A short tour of Brestenberg through fields and forests

Parking is available on Rue des Acacias, avoiding the spaces reserved for IME (medical-educational institute) buses.

(S/E) Walk up Rue des Acacias towards the forest, ignore the start of the wide path on the left (return route) and turn right towards the entrance to a grassy path at the edge of the forest. If the vegetation seems too overgrown, take Rue du Jura, which runs parallel to the path. Walk along the back of the properties to the end of a street (Rue Robert Hassler).

(1) In front of you, at the edge of a property, the Liéchi or Waldschrat (woodland spirit), carved from a sequoia, stares at you sternly (see ‘Sights’ section and photo). Take the path on the left which leads into the forest. It joins a wider track, a sunken path typical of the Sundgau hills. Head up to the left; the slope is steep but then levels off before reaching a fork in the path. Turn left and head downhill towards a junction.

(2) Cross the cross-path to take the one opposite that climbs between the fields. Pass a^first patch of vines and a bench. The slope levels off; continue straight on towards the edge of a wood. After a^second patch of vines and another bench, stop for a moment to enjoy the view. The Vosges ridges to the north, with the Grand Ballon (1,424 m) recognisable by its radome, and to the east the Black Forest with the Blauen (1,165 m) and its tower.
You’ll reach a junction with a wide path coming from the village of Brinkheim.

(3) Turn left onto a sunken path that gradually heads eastwards until a 90° bend (note the sign from an old trail marker). About 40 m after this bend, don’t miss the start of a small path on the left that leads into the forest.

(4) This path winds its way up for a few dozen metres, then quickly leads to a junction with another path running perpendicular to it (see practical information).

(5) Continue straight on; the path remains level, heading due east. As you emerge from the forest, there is a fine view of the Vosges mountains on the left and the Black Forest opposite.
Continue along the edge of the woods at a place called Habstal, the highest point of the Brestenberg, then enter a wooded area before descending to the left along a sunken track that joins a crossroads of five paths.

(6) Cross the junction and take the^second path on the right, which descends gently. You will reach the tarmac of Rue des Acacias and the car park (S/E).

To avoid having to turn back, check the hunting dates and contact the Haut-Rhin Hunting Federation.

Between (4) and (5): during the winter season, every year trees, battered by strong winds, fall and make the path difficult or even impassable. You must then return to point (4) and walk straight up along the edge of the woodland for about 250 m, then enter the forest on the right until you reach the junction (5).
This section does not appear on maps; it is a detour from the existing path, created by hunters.

The Liéchi or Léchi (from Slavic mythology) likes to lead hikers and hunters astray, but if you respect the forest, you may win its favour. According to Wikipedia.
The Bartenheim sequoia was planted 40 years ago by a tree enthusiast (local press).