Chamois Trail in Mittlach

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A pleasant little walk at the bottom of the Munster valley, in Mittlach, amidst forest, river, moraines and village.
Introduced to the Vosges in 1954, chamois have since colonised many of the steep, rocky slopes of the Hautes-Vosges. With a bit of luck, you might just spot them!

Details

n°26593893
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.31 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 123 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 126 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 671 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 535 m
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Photos

View of the Rothenbachkopf in Mittlach
Path through the forest and amongst the moraines at Mittlach
Path and moraines in Mittlach
Moraines at Mittlach

Description of the walk

Small car park near the forest, south of the village.

(S/E) Start the walk on the right, heading north-west (Blue Cross markings). Ignore a path on the right and continue straight on to the bridge over the Kolbenfecht. Cross the bridge, leaving the markings behind.

(1) Take the path almost opposite the bridge. You’ll pass through glacial moraines. After a wide bend to the right, the path joins the Kastelberg trail (Blue Triangle markings). Follow it downhill to the right.

(2) Take Rue Erbersch on the left, heading downhill (Blue Triangle + Yellow Cross markings).

(3) Cross the bridge over the Fecht, then the square, and join Rue Raymond Poincaré. Turn right to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 548 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 1.33 - alt. 590 m - Path opposite the bridge
  3. 2 : km 2.62 - alt. 561 m - Rue Erbersch
  4. 3 : km 3 - alt. 537 m - Small bridge over the Kolbenfecht
  5. S/E : km 3.31 - alt. 548 m - Car park

Notes

Refreshments available at the small Valneige restaurant in the village centre.

Worth a visit

Things to see:

  • Wooden bridge over the Kolbenfecht.
  • Walk through the moraines of the former glacier.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 22007959

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very nice route, a bit more difficult in the rocky sections

Machine-translated

mauricejeannine
mauricejeannine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Given the long scree slopes to cross (I didn’t count them, but there are at least five), and the two large tree trunks lying side by side across the path that we had to go round, I wouldn’t describe this walk as easy – even though we have extensive experience of hiking in the Alps, where scree slopes are a common feature. Let’s say it’s a moderate hike. That said, the route is magnificent: waterfalls, various types of moss, and scree slopes. Good walking boots and walking poles are essential. Watch out for stones and roots that are still damp.

Machine-translated

Nine 68
Nine 68

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely trail, though at this time of year it’s quite slippery over tree stumps, roots and rocks, so walking poles and sturdy shoes are a must.....

Machine-translated

Souasic
Souasic

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk where you can explore glacial moraines. Sturdy footwear is recommended

Machine-translated

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