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Schönau (Pfalz) walks
Franco-German trail from castle to castle - Part 1
Visorando Member
11.74 mi
+2,464 ft
-2,454 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Schönau (Pfalz) (Südwestpfalz)
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.
Five castles in the Northern Vosges
8.05 mi
+1,795 ft
-1,795 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Lembach (Bas-Rhin)
This moderately difficult circular hike takes you to five castles built in the 12th and 13th centuries, each with a different history. From the top of some of the castles, you can also enjoy magnificent views of the Northern Vosges and the German Palatinate.
The Wegelnburg via the Fleckenstein
5.25 mi
+1,312 ft
-1,322 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Lembach (Bas-Rhin)
The destination is the Wegelnbug, the highest ruin in the Palatinate, offering breathtaking 360° views.
The ascent takes you past Fleckenstein Castle, whilst the descent offers the chance to visit Hohenbourg and Loewenstein Castles.
An ideal hike for children. A fun (but chargeable) tour of Fleckenstein, with a playground near the Gimbelhof.
Circular from Fleckenstein Pond to Froensbourg Castle
3.96 mi
+561 ft
-538 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Lembach (Bas-Rhin)
A short, easy circular loop starting from the Fleckenstein Pond and passing by the ruined Froensbourg Castle.
Note: access to the troglodytic rooms on the upper levels is no longer possible (staircase not repaired).
Circular of the four castles around Fleckenstein
4.85 mi
+1,161 ft
-1,184 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Lembach (Bas-Rhin)
Discover ruined castles: Fleckenstein, Loewenstein, Hohenbourg and Wegelnbourg (Palatinate) and remarkable rocks such as the "Krappenfels" and those that line the Sentier des Roches (Rock Trail) and the climb to Wegelnbourg. These places are steeped in history and mystery, and offer some very pretty views.
From Gimbelhof to the Castle and Fleckenstein Pond
Tourism professional
4.43 mi
+650 ft
-650 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Lembach (Bas-Rhin)
Fleckenstein Castle is an eagle’s nest of extraordinary proportions, first mentioned in 1174. It had a reputation as an impregnable stronghold until it fell, without a fight, to the soldiers of Louis XIV in 1680. This walk invites you to discover this castle and the lake of the same name.
Lembach and the 3 Castles
3.64 mi
+860 ft
-883 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Lembach (Bas-Rhin)
A walk made for children.
The walk starts and ends at a superb medieval playground, with a splendid view of the Krappenfels. There are two partially renovated castle ruins and the fully renovated Fleckenstein Castle (entrance fee).
Circuit, rocks and castles around Obersteinbach
7.34 mi
+1,460 ft
-1,430 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Obersteinbach (Bas-Rhin)
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.
Franco-German trail from castle to castle - Part 2
9.96 mi
+2,310 ft
-2,310 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Obersteinbach (Bas-Rhin)
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.
Around Lembach
17.26 mi
+2,582 ft
-2,585 ft
10h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Lembach (Bas-Rhin)
This is a hike that takes place entirely in the forest on paths and trails. At the start, for 2½ hours, you’ll be walking along little-known and very quiet paths. A route with quite a bit of elevation gain and varied scenery.
Loop of the 5 castles
10.28 mi
+2,165 ft
-2,136 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Bas-Rhin
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.
On the top-quality trails of the Bitche region
7.14 mi
+761 ft
-758 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Sturzelbronn (Moselle)
Starting from the quiet little hamlet of Bremendell, this easy walk takes you through the forests of the Bitche region, taking in several notable sites, including the village of Sturzelbronn and its abbey, as well as the Luchsfelsen.
