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 wide path on the left (return path) 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) Opposite you, at the edge of a property, the Liéchi or Waldschrat (woodland man), carved from a sequoia tree, stares at you sternly (see "Things to see" and photo). Take the path on the left that enters the forest. It joins a wider path, a sunken lane typical of the Sundgau hills. Go up to the left; the slope is steep but then levels out before reaching a fork. Turn left and go downhill towards a crossroads.

(2) Cross the transverse path and take the one opposite that climbs between the fields. Pass a^first vineyard plot and a bench. The slope levels out. Continue straight ahead towards the edge of a wood. After a^second vineyard plot and another bench, stop for a moment to enjoy the view. The Vosges mountain range 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 will come to a crossroads with a wide path coming from the village of Brinkheim.

(3) Turn left onto a sunken path that gradually heads east until it reaches a 90° bend (note the old signpost).

(4) At this bend, leave the path and take the slightly uphill trail opposite. Stay on the edge of the forest for about 250 m, then the trail enters the forest (red markings on the trees). It quickly leads to an intersection with a cross trail. (See Practical Information).

(5) Turn left, heading due east. As you leave the forest, there is a beautiful view of the Vosges mountains on your left and the Black Forest opposite. Continue along the edge of the forest at a place called Habstal, the highest point of the Brestenberg, then you will come to a wooded area before descending to the left, along a sunken path that leads to a crossroads with five paths.

(6) Cross the crossroads, ignoring the paths to the left and right, and turn right onto a slight downhill slope. You will come back onto the tarmac 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): this section does not appear on maps; it is a diversion from the existing trail, which is currently blocked by several fallen trees.

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).