Refuge du Champ du Feu walks

Champ du Feu is the highest point in the Bas-Rhin at 1,099 m. At the summit, the viewing tower was erected in 1898 by the Club Vosgien. It is the symbol of Champ du Feu. There are many theories about the origin of the name Champ du Feu. It may derive from Vehfeld or ‘cattle field’, a corruption of the name Champ des Fées or Champ du Faîte (the summit), or even the charcoal burners’ fires...

In my opinion, this is the most beautiful route up to Champ du Feu from Hohwald, as it runs through the heart of the forest and there are no busy roads to cross. If you set off early, you might be lucky enough to spot some wildlife. The route passes by the old dairy farm, a peaceful and quiet spot, before descending via the magnificent Chaume des Veaux. Then, enjoy the stunning viewpoint at Breitenbach, where you might just see paragliders in flight. Finish your hike by returning via Grande Bellevue.

Le Champ du Feu, one of the highest points in the Bas-Rhin at an altitude of 1,098 m, a winter sports resort ideal for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowshoeing, an icon for all generations of Alsatians.This lovely circular route is an extension of the Champ du Feu circular route (hike No. 43137315 of 11 Dec. 2023); the first 5 kilometres are similar to the original route, but the rest changes and extends the circular route by 2 km.Eighty per cent of the route is through woodland, intended for walkers and, in snowy weather, for snowshoe hikers, and mainly follows footpaths and a few forest tracks. It crosses a few marked cross-country ski trails on groomed snow; please walk alongside these so as not to disturb the skiers or damage the trails.Beautiful rocks and trees, with lovely views, can be found throughout this fairly varied route.There is a lovely shelter near the end of the route, with refreshments available in the first third and at the start/finish.

This hike will take you through Ban-de-la-Roche, a place dear to Pastor Jean-Frédéric Oberlin, who served there for 60 years. The route will take you through magnificent landscapes, past a little-known castle (or what remains of it) and to the highest point in the Bas-Rhin.It is a fairly long hike with a significant elevation gain, classified as difficult, which I completed in about 7 hours of walking.