Pfaffenlapp walks

The climb from the Ringelstahl Forest House to the Fallenlapp rock (altitude 650m) through a beautiful beech forest will take you to a magnificent viewpoint over the entrance to the Bruche Valley. The place is enchanting, ideal for meditation or a picnic. A little further on, the Breitberg rock also offers an interesting viewpoint.The elevation gain to Fallenlapp is significant (approximately 170m) but remains reasonable.

The Pfaffenlapp and Breitberg rocks are two must-see sights in the area, each offering a beautiful view of the Bruche Valley. This route has the advantage of being on high ground and is therefore relatively easy.

This route through the forest takes you up to the higher parts of the village and to lesser-known sites such as the ruins of Petit Ringelsberg Castle, the Gallo-Roman remains, and the ruins of Ringelstein and Hohenstein Castles. A quick visit to Saint-Florent Chapel is a must, where numerous ex-votos are on display.

A pleasant walk and magnificent scenery in the Oberhaslach Forest.

Landscapes of the Northern Vosges, combining unspoilt nature, medieval ruins and forgotten legends. Passing by Hohenstein Castle and its belvedere, the hike crosses the Petit Ringeslberg and offers a return trip to the Rocher du Pfaffenlapp, a spectacular rock formation. Then head for the Kasperlehepp Pond, nestled in a small clearing, a peaceful body of water surrounded by reeds and ferns. Continuing the climb, you reach the ruins of Nideck Castle, perched on a rocky promontory. Further on, below, a path accessible by steps allows you to approach the Nideck Waterfall, some twenty metres high, which cascades down a basalt wall, forming a circular loop rich in discoveries. Legend has it that a young giantess, while walking here, discovered a tiny man in a field. Intrigued, she took him back to her father, giving rise to the legend of the Giants of Nideck, immortalised by the Brothers Grimm.

This is the story of the hermit Saint Florent (6th century), an Irish monk whose pilgrimage continues to this day. Pilgrims used to pass through the Pfaffenlapp and Breitberg rocky areas, as the monk soon attracted disciples to the Ringelberg. Saint Florent was the 7th Bishop of Strasbourg and founded a monastery on his lands in Niederhaslach; a collegiate church was later established there in the 11th century.

A lovely circular route from Oberhaslach to Wangenbourg, passing through the Col des Pandours on the way out. Then on to Bergbieten by mountain bike before returning to Oberhaslach.Most of the route follows tracks suitable for vehicles. There are a few technical sections on fairly short single tracks.