Hilst walks

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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

A lovely walk in warm weather, exploring beautiful little waterfalls and chapels along lovely leafy paths.

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.

The castles of Hanau - The Erbsenfels arch.

The first climb is steep and tiring, but once at the top, you can admire the whole of Bitche from the rampart walk at the foot of the Citadel walls.

A short 2-hour walk in the hills north of Bitche. Small spring, mini waterfall and discovery of a historic tomb from 1870.

A pleasant little circular walk from the VVF holiday centre at Étang d'Hasselfurth towards Étang d'Entenbaechel, then looping back via the Widerschall and Hochkopf passes. The paths are very well maintained, easily walkable, with little elevation gain apart from the section between the two passes leading to the summit of the Hochkopf.

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.

A forest setting for this family-friendly route. Peat bogs, rocks, viewing points and the ruins of a medieval castle. The Étang de Hanau, often considered the most beautiful lake in the Northern Vosges, is set within an exceptional natural site, designated a “World Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO.

A superb hike through the forest, mainly starting from the Étang de Hanau, passing by the Étang de Lieschbach, Falkenstein Castle, Waldeck Castle and the peat bogs.

A circular walk starting from the scenic Hanau lake towards the wild Lieschbach lake, via the Kachler Rocks, and back via the Steinberg.

A lovely path through woods, fields, ponds and valleys, said to have been used by the monk Firminy, who would meditate whilst walking. As you walk, imagine the landscape in which this medieval monk might have walked.

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.

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.

Hike between a semi-troglodytic castle and the highest point in the Northern Vosges.

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.

A very beautiful and pleasant walk in warm weather as it is mostly shaded. Discover Ramstein Castle, Baerenthal Pond and the lake where the more motivated can take a dip at the end of the walk!

A beautiful, undulating walk through the forests of Baerenthal and the Hanau Pond, ending at the ruins of Ramstein Castle

Ramstein Castle dates back to the 13th century. It stands on a rocky sandstone outcrop. At the summit, there is a panoramic view of Baerenthal and its valley. The two lakes, Ramstein and Baerenthal, are full of charm and make an ideal spot for a refreshing break.

A pleasant little hike in the Mouterhouse National Forest and along the banks of the Grand Étang lake in the same locality. After enjoying the calm of the forest with its beautiful straight trees and good quality paths, the end of the hike takes place along the Grand Étang lake, where you can admire the spectacle of numerous fishermen on their pontoons.

A walk along beautiful paths that take you on a circular route around several ponds.

A pleasant forest trail that leads without much effort to the highest point in the Northern Vosges, where a tower built at the end of the 19th century offers extensive panoramic views. Less popular, the Celtic camp site is not without charm.

A beautiful, undulating circular hike through the woods, winding between old wash houses, steles, ponds and rocks pierced by caves.

The village of Windstein, nestled in a valley in the Northern Vosges, is the ideal starting point for visiting the many ruined castles in the surrounding area. The hike takes in the two castles of Wittschloessel and Wineck. It is possible to add Schoeneck Castle by temporarily deviating from the route.

Northern Alsace is renowned for its castles. This route allows you to explore five of them: Nouveau and Vieux Windstein, Wittschloessel, Wineck and Schoeneck. A detour also allows you to see the ‘Man’s Rock’ and ‘Woman’s Rock’, as well as a magnificent view over Dambach and Neunhoffen. This is a walk that constantly alternates between ascents and descents through the forest, some easier than others. Only the section towards Dambach is flat.

A pleasant, easy walk, mainly along wide forest paths, offering the chance to discover the Jaegerthal Forges, the castles of Nouveau and Vieux Windstein, and a few blockhouses.

This is a large circular hike starting from Jaegerthal, the birthplace of the De Dietrich family, with its castle, park and the remains of the first forge near the car park. It is a long but peaceful hike, with a succession of small "bumps" and dotted with numerous fortified castles and remarkable rocks. The first part follows the "Sentier de la Ligne Maginot" (Maginot Line Trail) with a succession of bunkers in a surprisingly good state of preservation.