Day 1: Arrival
Independent arrival by train or car at your hotel in Wissembourg (German: Weißenburg). Additional overnight stays possible.

After arriving in Wissembourg, located on the German-French border in Alsace, you are free to explore the town. As a gateway to the region and the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, Wissembourg surprises with its historical and architectural wealth, a testament to its flourishing past. The Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul is the second most important Gothic building in Alsace after Strasbourg Cathedral.

Day 2: Wissembourg – Lembach
The trail leads past the Col du Pigeonnier and Pfaffenschlick, with an ascent to the Soultzerkopf before reaching Lembach, a small village with a rich history. The "Four à Chaux", a major fortification of the Maginot Line carved into a limestone hill, can be visited. Its underground galleries, reaching 30 meters deep, once housed up to 600 men and 24 officers in 1939.
(Approx. 23 km | 750 m ascent | 715 m descent)

Day 3: Lembach – Obersteinbach
Today’s highlights include Löwenstein, Hohenbourg, Fleckenstein, and Frönsburg—four imposing castles strategically positioned on the Schlossberg since the 12th and 13th centuries. Fleckenstein is arguably the most impressive: this fortress, largely carved into the rock, is embedded in a sandstone cliff of spectacular dimensions. From the top of this mighty witness to the Holy Roman Empire's history in Lower Alsace, you’ll enjoy an exceptional view over the Northern Vosges and the Palatinate. Overnight stay in Obersteinbach, a small rural village nestled in the forest.
(Approx. 18 km | 620 m ascent | 570 m descent)

Day 4: Obersteinbach – Niederbronn-les-Bains
Climb through the Steinbach Valley, passing Château Schöneck and ascending to the Grand Wintersberg, the highest peak of the Northern Vosges at 581 meters. A tower at the summit offers panoramic views of the Vosges massif, the Black Forest, and the Palatinate. On clear days, the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral is visible. Continue via Dittenthal and Camp Celtique to the spa town of Niederbronn-les-Bains.
(Approx. 16 km | 600 m ascent | 660 m descent)

Day 5: Niederbronn-les-Bains – Ingwiller Area
After climbing to the Château de la Wasenbourg overlooking Niederbronn, the route leads through the picturesque villages of Oberbronn, Offwiller, and Rothbach to Ingwiller.
(Approx. 21 km | 730 m ascent | 730 m descent)

Day 6: Ingwiller Area – La Petite Pierre
Hike through beautiful forests and the Meisenbach Valley to the summit of the Englischberg, the "Mountain of the English". Enjoy panoramic views of the Northern Vosges. In 1365, English mercenaries sought refuge here during the Hundred Years’ War. From this sandstone-covered summit with its astonishing rock formations, follow the GR route to La Petite Pierre.
(Approx. 19 km | 590 m ascent | 420 m descent)

Day 7: La Petite Pierre – Saverne
Soon you’ll reach the “Rocher du Corbeau” (Raven Rock), followed by a descent into the village of Graufthal, known for its unique cave dwellings carved into the rock. This authentic village offers medieval charm and history. Continue to Saverne, the delightful capital of the Northern Vosges.
(Approx. 21 km | 550 m ascent | 680 m descent)

Day 8: Departure
Additional nights in Saverne available.
Return journey or train ride back to Wissembourg.

Travel Information:
Daily departures: March 29 – October 11
Arrival: Self-arranged by car, train, or bus to Wissembourg.
Free parking available at the hotel.
By train: travel to Wissembourg railway station.