Mollkirch walks

This circular walk takes you from the pastures of the Grendelbruch heights to Schirmeck and the Donon, returning via the Bruche valley. It takes in roads, forest roads, forest paths and cycle routes.

On a steep hillside above the village of Mollkirch, this trail invites you to discover the mysteries of the forest. Druids, elves, dolmens and stones dot the trail, along with a dozen information panels. The walk also includes a visit to one of the largest fortresses in Alsace: Guirbaden Castle.

Explore the surroundings of Mollkirch on horseback, including the Guirbaden Forest and the ruins of the castle of the same name, known for having been the largest castle in Alsace during the Middle Ages. This ride takes you along beautiful trails, perfect for galloping with a reasonable elevation gain.

Near Boersch, Mollkirch, Grendelbruch, Ottrott, in the Bischoffsheim forest. Through magnificent pine, fir, oak and beech forests, the paths and trails climb towards the Heidenkopf, where the 20-metre-high Mündel Tower, built in 1909 by the Club Vosgien, offers a 360° panoramic view of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest, the Vosges foothills, the Champ du Feu massif and the Bruche valley. Numerous signs put up by the Club Vosgien de Rosheim, particularly in the car park, present the various hiking options in the area, including this one.

A beautiful hike allowing you to discover the Heidenkopf with the Mündel Tower and the Verloreneck shelter.

Guirbaden is a ruined castle built on the Mollberg hill above Mollkirch. Its ruins are considered the most important in Alsace.

A pleasant hike passing through the Holdersbusch and Purpurkopf passes and visiting the ruins of Guirbaden Castle.

This is an easy walk to discover the Wurmberg. It is located in the Bruche valley near Gresswiller. It is a small hill with terraces. You can see a wide variety of plants and orchards and, if you are lucky, some animals, especially birds.

A short, easy hike passing through places with evocative names: Goldbrunnen (golden fountain), Carrières d'Or (golden quarries) and Purpurkopf, an ancient Celtic and Roman site.

Here is a short hike to quickly and easily discover Purpurkopf. Recent archaeological excavations suggest that it is the oldest castle in Alsace and not a Celtic camp. There is a lot of information and videos on the internet. It is located in the commune of Rosheim, not far from Grendelbruch.

This hike takes you past the Grendelbruch Rock and the Breitsteige Rocks. Unfortunately, the latter are increasingly hidden by vegetation. There are other rocks that are more easily accessible: see § Practical information. In the description, however, I will indicate a way to avoid the most difficult parts.

Loop hike starting from Klingenthal. The circuit takes us to the summit of the Heidenkopf, where you can climb the tower to enjoy a 360° view from the orientation table. We then reach the place known as Verloreneck (meaning "lost corner") with its surprising arrangement of megaliths, known as Merlin's Garden. The circuit is mainly through forest.

Rediscover the largest fortified castle in Alsace, currently undergoing restoration.

An easy walk through forest and vineyards, discovering the Laegerbrunnen fountain, the summit of Dreispitz (Three Peaks) and the Heilig Hiesel chapel.

A short, easy walk through the vineyards of Ottrott.

A beautiful hike in the Obernai forest, on little-used paths, allowing you to discover the castles of Hagelschloss, Dreistein, Birkenfels and Kagenfels. The route also runs along the pagan wall (a magical place) on its western side, passing through the Koeberlé gate. You will discover the Kienberg, little known but offering a beautiful view, ideal for a picnic. Finally, you will walk along a large part of the magnificent Chemin des Bornes. Please note that this hike is long and includes some very steep climbs, which explains its difficulty. Shortcuts are available for those who do not wish to complete the entire route.

Ascent via the spectacular Rathsamhausen and Lutzelbourg castles, then via the Koepfel and Hagelschloss castles. Descent via the Sentier des Merveilles trail dominated by giant rocks, then partly via the Sentier des Pèlerins trail and the Lucie Fountain.

This loop starts in Ottrott-le-Haut and passes by the castles of Ottrott, the Elsberg shelter and the Hohenburgerberg, returning to Ottrott via the Compostela pilgrims' trail.

This route allows you to discover the Sentier des Roches de Mutzig first, then continue on to a less wild section at Felsburg and then hike on the classic Tour du Schiebenberg. This route alternates between sections in the forest and in the fields.

This hike from Ottrott takes you to Mont Sainte-Odile, an iconic site in Alsace, rich in history and offering exceptional panoramic views. The route passes through dense forests, remarkable rock formations and places steeped in legend, as well as points of interest such as the Rocher Oberkirch and the Grotte d'Étichon. This circular loop, combining well-marked trails and forest paths, promises a complete immersion in the Alsatian countryside.

A short, unpretentious route passing by the ruins of the Grand and Petit Ringelstein castles. Small viewpoint of the valley at Grand Ringelstein Castle. Route circuit, but steep in places.