Kintzheim – Schelmenkopf

Start in Kintzheim, not far from Sélestat. Access by bus from Sélestat station, line C, ‘mairie’ stop.

(S) Follow the road leading to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle until you reach the edge of the village. Car park P1 at the Volerie des Aigles.

(1) Take the GR® Rouge Blanc Rouge trail which climbs to Kintzheim Castle and the Volerie des Aigles (check opening times if necessary). Then follow the Red Rectangle markings of the GR®5 trail to climb up to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. The path passes beneath the castle to go round it (visits possible – check opening times). The climb is steady and shaded all the way to the Schaentzel car park.

(2) Head down a path running parallel to the D42 to reach the car park before the village of Thanenkirch.

(3) Walk through the village to join the ‘Yellow Cross’ signposted path, then climb up to the hamlet of Melkerhof.

(4) Continue up a steep climb as you leave the hamlet. The path then winds its way up in hairpin bends before skirting the Mur Païen to the Rocher des Géants.

(5) Carry on, passing the Rocher des Reptiles. Descend past the Abri Kutzigbuech, then come to a Y-junction shortly after the Roche des Trois Tables.

(6) Keep left on the path marked with a Blue Cross until you reach the Club Vosgien refuge at Schelmenkopf (E), today’s destination.

Accessible by train to Sélestat station, then by bus (line C) to Kintzheim (not to be confused with the village of Kientzheim near Kaysersberg).
A shaded route. Water is available along the way.
(3) Thanenkirch: drinking water at the entrance to the village.
(E) Schelmenkopf mountain hut: booking recommended.

Between (1) and (2), there are several places to visit along the way: the Eagle Sanctuary and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle.
(5) Rocher des Géants: beautiful panoramic views.