Thierenbach from the Gros Chêne

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A short walk through the forest before setting off to explore the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Thierenbach.

Details

n°21825147
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.75 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 554 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 551 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,736 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,161 ft
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Photos

A medallion trapped in a tree
A surprise along the route
Panoramic view above the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Thierenbach
Pond and Basilica of Notre-Dame de Thierenbach

Description of the walk

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).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,280 ft - Gros Chêne car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.89 - alt. 1,736 ft - Crossroads, highest point
  3. 2 : mi 1.8 - alt. 1,434 ft - St Anne’s Chapel
  4. 3 : mi 2.24 - alt. 1,181 ft - Basilique Notre-Dame de Thierenbach
  5. 4 : mi 2.41 - alt. 1,165 ft - Junction after the pond
  6. S/E : mi 2.75 - alt. 1,280 ft - Gros Chêne car park

Notes

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).

Worth a visit

(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.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
chamane7
chamane7

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 12, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, though the climb is a bit of a slog – it goes on for quite a while. The descent after the Sainte Anne chapel is quite rugged. But… the area is magnificent; hearing the bells of Thierenbach ringing out in the heart of the forest is pure bliss!!

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User 3581737

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely family route, easy going and perfect for settling your stomach after a meal

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Nine 68
Nine 68

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

We did it on a Sunday, so it was close to the fitness trail, but that wasn't a problem. No difficulty for all levels, although the climb is a bit steep ....

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Mickanside
Mickanside

Thank you, Pat, for your very encouraging feedback! Enjoy your walks!

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Pat68720
Pat68720

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk taking in some historic sites. The route description is very clear. This was our first walk with VISIORANDO, but certainly not our last.

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