The Taennchel and its many rocks

A circular hike from Thannenkirch to discover the Taennchel massif, renowned for its positive telluric energy and dotted with numerous remarkable rocks. The route is mainly through forest, offering some beautiful views of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley to the north, the Colmar plain to the south and east.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.16 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 564 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 559 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 953 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 467 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from Thannenkirch town hall, car park in front of the church or below on Chemin de Bergheim.

(S/E) From the church and town hall, walk up the main street (Rue Sainte-Anne) towards the top of the hill, passing the Waldstebel, La Meunière and Clos des Sources inns. Ignore Rue de Roder and, less than 100 metres further on, you will come to a slight bend.

(1) Leave Chemin du Lecotte, which will be the return route, on your left and continue right on Rue Sainte-Anne, towards Rocher des Géants. After a small oratory and a traffic island, you will arrive at Rue du Taennchel.

(2) Turn left onto this street, heading towards the sculpture workshop, marked with a yellow triangle.
At the next crossroads, continue left towards the Melkerhof inn. When you reach No. 35, in the bend that follows, take a path diagonally to the right.

(3) Take this path, marked with yellow triangles, towards the Kutzigbuech shelter. Ignore the various paths on either side and continue to follow the main path marked with yellow triangles towards the Giants' Rock. Cross a forest path.

(4) Leave the yellow triangle markings and follow the red X markings on the far left towards Carrefour du Cerisier Noir. After a few hundred metres, at a wooden railing, a path branches off to the right.

(5) Climb this path marked with a yellow cross (+) towards Rocher des Géants. Cut across a path and continue straight ahead, then continue straight ahead following the yellow rectangle markings (GR®532). Arrive at Rocher des Géants.

(6) Enjoy the view over the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley.
Continue along the ridge, following the yellow rectangle markings towards Rocher des Reptiles (worth seeing, a little way off the path). Arrive at the large crossroads at Abri du Kutzigbuech.

(7) Take the path furthest to the left, marked with a red ring, towards Rocher de la Paix d'Udine. Be careful not to confuse the ring and disc markings; do not follow the red disc markings down towards Grande Verrerie.
A little further on, you will see a rock off to the right, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Colmar and even the Bernese Alps on a clear day. Continue along the ridge to the next crossroads.

(8) Look for the yellow triangle and red ring markings and follow them to the right, along the Mur Païen. Continue to a fork in the road.

(9) Leave the red ring markings on your left and turn right downhill, following the yellow triangle markings towards Carrefour Hasenclever. You will arrive at a fork.

(10) Find the red ring markings and follow them to the left, climbing towards the Rocher de la Paix d'Udine.

(11) Arrive at Rocher de la Paix d'Udine, with a beautiful view of Ribeauvillé and its castles.
The trail then continues in the opposite direction (north), following the ridge and the Mur Païen, with views of Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, to reach a crossroads near Rocher Pointu.

(12) Descend to the right along a very steep path, marked with yellow crosses, towards Thannenkirch. Return to a forest path, leave the yellow cross markings and turn right, following the red horse markings towards Carrefour Denny. Further on at a crossroads, continue straight ahead downhill.

(13) At the Denny crossroads, turn left and then, after a few dozen metres, turn right, following the blue disc markings towards Thannenkirch. Further on, you will find the yellow cross markings again. Keep to the right and continue downhill. Leave the forest and you will arrive at the houses in the hamlet of Melkerhof.

(14) Do not follow the tarmac road on the left, but turn right (Clos Marie house on your right) and descend along a grassy path (yellow cross markings slightly hidden).
Return to the road and continue down Chemin du Lecotte until you reach the crossroads with Rue Sainte Anne.

