Philippsbourg walks

A superb hike through the forest, mainly starting from the Étang de Hanau, passing by the Étang de Lieschbach, Falkenstein Castle, Waldeck Castle and the peat bogs.

Magnificent hike on the forest paths around Hanau Pond. Visit the ruins of Falkenstein, Rothenburg and Waldeck Castles, passing by the splendid sandstone arch of Erbsenfelsen.

A very beautiful and pleasant walk in warm weather as it is mostly shaded. Discover Ramstein Castle, Baerenthal Pond and the lake where the more motivated can take a dip at the end of the walk!

Ascent of the Grand Wintersberg, the highest point in the Northern Vosges, via a steep path. Return via a different, equally narrow path. Take care in wet weather or when the paths are snow-covered.

Circular hike starting from the Celtic spring with ascent of the Grand Wintersberg, 581 m, the highest point in the Northern Vosges, and return via the Col de la Liese chalet (belonging to the Club Vosgien) and the Heidenkopf shelter.

Hike in the forest of Niederbronn-les-Bains to discover Wasenbourg Castle and then the Col de l'Ungerthal.

The castles of Hanau - The Erbsenfels arch.

This hike in the Northern Vosges will allow you to discover five castles which, although less well known than Fleckenstein, are just as worthy of a visit! Much of the walk takes place on small forest paths, making it very pleasant in hot weather.

The village of Windstein, nestled in a valley in the Northern Vosges, is the ideal starting point for visiting the many ruined castles in the surrounding area. The hike takes in the two castles of Wittschloessel and Wineck. It is possible to add Schoeneck Castle by temporarily deviating from the route.

This is a large circular hike starting from Jaegerthal, the birthplace of the De Dietrich family, with its castle, park and the remains of the first forge near the car park. It is a long but peaceful hike, with a succession of small "bumps" and dotted with numerous fortified castles and remarkable rocks. The first part follows the "Sentier de la Ligne Maginot" (Maginot Line Trail) with a succession of bunkers in a surprisingly good state of preservation.

The trail marked with the "Premiumweg" label is a meeting point between Alsace and the Palatinate, between The Northern Vosges and the Wasgau: two of the most beautiful natural sites in Europe thanks to their landscape of endless forests, pink sandstone rocks rising towards the sky and remarkable castle ruins. This 33 km trail was originally divided into two circular loops. Here is the second part, covering 16 km.

This trail takes you to rocks and castles with magnificent, unobstructed views of the valley and Obersteinbach. You can visit the Bohemian Rock or "Tziganes", Wasigenstein Castle, Petit Arnsberg Castle and Wachtfels Rock with its breathtaking view. There is a short stretch of tarmac at the start and end of the hike. This is a fairly easy hike, but I have rated it as moderately difficult due to its length.

A pleasant hike of moderate difficulty, culminating in the magnificent Lichtenberg Castle. You will walk mainly on paths and through a deciduous forest, enjoying the early spring sunshine but staying in the shade in summer.

A beautiful walk in the Northern Vosges to discover the Colorado of Bitcherland.

A pleasant hike to stretch your legs. Ideal in early May when nature is waking up. Passes by an impressive rocky outcrop (beautiful view) and caves. Most of the walk is in the shade and the hike follows a river on the last part of the route. Also pleasant in the height of summer. (updated May 2020)

Why is it called the Alsatian Colorado... when it's just across the border in Germany? Our German neighbours call it the Altschlossfelsen or "Old Castle Cliffs". In any case, this easy horse ride between France and Germany, with no major difficulties or steep slopes, allows you to discover this beautiful pink sandstone rock formation, hidden among the vegetation.A short, easy hike, ideal for families with children who enjoy walking.

A breathtaking walk that will make you feel like you're travelling at the foot of the Grand Canyon. A place to visit again and again, attracting many hikers, this is a beautiful family hike with plenty of tables for picnicking in the shade of the trees.

Known as the Vosges Colorado or Alsace Colorado since the French Club Vosgien discovered this remarkable natural area relatively late in the 20th century, it is a magnet for hikers from France on fine days. Apart from the site itself, German forests are usually very quiet in autumn.Do not expect to see even the ruins of an ancient castle... nothing remains, but the real beauty of the site lies in the rocks with their magnificent colours.The French name is probably the result of an excellent marketing strategy, as this site is in no way comparable to the famous Provençal colorados (Rustrel or Roussillon). Apart from a few beautiful colours, it could more easily be compared to Luxembourg's Petite Suisse.However, the site is well worth a visit and even a detour!

A route to discover the battlefield of Woerth-Froeschwiller from 6-8 August 1870, punctuated by monuments erected in memory of the combatants, but also by viewpoints. It crosses fields, orchards and forests, as well as Froeschwiller, Elsasshaussen and Woerth.

Colorado du Bitcherland for some. This is a pink sandstone formation 1.5 km long, 35 m high and with four "towers" towering over visitors. No remains of the castle exist, but the unusual shapes, rocky overhangs and colours that change with the light of day enhance this rock formation. Trail marked with the German "Premiumweg" label.

Gentle climb to Eulenfels, a spectacular but little-visited rocky site. Pass through the Wusteichelsbach peat bogs before climbing gently to the breathtaking Altschlossfelsen rock formation (very popular). Return to Eppenbrunn via the Rocher de Diane, on the French-German border, and the Teufelstisch rocks.

The "Premiungweg" marked trail is a meeting point between Alsace and the Palatinate. Between the Northern Vosges and the Wasgau: two of the most beautiful natural sites in Europe thanks to their landscapes of endless forests, pink sandstone rocks rising towards the sky and remarkable castle ruins. This 33 km trail was originally divided into two circular sections. Here is thefirst 20 km section.

This pleasant hike offers a mosaic of landscapes and some of the most photogenic views in the area. Along the route, you will come across an old vineyard shelter. At Geiersberg, a Napoleonic bench made of Vosges sandstone allows you to enjoy the panorama at an altitude of 261 m: the Haguenau Forest and the Outre-Forêt are part of the scenery. From the heights of Morschwiller, you can look out over the Alsace plain, with views stretching from the Northern Vosges to the Black Forest.

A pleasant hike through the Niederwald forest and the Sauer valley, ending below Mont de Gunstett. In addition to the beautiful landscapes seen from the vast clearings in the forest or when crossing the Sauer plain, this route offers views of beautiful wash houses in Oberdorf-Spachbach and Gunstett, as well as fine examples of traditional Alsatian architecture.

This walk along paths and forest roads is shaded, very easy and suitable for children. It offers some beautiful rocks and a castle ruin (you have to use your imagination here). This circular route follows much of the same path on the way there and back.