The Hirschsteine rocks by the stairs

A beautiful hike through the Hirschsteine rocks, an area less well known than the famous sentier des Roches, but just as impressive! You'll be amazed by the imposing metal staircase leading up to the rocks, the passageway carved into the rock and the vertiginous but safe path on the mountainside. Return via the ridges from Tanet. Beautiful views over the Munster valley and Lac Vert.
This hike is not permitted in winter! (see practical information)

Technical sheet

279046
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.27 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 563 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 563 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,293 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,066 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from the Col de la Schlucht, 1st car park on the right of the road coming from Munster.

Caution: Work is in progress at the Col la Schlucht. Follow the yellow "route des crêtes" signs to find the GR®5signposted in red.

(S/E) The walk starts to the right of the Hôtel "Le Tétras", via the GR®5marked in red and blue rectangles. After a 1/4 hour climb on a fairly steep rocky path, come to a crossroads.

(1) Turn right onto the yellow triangle path towards the Hirschsteine rocks via the steps. After 10 minutes, you will reach the Spitzenfels, a small rocky promontory offering a view of the Munster valley.

(2) Continue downhill along the yellow triangle path (direction Hirschsteine - Baerenbach).
At the bottom of a wide hairpin bend to the right, stay on the same path and ignore the blue rectangular path that joins the ridge directly.

You will come to a warning sign from the Club Vosgien, "sentier réservé aux personnes initiées" ("trail for experienced hikers only"), as there are some rather strenuous sections on the mountainside.
N.B. The tricky sections are well protected by handrails, but not recommended for those prone to vertigo.
Cross the first passage dug into the rock. Reach an impressive metal staircase that leads up to the Hirschsteine rocks. After the rocks, make a short detour up and back to the viewpoint offering a superb peripheral view.

(3) Rejoin the path and continue following the blue rectangle markings, passing Baerenbach.

(4) Take a wide forest track around a hairpin bend at Baerenbach.

(5) Take the left-hand path, signposted in a modified blue-white-blue rectangle towards Missheimle and Schupferen. Go past the Schupferen refuge and pass under my ski lift line. Further on, take a wide bend to the right to reach a small abandoned chalet.

(6) Turn left onto the path that descends steeply to the Seestaettle farmhouse inn. Continue as far as the road and find the narrow path that runs alongside it.

(7) Don't go as far as Lac Vert (or see alternative route in the practical information section), but take the yellow signposted path (signposted Lybruck) which climbs up to the ridge. Viewpoint over the lake on the way up. When you reach the ridges, take the GR®5marked in red rectangles (also signposted "sentier des Trois Pays").

(8) Turn left towards Tanet. Continue along the GR®5, enjoying the successive viewpoints among the bilberries and heather. At the end of the route, come back to the crossroads you came to on the outward journey.

(1) Follow the same path downhill to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,139 m - Col de la Schlucht
  2. 1 : km 0.46 - alt. 1,243 m - Crossing to Yellow triangle
  3. 2 : km 0.79 - alt. 1,200 m - Spitzenfels
  4. 3 : km 2.21 - alt. 1,098 m - Belvédère de Hirschteine
  5. 4 : km 2.59 - alt. 1,149 m - Baerenbach locality
  6. 5 : km 3.28 - alt. 1,090 m - GR 531 junction
  7. 6 : km 5.06 - alt. 1,125 m - Junction towards F.A. Seestaettle
  8. 7 : km 5.72 - alt. 1,068 m - Ascent to Lybruck / Variant to the - Lac Vert ou de Soultzeren (Vosges)
  9. 8 : km 6.8 - alt. 1,218 m - GR 5 crests
  10. S/E : km 11.27 - alt. 1,139 m - Col de la Schlucht

Practical information

Please note! This hike is not possible between 1st November and 30th April each year. The path leading to the Hirschsteine from point 2 to point 3 is prohibited (Prefectoral decree dated 18 May 2022).

Very rocky paths: good hiking boots essential
Passing the rocks at Hirschsteine is quite strenuous, and there is a warning that the path is for experienced hikers only...

Farmhouse inn on the route: Schupferen + Seeastaettle

Possible variation: At the point (7), you can continue via Lac Vert: follow the yellow then red disc markings, skirting the lake on the east bank, then join the ridge via Dreieck and turn left onto the 3-country path towards Tanet. Follow the description from this point (8)

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 159 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 25658249

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Excellent hiking trail!
There are beautiful views all along the route.
I would still recommend being well equipped and experienced in hiking. Quite physically demanding but not too difficult if you are careful.

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Nathalie et Francis
Nathalie et Francis

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant walk on a Monday. Well equipped and in good physical condition. Nice views.

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Nani28
Nani28

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent views and diverse landscape

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Positiver68
Positiver68

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Very nice walk
Closed from 1 November to 31 March

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Till
Till

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Walk made on 19 October. Just after stage 4, the forest path was blocked by a large fir tree cutting over a long distance. The path was therefore blocked by a huge tangle of trees. We turned back, saw no diversion and climbed straight up the GR5 to go towards Lac Vert, following the path back to the present circuit.

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dumetzisabelle@orange.fr
dumetzisabelle@orange.fr

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Lovely hike with great views.
I did the green lake option.
However, beware of point 5 or 6 (I don't know exactly) forestry work, the path is impassable, take the proposed diversion.

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CharlotteM
CharlotteM

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The tracks are not exact but it's easy to find your way back. I recommend extending the hike as far as the Lac Vert, and for the more sporty, you can go round the lake. There weren't many people on this walk, but I did it during the week when school was not in session. This route is closed in winter, which I understand - there is a short technical section. Make sure you have good shoes with a good grip sole.
I recommend this very nice walk

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Elioline
Elioline

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

very nice walk, superb views. some difficult sections but of great interest. A very nice route! A shame we couldn't find the stairs. Otherwise very good.

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xerocrete
xerocrete

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very nice walk, despite a misdirection at the start, which is actually to the right of the Alsace/Vosges border marker, opposite the "Le Grand Tétras" hotel. Good equipment and a good level of fitness are essential if you are to tackle this route with any peace of mind. The breathtaking scenery makes you forget the few technical difficulties. The return journey along the ridges from Le Tanet is a little tedious because the path is so rocky.

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FABRICE 68550
FABRICE 68550

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

In the middle of summer: a lovely walk with beautiful panoramic views The tricky sections are well secured!

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Mariln
Mariln

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

In the middle of summer: a lovely hike with beautiful views. My partner, who is afraid of heights, did it quite easily. The tricky sections are well secured!

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patrick vaxelaire
patrick vaxelaire

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike, a little technical on the stairs but well secured. Be careful, this hike is not for beginners.

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Pat_Vosges
Pat_Vosges

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Picturesque hike to discover the Hirschsteine rocks and lunch at the Tanet Seestaedtle inn. Return via the ridge (le Tanet).

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Achille1964
Achille1964

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very nice walk! Well-equipped technical section but not recommended if you're afraid of heights.
Otherwise not difficult and varied route! Don't hesitate to do it!👍

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Schnacka
Schnacka

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very nice walk that's very easy to follow. The Hirschsteine pass is a little technical, but well secured. Be careful though.
We made a small variation via the Schupferen farmhouse inn (turn right at the Schupferen refuge), as we were lucky enough to do the walk on a Wednesday when the inn was open (Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays). We rejoined the route at point 6.
The return via the ridges was a little uncomfortable due to the many rocks on the path.<

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