) and turn right (this route is open all year round).
Parking on the Route des Crêtes, in front of the Freundstein farmhouse inn (Willer-sur-Thur).

(S/E) Walk past the farmhouse inn, well guarded by a “friendly” Patou dog. You’ll reach a crossroads shortly afterwards.

(1) Turn left onto the path marked with red-white-red Red Rectangles (a variant of^{the GR®5}) which links the Freundstein farmhouse inn to that of Molkenrain. Cross the Riesenkopf scree slope; a steep climb awaits us. Don’t forget to glance to the right (the Thanner-Hubel and Gsang farm-inns on the other side of the slope and behind).
Continue the climb across the meadow to the cattle gate at the top.

(2) Just past this cattle stop, leave the signposted path and the direction of the Molkenrain farmhouse inn; take the clearly visible track on the right, following an electric fence and a low stone wall. This unmarked, gently ascending route offers an exceptional panorama to the left: ‘the Man-Eating Mountain’ with the summit cross of the Hartmannswillerkopf, then the Alsace plain and the Black Forest. In the foreground, the Molkenrain farmhouse inn. Continue to the highest point of the track, to a cattle grid. Once you’ve crossed it, you’ll see a large rock on the right and the Club Vosgien sign.

(3) Continue along the path, keeping to the right of the low stone wall; two IGN markers likely mark the geographical summit of Molkenrain (alt. 1,125 m), as well as the remains of a cairn that was imposing a few years ago. Beautiful view of the Bernese Alps. Follow the path straight on for about fifty metres, until you reach another bend. Head down to the left, towards two pylons bristling with antennas and satellite dishes. Pass two more cattle grids to reach the Red Rectangle-marked path, the GR® 5.

(4) At the junction, turn right; note the green roof of the Uffholtz Friends of Nature chalet-refuge, then its wooden fountain. Continue on the^GR® 5 towards Camp Turenne. The path crosses a first track and continues almost directly opposite, having turned into a stony path. Further down, cross a second track to rejoin a path. A short detour to the left offers a beautiful view with a table and benches.

(5) Continue the descent on the GR®5, which joins a major junction of hiking and mountain biking trails near Camp Turenne. See Practical Information.

(6) Don’t miss a return trip to the nearby Rocher d’Ostein, just 5 minutes away, by continuing straight on the^GR® 5 towards Thann and, about ten metres further on, taking the path that descends to the right.

(7) There is a lovely viewpoint at the Rocher d'Ostein, complete with a bench where you can take a break or admire the scenery. Return to Camp Turenne.

(6) Take the Red Rectangle/White Rectangle/Red Rectangle trail opposite towards Freundstein (parallel to the one you took earlier to reach Camp Turenne). It remains almost level or climbs slightly. After a wide bend to the left, it crosses a path and reaches the Freudstein Chapel about a hundred metres further on.

(8) Head down to the left for a detour to the chapel before rejoining the path and quickly reaching the Freundstein inn and the starting point (S/E).

(4) Mountain hut and fountain.

(5) A table with benches and a viewpoint

(6) Camp Turenne: a former French hospital from the First World War and a military cemetery, which explains the monument and the flag. This spot is well shaded and has a picnic table with benches.

(7) A bench at the Ostein rock.

Understanding the Club Vosgien trail markings.

Walk suggested by RANDO LTD68 (Pierre Brunner)

Two farmhouse inns along the route:
- FA du Freundstein at the start (selling local produce)
- Molkenrain Farmhouse (between (2) and (4))