The "megaliths" of Steinberg

A short and easy hike that will allow you to discover the imposing granite ‘megaliths’ of the Steinberg, with views stretching far into the distance. Ideal after a meal at one of the farmhouse inns near the Petit Ballon.

Details

n°680177

Creation:
22 Jul 2017

Last update:
12 Sep 2022

Last review:
25 Sep 2023

Activity: Walking
Distance: 1.65 km
Average duration: 0h 35
Difficulty: Easy
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 49 m
Descent: - 49 m
Highest point: 1,172 m
Lowest point: 1,123 m

Country: France
Area: Vosges mountains
City: Luttenbach-près-Munster (68140)
Start/End: N 47.99031° / E 7.121159°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3619OT, 3619OTR, 3719OT, 3719OTR
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Description of the walk

From the Munster valley, take the road to the Petit Ballon. Pass the Kahlen Wasen farmhouse inn and park shortly after the next hairpin bend, in a car park.

(S/E) Take the path that runs alongside the fence, above the car park. Shortly afterwards, go through a gate in the fence. The path climbs slightly up to Kegelritz.

(1) Enjoy the view. Go through the gate in front of you, slightly to the right, and head back down a little. You’ll soon spot the first granite megaliths.

(2) When the path begins to descend more steeply, turn back and return to the starting point via the same path (S/E).

You could just as easily continue along the ridge, but you’ll then have to climb back up what you’ve just come down.

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,123 m - Car park after the Kahlen Wasen farmhouse inn
1 : km 0.23 - alt. 1,165 m - Gate at Kegelritz
2 : km 0.83 - alt. 1,164 m - Mégalithes du Steinberg
S/E : km 1.65 - alt. 1,123 m - Car park after the Kahlen Wasen farmhouse inn

Notes

Trainers are sufficient for this hike. Remember to bring some water if it’s sunny.

It is possible to extend the hike by continuing along the Steinberg ridge, and even to make a circular route.

You can also start from the car park at the pass below the Petit Ballon. In this case, follow the ridge to the right (as you arrive), pass by a bunker and join the route described in point (1).

Worth a visit

The Steinberg megaliths, despite their appearance, are natural formations. The site, like the nearby Petit Ballon, was, however, probably a place of worship for the sun god Bénélos.

Throughout the hike, the view takes in much of the Vosges, notably the nearby Petit Ballon, the Grande Crête and the Hohneck, as well as the Munster valley, part of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest in the distance.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5

Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5

Route interest
4.8 / 5

visorebert

25 Sep 2023 at 20:02 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A short walk, ideal for those who aren't used to walking. Stunning views

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Sisco72

11 Jul 2022 at 20:01 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful site.

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fmau74

24 May 2021 at 17:44 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 24, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Lovely!
Simple and clearly marked

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michemouche

19 Jan 2019 at 18:48 3600

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 19, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I'm back from the hike! Instead of the half-hour it was supposed to take, it took me two and a half hours – be careful in winter!!! I couldn't drive my car right up to the starting point, so I left it at the Auberge du Ried and did a 45-minute warm-up walk!!

After that, it’s not very well signposted; the megaliths aren’t marked anywhere, but as there are plenty of people about, it’s easy to ask for directions, and they really aren’t far away!

There was loads of snow; I hadn’t brought snowshoes, but if you have some, put them on before you go! With good hiking boots suitable for snow, it’s doable, but it’s tiring sinking up to your knees a good thirty times!

But it was well worth it! I was absolutely blown away – one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Alsatian Vosges!

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JuMBo

31 Jul 2017 at 08:29 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely little walk that really lives up to its promise .
Many thanks!

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Author

visorando
59 Walks

Visorando Member

City: Buhl (68530)

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