Windstein walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Circular hike starting from the Celtic spring with ascent of the Grand Wintersberg, 581 m, the highest point in the Northern Vosges, and return via the Col de la Liese chalet (belonging to the Club Vosgien) and the Heidenkopf shelter.

Ascent of the Grand Wintersberg, the highest point in the Northern Vosges, via a steep path. Return via a different, equally narrow path. Take care in wet weather or when the paths are snow-covered.

Hike in the forest of Niederbronn-les-Bains to discover Wasenbourg Castle and then the Col de l'Ungerthal.

A route to discover the battlefield of Woerth-Froeschwiller from 6-8 August 1870, punctuated by monuments erected in memory of the combatants, but also by viewpoints. It crosses fields, orchards and forests, as well as Froeschwiller, Elsasshaussen and Woerth.

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.

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.

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).

A pleasant hike on the southern flank of the Hochwald, leading from the Lampertsloch Forest House to the Col du Wiep, then to the Soultzerkopf Refuge. Near the refuge, an orientation table allows you to enjoy the landscape towards the plain. This route is ideal for getting back to nature and finding peace and quiet.

The castles of Hanau - The Erbsenfels arch.

A superb hike through the forest, mainly starting from the Étang de Hanau, passing by the Étang de Lieschbach, Falkenstein Castle, Waldeck Castle and the peat bogs.

Magnificent hike on the forest paths around Hanau Pond. Visit the ruins of Falkenstein, Rothenburg and Waldeck Castles, passing by the splendid sandstone arch of Erbsenfelsen.

A pleasant hike through the Niederwald forest and the Sauer valley, ending below Mont de Gunstett. In addition to the beautiful landscapes seen from the vast clearings in the forest or when crossing the Sauer plain, this route offers views of beautiful wash houses in Oberdorf-Spachbach and Gunstett, as well as fine examples of traditional Alsatian architecture.

Short walk from the Col du Pfaffenschlick via Drachenbronn and the Col de Stiefelsberg.

A pleasant hike in the Northern Vosges, mainly through deciduous forests, which allows you to discover the Hochwald fortifications and the Ruins of the Hermitage. If you are quiet, you may be lucky enough to spot some deer!

A lovely loop in the Northern Vosges that crosses the old fortifications of the Maginot Line and passes by the ruins of an old chapel.

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.

A very beautiful and pleasant walk in warm weather as it is mostly shaded. Discover Ramstein Castle, Baerenthal Pond and the lake where the more motivated can take a dip at the end of the walk!

Known as the Vosges Colorado or Alsace Colorado since the French Club Vosgien discovered this remarkable natural area relatively late in the 20th century, it is a magnet for hikers from France on fine days. Apart from the site itself, German forests are usually very quiet in autumn.Do not expect to see even the ruins of an ancient castle... nothing remains, but the real beauty of the site lies in the rocks with their magnificent colours.The French name is probably the result of an excellent marketing strategy, as this site is in no way comparable to the famous Provençal colorados (Rustrel or Roussillon). Apart from a few beautiful colours, it could more easily be compared to Luxembourg's Petite Suisse.However, the site is well worth a visit and even a detour!

Colorado du Bitcherland for some. This is a pink sandstone formation 1.5 km long, 35 m high and with four "towers" towering over visitors. No remains of the castle exist, but the unusual shapes, rocky overhangs and colours that change with the light of day enhance this rock formation. Trail marked with the German "Premiumweg" label.

Gentle climb to Eulenfels, a spectacular but little-visited rocky site. Pass through the Wusteichelsbach peat bogs before climbing gently to the breathtaking Altschlossfelsen rock formation (very popular). Return to Eppenbrunn via the Rocher de Diane, on the French-German border, and the Teufelstisch rocks.

Why is it called the Alsatian Colorado... when it's just across the border in Germany? Our German neighbours call it the Altschlossfelsen or "Old Castle Cliffs". In any case, this easy horse ride between France and Germany, with no major difficulties or steep slopes, allows you to discover this beautiful pink sandstone rock formation, hidden among the vegetation.A short, easy hike, ideal for families with children who enjoy walking.

A breathtaking walk that will make you feel like you're travelling at the foot of the Grand Canyon. A place to visit again and again, attracting many hikers, this is a beautiful family hike with plenty of tables for picnicking in the shade of the trees.

This pleasant hike offers a mosaic of landscapes and some of the most photogenic views in the area. Along the route, you will come across an old vineyard shelter. At Geiersberg, a Napoleonic bench made of Vosges sandstone allows you to enjoy the panorama at an altitude of 261 m: the Haguenau Forest and the Outre-Forêt are part of the scenery. From the heights of Morschwiller, you can look out over the Alsace plain, with views stretching from the Northern Vosges to the Black Forest.

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