(1) Follow it to the right in the opposite direction to the outward journey until you reach the church car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 467 m - Town hall - Église Sainte-Catherine (Thannenkirch)
  2. 1 : km 0.46 - alt. 478 m - Crossroads of the circular
  3. 2 : km 0.8 - alt. 487 m - Rue du Taennchel - towards the sculpture workshop
  4. 3 : km 1.56 - alt. 558 m - Path towards the Kutzigbuech shelter
  5. 4 : km 2.95 - alt. 778 m - Forest path
  6. 5 : km 3.58 - alt. 816 m - Wooden railing
  7. 6 : km 4.26 - alt. 937 m - Rocher des Géants
  8. 7 : km 5.13 - alt. 942 m - Abri Kutzig Buech
  9. 8 : km 6.11 - alt. 927 m - Fork in the road
  10. 9 : km 6.73 - alt. 924 m - Direction Carrefour Hasenclever
  11. 10 : km 7.58 - alt. 837 m - Direction: Rocher de la Paix d'Udine
  12. 11 : km 8.29 - alt. 903 m - Rocher de la Paix d'Udine (902 m)
  13. 12 : km 9.24 - alt. 877 m - Below the Pointed Rock
  14. 13 : km 10.57 - alt. 740 m - Carrefour du Brigadier Denny
  15. 14 : km 12.05 - alt. 592 m - Melkerhof
  16. S/E : km 13.16 - alt. 467 m - Town hall - Église Sainte-Catherine (Thannenkirch)

Notes

Kutzigbuech shelter halfway along the route.

Strenuous climb to the Rocher des Géants, lasting around 2 hours, then walk along the ridges.
Allow an extra half hour for stops at the various rocks and viewpoints.

Names and meanings of the Club Vosgien trail markers.

Worth a visit

The Taennchel massif is renowned for its beneficial telluric energy. There is a succession of impressive rocks, surrounded by legends, as well as a long stone wall called the pagan wall, the origin of which is unknown.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 15 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Mpedibus
Mpedibus

Just a quick note. I haven't done this hike yet, but I know Le Taennchel well, having hiked it several times a few years ago. I was just looking for a variation that suited my current fitness level. This one seems right for me. I use Viso Rando a lot without using the suggested routes. I've done long hikes in the past and now Viso Rando is my go-to map on many occasions. I've never published anything due to lack of time. Please consider keeping the app affordable. I volunteered to help digitise the IGN map of Remiremont for the Club Vosgien. It was a great experience.
Thank you to the team

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User 26156321

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely, easy hike that's well worth the trip. It wasn't too crowded as I did it during the week.

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vgraff
vgraff

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful circuit alternating between trails and forest paths. No roads! The elevation gain is quite reasonable. Precise and detailed description of points that may pose problems for the unwary! A bit crowded at the remarkable rock formations (cloudy Sunday in August), but there are always more secluded spots for picnics. The only downside is the end of the hike on a steep, rocky trail! But otherwise, a perfect hike!

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Mickerle
Mickerle

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

very difficult trail, but it depends on where you start the hike
trails are very busy on Sundays

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Marieack
Marieack

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike done in the fog, which gave the sites a mysterious feel. We didn't encounter anyone

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Machaon
Machaon

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very interesting route because it is very varied (different types of woodland and rocks), then you go from wide paths to narrow ones.

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virgule
virgule

A very beautiful place. But "not very busy" means during the week, outside of holidays. Otherwise, it gets quite crowded.

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Claude-Meignen
Claude-Meignen

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike! The first part of the climb is a bit tough (and less interesting!), but once you reach the top, it's pure bliss!

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J-Gilles
J-Gilles

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike

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vinz67
vinz67

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike with favourable weather
We were enchanted by the beautiful rocks and enchanting surroundings this Sunday

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Tomvince
Tomvince

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike with magnificent and varied landscapes, forests and rocks of all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, we were unable to complete the entire route due to torrential rain that left us soaked to the skin, but we will definitely be back. I highly recommend it.

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krisk12
krisk12

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with numerous viewpoints, but be aware that there is a significant elevation gain at the start. You can extend the hike on the way back by heading to the Source des Corbeaux and then climbing back up via the Mur Païen.
A little-used route

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VINCE 68
VINCE 68

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike

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Francis7568
Francis7568

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route is very well marked, so there's no risk of getting lost... but you do start with a climb of almost 500 metres... don't be discouraged, because the rest of the route follows the ridge line, so all you have to do is enjoy the scenery and the many rocks that characterise this 15-kilometre hike, which takes a leisurely 5 hours to complete 😉

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Dnalor
Dnalor

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful, precise route, evolving in a varied environment. Great reward at the summits, with beautiful viewpoints. Steep at the start...

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