Thierenbach from the Gros Chêne

Parking is available at the Gros Chêne car park.
Red Ring markings throughout the walk.

(S/E) At the junction near the refuge, turn left towards the west to begin the ascent. Soon after, take a small path branching off to the right. Climb straight on until you reach the end of this path at the highest point of the walk.

(1) At the junction, take the first path on the right and begin the descent. Further on, at the junction of forest tracks, continue straight on until you come to some buildings. Carry on to the right and you’ll soon find yourself in front of the entrance to the Sainte-Anne Chapel.

(2) Carry on along the narrow path just to the right and head downhill, keeping to the right at the small junction a little further on. At the end, turn left onto the road (watch out for cars) to reach the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Thierenbach.

(3) Turn right towards the car park, walk past the basilica and follow the path alongside the pond.

(4) Just past the pond, continue along the tarmac road which climbs to the right. Walk past the restaurant entrance, then continue along the path which starts to the right of the garages. Join the road and keep going until you reach the car park (S/E).

Between (1) and (2), there are benches along the entire route.
(S/E) There is a shelter and picnic tables at Gros Chêne.
Several benches and picnic tables are available around the pond (4).
You can start at (2), where there is a car park.

Alternative route via the Stations of the Cross and the Rote Rain Memorial, +1.5 km

(4) Just after the pond, continue along the path to the left. Follow the Stations of the Cross (in reverse) until you reach the Rote Rain Memorial. At the junction, turn right and then immediately right again to head back up the concrete path (marked with a Blue Cross). Continue straight on until you reach the car park (S/E).

(3) Basilica of Our Lady of Thierenbach

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Thierenbach (Wikipedia page), a listed historic monument, is a major Alsatian pilgrimage site.
Church opening hours:
- 1 December → Easter: 9.00–12.00 / 13.30–18.00
- Easter → 30 November: 9.00–12.00 / 13.30–19.00
(4) Pond
Just past the basilica, you can take some time to relax and perhaps even have a picnic by the pond.