The starting point is a forest car park specially designed for hikers.
An alternative starting point is available from Ropperviller (FR-57), but you will need to walk 1 km x 2 to reach the circular.
The entire route is in the forest... no refreshments available during the hike.
The Altschlossfelsen rocks starting from Eppenbrunn
Known as the Vosges Colorado or Alsace Colorado since the French Club Vosgien discovered this remarkable natural area relatively late in the 20th century, it is a magnet for hikers from France on fine days.
Apart from the site itself, German forests are usually very quiet in autumn.
Do not expect to see even the ruins of an ancient castle... nothing remains, but the real beauty of the site lies in the rocks with their magnificent colours.
The French name is probably the result of an excellent marketing strategy, as this site is in no way comparable to the famous Provençal colorados (Rustrel or Roussillon).
Apart from a few beautiful colours, it could more easily be compared to Luxembourg's Petite Suisse.
However, the site is well worth a visit and even a detour!
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 17.32 km -
Average duration: 6h 05 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 392 m -
Descent: - 388 m -
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Highest point: 408 m -
Lowest point: 285 m
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Country:
Germany
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Area: Vosges du Nord -
City:
Eppenbrunn -
Start/End: N 49.106857° / E 7.560826° -
IGN map(s): Ref. 3713ET -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 288 m - Spießweiher car park
- 1 : km 0.65 - alt. 295 m - Hilsterbach / Krähenbruch
- 2 : km 2.15 - alt. 364 m - Crossroads
- 3 : km 3.18 - alt. 352 m - Teufelstich
- 4 : km 4.38 - alt. 288 m - Eppenbrunner Bach / Martelbachtal
- 5 : km 4.91 - alt. 302 m - Martelbachtal (North)
- 6 : km 6.22 - alt. 307 m - Martelbachtal (South)
- 7 : km 6.68 - alt. 324 m - Rastplatz Bannholz
- 8 : km 7.77 - alt. 366 m - Altschlossfelsen, northern point
- 9 : km 9.03 - alt. 378 m - Altschlossfelsen, southern point
- 10 : km 12.4 - alt. 357 m - Zollstock
- 11 : km 13.8 - alt. 296 m - Wäldlerweiher
- 12 : km 14.52 - alt. 297 m - Unterer Finsterbachweiher
- 13 : km 14.95 - alt. 305 m - Schoneichelsbach
- 14 : km 16.34 - alt. 290 m - Sägeweiher
- S/E : km 17.32 - alt. 288 m - Spießweiher car park
Notes
Worth a visit
Nearby (in France): the Pays de Bitche and the Citadel of Bitche
Other walks in the area
The Altschossfelsen or "old castle rocks" of Eppenbrunn
Visorando Member 
10.79 km
+224 m
-224 m
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Eppenbrunn (Südwestpfalz)
Colorado du Bitcherland for some. This is a pink sandstone formation 1.5 km long, 35 m high and with four "towers" towering over visitors. No remains of the castle exist, but the unusual shapes, rocky overhangs and colours that change with the light of day enhance this rock formation. Trail marked with the German "Premiumweg" label.
Around Eppenbrunn: the Eulenfels and the Altschlosspfad
Visorando Member 
18.00 km
+392 m
-388 m
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Eppenbrunn (Südwestpfalz)
Gentle climb to Eulenfels, a spectacular but little-visited rocky site. Pass through the Wusteichelsbach peat bogs before climbing gently to the breathtaking Altschlossfelsen rock formation (very popular). Return to Eppenbrunn via the Rocher de Diane, on the French-German border, and the Teufelstisch rocks.
The Alsatian Colorado
Visorando Member 
7.00 km
+130 m
-124 m
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Roppeviller (Moselle)
Why is it called the Alsatian Colorado... when it's just across the border in Germany? Our German neighbours call it the Altschlossfelsen or "Old Castle Cliffs". In any case, this easy horse ride between France and Germany, with no major difficulties or steep slopes, allows you to discover this beautiful pink sandstone rock formation, hidden among the vegetation.A short, easy hike, ideal for families with children who enjoy walking.
The rocks of Roppeviller
Visorando Member 
5.49 km
+108 m
-106 m
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Roppeviller (Moselle)
A breathtaking walk that will make you feel like you're travelling at the foot of the Grand Canyon.
A place to visit again and again, attracting many hikers, this is a beautiful family hike with plenty of tables for picnicking in the shade of the trees.
Reihpfad Discovery Trail
Visorando Member 5.74 km
+140 m
-142 m
3h 50
Easy
Departure from Hilst (Südwestpfalz)
A lovely forest path for the whole family. Lovely surprises will delight young and old alike. Start in the village or at the football ground, then follow the signs and markers along the way.
The Colorado of Bitcherland from Haspelschiedt
Visorando Member 
13.25 km
+349 m
-346 m
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Haspelschiedt (Moselle)
A beautiful walk in the Northern Vosges to discover the Colorado of Bitcherland.
On the top-quality trails of the Bitche region
Visorando Member 11.49 km
+232 m
-231 m
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Sturzelbronn (Moselle)
Starting from the quiet little hamlet of Bremendell, this easy walk takes you through the forests of the Bitche region, taking in several notable sites, including the village of Sturzelbronn and its abbey, as well as the Luchsfelsen.
For more walks, use our search engine .
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