Dahn Rock Trail Felsenpfad
11.32 mi
+1,637 ft
-1,617 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Dahn (Südwestpfalz)
A magnificent hike to discover the rock formations of the Palatinate Forest. You will walk through breathtaking scenery and discover Neudahn Castle, destroyed during the Peasants' War in the 16th century, one of the best-preserved castles in the Palatinate Forest
Discovering the sandstone giants in Dahn
5.73 mi
+883 ft
-863 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Dahn (Südwestpfalz)
The Dahner Felsenpfad (Dahn Rock Trail) is located in Rhineland-Palatinate. This circular route takes you into the forest to discover the giant pink sandstone rocks and the surrounding viewpoints.
Refreshments are also available along the route.
The Windstein Castles
1.64 mi
+407 ft
-427 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Windstein (Bas-Rhin)
Set in a magnificent natural setting, this walk takes you to discover two remarkable castles in ruins that will appeal to children and adults alike: Vieux Windstein, an ancient structure built into the rock with its staircases and underground chambers, and Nouveau Windstein with its impressive shield walls, residential towers and pointed-arch gates.
The castles of Windstein, Wittschloessel and Wineck
8.81 mi
+1,677 ft
-1,667 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Windstein (Bas-Rhin)
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.
Route des cinq châteaux vers Windstein
14.69 mi
+2,746 ft
-2,740 ft
9h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Windstein (Bas-Rhin)
Northern Alsace is renowned for its castles. This route allows you to explore five of them: Nouveau and Vieux Windstein, Wittschloessel, Wineck and Schoeneck. A detour also allows you to see the ‘Man’s Rock’ and ‘Woman’s Rock’, as well as a magnificent view over Dambach and Neunhoffen. This is a walk that constantly alternates between ascents and descents through the forest, some easier than others. Only the section towards Dambach is flat.
From Hohenfels to Grand Wintersberg
7.26 mi
+1,263 ft
-1,260 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Bas-Rhin
Hike between a semi-troglodytic castle and the highest point in the Northern Vosges.
The Jaegerthal Forges and the Castles of Windstein
6.45 mi
+988 ft
-988 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Windstein (Bas-Rhin)
A pleasant, easy walk, mainly along wide forest paths, offering the chance to discover the Jaegerthal Forges, the castles of Nouveau and Vieux Windstein, and a few blockhouses.
Castles, rocks and remains of the Maginot Line in the Northern Vosges
16.39 mi
+3,150 ft
-3,163 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Windstein (Bas-Rhin)
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.
Loop around the Col du Pfaffenschlick
7.83 mi
+1,198 ft
-1,201 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Drachenbronn-Birlenbach (Bas-Rhin)
A short walk along the Chemin des Cimes to the Col du Pfaffenschlick via Drachenbronn and the Col de Stiefelsberg.
6 July 2026. Description updated. There are no signposts on certain sections of the route, although they are shown on the map, as the Club Vosgien is currently updating the signposting.
Discover the Hochwald fortifications from the Col du Pfaffenschlick
9.24 mi
+1,677 ft
-1,663 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Drachenbronn-Birlenbach (Bas-Rhin)
A pleasant walk in the Northern Vosges, mainly through deciduous woodland, offering the chance to explore the Hochwald fortifications and the Ruins of the Hermitage. If you keep quiet, you might be lucky enough to spot some roe deer!
08/07/2026: Starting point changed.
Ferme-auberge des Sept Fontaines - Wintzenmuehle
4.40 mi
+312 ft
-328 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Drachenbronn-Birlenbach (Bas-Rhin)
A short, very natural route to discover a forest in the Northern Vosges. The route passes by the Sept Fontaines farmhouse inn and descends towards Lobsann. The return journey is along a pleasant forest path, offering a special moment in beautiful, peaceful nature. This family route can also be done by mountain bike with a minimum of skill.
Around Climbronn Chapel
8.44 mi
+1,234 ft
-1,230 ft
4h 55
Easy
Departure from Drachenbronn-Birlenbach (Bas-Rhin)
A lovely circular walk in the Northern Vosges that crosses the old Maginot Line fortifications and passes by the ruins of an old chapel.
⚠️ 02/07/2026: Change to the starting point at the Chemin des Cîmes car park.