Schiessrothried Lake - Charlemagne car park

(S) After spending the night at the Schiessrothried mountain refuge, pick up the GR®5 (red rectangle) not far from the bridge. Be careful, the start is not easy to find; the path must be well marked (do not take the small path on the left). The climb is long but gradual. When you leave the forest, continue to the right towards the Schiessroth inn (the GR®5 switchbacks lead directly to it).

(1) At the Schiessroth farmhouse inn, climb up into the field above to join the "Triangle Bleu" path and begin the tour of the Petit Hohneck. Pass under the chairlift line.

(2) At the small inn, stay on the path along the hillside, passing the "Triangle Rouge" path towards Schaeferthal. Be careful, it climbs a little on this north face of the Petit Hohneck.

(3) At the Schaeferthal junction, continue along the "Triangle Rouge" path to descend alongside the house. Enter the forest (be careful, it's quite steep) and follow the small hairpin bends. Three-quarters of the way down, a sign on the left indicates the Grotte de Dagobert (Dagobert's Cave) 150 metres away.

(4) Take a short detour to the Grotte de Dagobert, then return to the "Triangle Rouge" path. Continue downhill to rejoin the Rectangle Bleu (GR®531). Turn left towards Frankenthal.

(5) Cross the Frankenthal valley, pass the farmhouse inn and, at the large wooden cross, turn left towards the Col de Falimont. Be careful, the climb is challenging, allow a good half hour for this.

(6) Once at the top, rejoin the GR®05 (Red Rectangle on the right, taken on the way out along the ridge to the forest road. Take it on the left to arrive at the Charlemagne car park (E).

Remember to book the refuge before you set off: http://www.vosges-trotters-colmar.fr/le-...
The refuge is comfortable (drinking water, electricity, toilets – but no showers – kitchen equipped with wood stove, crockery, fridge, games), and you sleep in dormitories (blankets and bolsters are provided, but bring a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner). Drinks can be purchased on site. Some rubbish can be left behind, but recyclables must be taken away with you. The welcome is warm and the setting is beautiful.

For the sections on the GR®531 (Rectangle Bleu), be careful, especially in wet weather (metal steps, handrails and ropes, scree slopes), as some areas are tricky, although very beautiful. Nevertheless, we made it through with our backpacks full (we set off for two days with sleeping bags, clothes and food for one adult and one child per bag) and the children loved it (aged 7 and 10).

You can buy farm produce or eat at the various farm inns along the route (Hohneck, Kastelbergwasen, Schiessroth, Frankenthal, at least the ones we saw open when we passed by).

(S) Schiessrothried refuge: comfortable refuge with a pleasant little beach below.

(4) Dagobert's Cave: not very impressive, but it has an interesting history and is a good place to stop and entertain the children. The rocks next to the path just before the pontoons are a great spot for a picnic or for the children to build dens!

(5) Frankenthal Valley: very pleasant!