This short hike on trails marked by the Club Vosgien has in the first instance views of the valley of Munster, and also a view of the peaks of the Vosges. The many picnic opportunities around the Lac des Truites or Lac Forlet lakes, the trout spotting opportunities, as well the welcoming farmhouse make for an enjoyable outing.
To begin this Alsace walk, reach the Col du Wettstein, from Orbey D48 or from Soultzeren. Park in the car park. GPS coordinates N48°05'16.4" E7°06'57.5"
From the pass, take the GR®532 headed north, towards Lac Noir. The trail is marked with a Yellow rectangle. Starting in the woods, the path is a little steep but then the climb becomes easier.
Follow the signs for about 1.5 km to the intersection of the three marked trails (1).
Take the middle path, towards the west. It is marked with a Yellow cross. This balcony path narrows through the forest and leads to the paved road leading to the lake (2).
Turn right in the direction of the rise and go up the asphalt road to the intersection with a track that goes left (3). Markings: Red triangle. We must follow this track, continuing uphill to the dam (4). Arrive at the dam, turn left around the lake.
Retrace your steps to the dam. Turn right heading east, the path marked with a Yellow disk. The path narrows and leads to Altenkraeh farm (5).
Pass by the farm on the right, turn left following the Yellow disk markings. It rises slightly in the meadows. Follow this trail to the junction of the three marked trails (1).
Once at this intersection, turn right ignoring the outbound path and follow the trail south marked with a Yellow disk .
After 800 metres, you will come to a junction where you must turn right, heading south-east, and take the path marked with Yellow X markings towards the farmhouse of Musmiss. The trail winds in an S and approaches the farmhouse. From the terrace you can see the Hohneck.
There remains only to continue on the marked trail to the Col du Wettstein, where we come to the car park and the starting point.
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 889m - Col de Wettstein (882m)
1 : km 1.37 - alt. 965m - Crossroads of three marked paths.
2 : km 2.89 - alt. 968m - Intersection with the paved road.
3 : km 3.52 - alt. 1018m - Branching of Piste du Lac. Red triangle
4 : km 3.89 - alt. 1072m - Dam.
5 : km 4.49 - alt. 1095m
6 : km 5.95 - alt. 1078m - Altenkraeh farm.
7 : km 8.07 - alt. 875m - Intersection with the path marked with a Yellow X
8 : km 9.24 - alt. 913m
D/A : km 9.69 - alt. 889m
You can eat at the Lac des Truites farmhouse of and/or the Musmiss inn.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
A picnic area and picnic opportunities on the rocks around the lake.
Global average : 4.67/5
Number of opinions : 2
Description quality : 4.5/5
Routemap quality : 4.5/5
Walk interest : 5/5
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 27/12/18
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
Nice walk with great views. We actually extended the walk by going all the way up at the lake and coming back through the woods. This extends the walk by about 3 kilometers but once up the mountain, you reach the snow and have the most magnificent view over the entire area!
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 28/07/16
Description quality
: Good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Actually did walk backwards, missing path forks from description - lovely walk though.
Explore the forest, lakes and the Hautes Chaumes, the highlights of this hike that follows Vosges Club trails.
An uphill section towards Lake Noir on the slope of Orbey.
A beautiful hike that takes you up to the “Gazons”, the famous pastures of the Hautes Vosges, and along the steep slopes overlooking the magnificent cirques where the lakes of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet lie. All of this is situated at an altitude and in landscapes that are reminiscent of the Alps.
Start at the Col de la Schlucht car park...
A very athletic outing. Good equipment and good physical condition are recommended!
Observe the chamois in the Wormspel, soak your feet in the clear waters of lake Schiessrothried and appreciate the beauty of the Frankenthal-Missheimle nature reserve. And, if possible, stop at a farm-guesthouse for an excellent day!
As a variation of this hike, go via the Col de Falimont, where you can find practical information.
At the start of Lake Lispach, this hike will take you through a variety of settings. Peat bogs bordering Lake Lispach where you will see the Vosges’ forests and even some of the Rouge Feigne’s stubble more than 1,100 m above sea level. The return on the mountainside will eventually convince you that the Vosges are not just for cows...
Start and finish at the Col de Bramont.
This route will let you discover the Lac des Corbeaux from the Belvédère de la Roche du Lac 200m above it.
The view is stunning and its the perfect place for a snack!
A trail takes you down to the lake. It doesn't cross the embankment, but takes you round the lake on a pleasant, shady trail.
Return to the Col de Bramont via the Étang de Sèchemer.
A very beautiful circuit that's not too difficult, although very steep.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.