The little figure of eight at the Château du Haut-Andlau

The starting point is located at the intersection of Rue du Général Koening (D62) and Chemin du Kastelberg, at the entrance to the village of Andlau when coming from the A35. Parking spaces are available along Rue du Général Koening.

Signposting: Yellow ring + Blue ring + Red disc

(S/E) Head west and take Chemin du Kastelberg. After about 50 metres, opposite two signs saying "Impasse" and "Sens interdit", turn right and follow the vineyards on your left. At the next intersection, turn left towards Col du Crax (spelled "Crak" here). Go uphill and turn left at the hairpin bend. The slope becomes steep. Pass a cross and you will soon reach an intersection on a flat section.

(1) Turn right to immediately reach a beautiful viewpoint over Andlau and its abbey church (information sign). Retrace your steps back to the flat area.

(1) Continue along the small road between the vineyards, turning right if you are returning from the viewpoint, or straight ahead if you did not make the short detour. At the T-junction, turn right towards the Col de Crax and descend slightly.

Signposting: Yellow ring + red disc

(2) When the road turns right, go straight up a steep path between two vineyards. At the top, find a small road, follow it to the left towards Château d'Andlau and enter the forest.

(3) When the road turns right in a hairpin bend, take the path on the left (large stone on the ground). Climb up to the Col du Crax (large crossroads).

Signposting: Yellow ring + blue triangle

(4) Then take the first path on the left towards Château d'Andlau. At the fork that appears shortly afterwards, keep right. Climb up, ignoring a few paths on the sides, and continue on flat ground until you reach a crossroads.

(5) Turn left to quickly reach the beautiful viewpoint of Rocher de Sainte-Richarde (bench). Retrace your steps to the previous crossroads.

(5) Continue straight ahead (north) on the marked path towards the castle (on the right if you did not make the detour to the viewpoint). Wind your way through the mossy rocks and reach the Carrefour du Silberberg.

(6) Then follow a wide path to the right towards Château d'Andlau.

Signposting: Yellow ring +Bluetriangle + Red horse

(7) After about 50 metres, turn left onto a path. At the next crossroads, go straight ahead. You will see the south keep of the castle and pass the old moat. This will take you to the entrance of the castle (free admission, recommended).

(8) Retrace your steps to the intersection with the wide path.

Yellow ring markings

(7) Follow this good path to the left towards the Col du Crax and Andlau. Descend gently to the pass.

(4) Continue straight ahead and downhill on the wide path towards Andlau via Wibelsberg. Take a sharp right turn and join another road.

(9) Follow this road to the left at an acute angle and walk alongside the vineyards on your right. After a right-hand bend, you will come to a T-junction. Turn right between the vineyards and continue to the next crossroads with a small central island and a cross on your left.

Red rectangle sign

(10) First turn left then right to cross the road (D62) carefully and take a small road heading south between the vineyards. Ignore a turn-off on the left and continue to the next intersection.

(11) Turn right towards Andlau, ignore a path on the left and reach a four-way intersection.

Signposting:Yellowring + Blue ring

Continue left onto Rue du Général Koening (D62) and quickly return to the starting point (S/E).

Good walking shoes are sufficient for this hike, which follows well-maintained paths and small vineyard roads.

No water sources identified along the route. Bars and restaurants in Andlau, including one at the start/finish point.

Detailed map recommended (at least the one accompanying this description).

Hike completed by the author on 16 March 2025.

- Pleasant walk through the vineyards.
- Pleasant forest walk.
- Haut-Andlau Castle (13th century), which is open to visitors and well worth a detour.