Country:
District:
To get to the Col de Hundsruck, take the RD 1484 (Route Joffre) between Masevaux and Bitschwiller les Thann. Start from the car park opposite the restaurant "La Fourmi". For your information, you should set off 2½ hours before the official sunset time to fully enjoy the sunset from the summit of Thanner-Hubel (orientation table).
(S/E) Cross the RD 1484 and take the unpaved road on the left, heading towards FA Buissonets, FA Thanner-Hubel and Maison Familiale de Baeselbach (Red Cross signposts), which climbs gently. Already on the left, there is a magnificent view of the Alps. Arrive at the top of the hill, opposite a farm shed.
(1) Turn right between the pastures and climb the stony path, which is quite steep (approx. 17% over 400 m) and unmarked, to reach the Haut de Martisplatz crossroads.
(2) Turn right and then immediately left behind the bench, heading towards FA du Thanner-Hubel via the path (marked with a Red Triangle). The climb is relatively gentle. After 300 m, on the right, a rock overlooks the void and offers a superb view of Bitschwiller and the Thur valley.
(3) The trail passes through several scree slopes before reaching a forest road.
(4) Cross it. At the second, take it downhill to the left until you reach a crossroads.
(5) Then turn right onto the access road to the farmhouse inn. You could stop for a nice beer on the terrace, but you must continue on.
(6) Climb up to the left into the pasture, following the Yellow Cross markings, towards the Ski Club Vosgien refuge, which you can see up there with its green roof. When you reach the access path, the view of the Ballons and the Route des Crêtes is magnificent. Continue climbing, passing under the ski lift, but not before turning the "Milka moo box". Here is the refuge with its shelter, which is open to all and well equipped (barbecue, table, benches).
What a view over the Alsace plain! Thann, Cernay, Mulhouse and the Tour de l'Europe, Basel and its pyramid.
(7) Leave the property and turn right onto the path that climbs to the orientation table (marked with a red and white Red Rectangle) with its 270° panorama.
The sun quickly descends behind the Ballon de Servance and the Tête des Perches, offering a stunning array of flamboyant colours. Twilight arrives and the towns and villages of the valley light up, presenting an amazing spectacle.
(8) After taking in the view, descend the other side through the pasture to the Waldmatt refuge.
(9) Cross the fence and turn left to descend the access road to the refuge (marked with Red Rectangles onthe GR®5 trail). At the edge of the pasture, it's time to turn on your headlamps. Veer slightly to the right, following the gently sloping path that descends steadily through the forest. The red trail markers are reflective and visible from a distance, which makes the descent much easier. Pass by some beautiful trees.
(10) Avoid the cep mushroom in the middle of the path and pass in front of a small chapel, not without ringing the bell, which gives a special sound to this evening, responding to the cry of a tawny owl. Ford a small stream and return to the Haut de Martiplatz crossroads.
(2) A few bats circle around the beams of light from the headlamps. Continue straight ahead on theGR®5to reach the Col d'Hundsruck (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
