The Urbès Tunnel

Immerse yourself in the history of the Urbès tunnel, with its astonishing past marked by poignant events. Discover the tumultuous history of this site over the last few decades.

Details

2982983
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.34 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 41 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 41 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 485 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 450 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking is available at Place de l'Église Saint-Wendelin Grand'Rue (N66).

(S/E) From the information board next to the church, cross the road and head downhill to the right towards Fellering. Take Rue du Brisgau on the left and continue straight ahead. The street turns to the right; continue for a few metres.

(1) Take the path that goes up to the left. At the top of the path, when you reach a wider path, turn left and go under the footbridge. After a few dozen metres, take a narrower path that branches off to the left. Further on, continue to the right on a wider path. At the next fork, turn left and walk a few dozen metres along Rue de la Scierie.

(2) At the hairpin bend, take the discovery trail on the right. At the next crossroads, continue to the right.
At the 90° bend, keep left and the path joins a tarmac road, Rue de la Scierie. Follow it to the right. The road splits at a fork. Continue to the left. The stream is a few metres further on.

(3) Go under the bridge and follow the path that turns to the right. Follow the natural course of the trail, passing from one educational panel to another.

(4) When you reach signpost no. 12, turn around to rejoin the path, passing under the trees behind the educational signs. You can also retrace your steps to signpost 8.
The next sign is located at the start of the path opposite. From this point, take the "paths of remembrance". The last signs recount the memories of witnesses and survivors of the camp.
At the end of the path, go down the embankment and continue along the path that leads to the tarmac road. There is a kennel on the right. Continue along this tarmac road.

(5) When you reach the campsite, the route is complete. To return to the church square, follow the road on the right and walk along the edge of the RN66.
The car park is on your right, near the church (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 455 m - Car park at the church square, Urbès
  2. 1 : km 0.49 - alt. 456 m - Path on the left
  3. 2 : km 1.06 - alt. 470 m - Hairpin bend
  4. 3 : km 2.4 - alt. 475 m - Bridge
  5. 4 : km 2.56 - alt. 485 m - Panel no. 12 - Le Tunnel d'Urbès
  6. 5 : km 3.53 - alt. 455 m - Camping
  7. S/E : km 4.33 - alt. 455 m - Car park at the church square, Urbès

Notes

For more information and walks, visit the website [Hautes Vosges Alsace
|https://www.hautes-vosges-alsace.fr/fr/bouger/balades-randonnees/nos-randonnees|French]
Don't forget to download the "Balade Hautes Vosges d'Alsace" mobile app from Google Play and the App Store.

Worth a visit

A few kilometres away, don't miss a visit to the 18th-century oil mill in the village of Storckensohn. You can visit the farm worker's house and see a demonstration of how walnut oil or apple juice is made, depending on the season.
Check the opening hours and prices at the Storckensohn Oil Mill.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
mori7duval
mori7duval

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A short route to warm up, in fine weather. Very interesting and moving.

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mori7duval
mori7duval

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A short route to get you started. Very interesting and moving.

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mori7duval
mori7duval

This route is scheduled for 8 May 2023.

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Laurence et Pascal
Laurence et Pascal

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

No one, and yet an essential hike if you're in the area, to learn about this sad part of history. The information panels are well done.

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christrando
christrando

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short hike with a gentle incline, ideal for getting into shape at the start of the season.
The information boards teach us a lot about the history of this tunnel, particularly during the Second World War.

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lachkur
lachkur

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 16, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A varied and informative itinerary, combining nature and history.

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