Nideck Waterfall and Castle

This hike starting from the valley takes you to discover one of the most iconic sites in the Vosges sandstone mountains, between the spectacular waterfall and the medieval ruins of Nideck. A condensed history and raw nature for a total immersion.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.90 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 892 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 876 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,985 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,109 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The walk starts at the car park on the edge of the D218 near the Auberge du Nideck.

(S/E) The tone is set from the very first few metres: cross the D218 carefully to reach the path that climbs steeply to the right towards the opposite slope. Continue to the junction with the Red Triangle marked path.

(1) Take it to the left and reach the Hirschfels Rock (elevation 535). It's the perfect reward: a magnificent panoramic view of the red porphyry cliffs and the valley.

(2) Follow the Chevalet Jaune marked trail slightly to the right . This more gradual and pleasant trail leads to the Maison Forestière du Nideck (elevation 605) located on the edge of the D218, the highest point of your route.

(3) Turn left and carefully follow the road, following the yellow rectangle markings ofthe GR®532.

(4)Then beginthe descent to the left towards the ruins of Nideck Castle. The site is divided into two parts, the upper castle and the lower castle, which you can explore to admire the medieval architecture and the view over the plain.

(5) Continue the technical descent following the red rectangle markings to reach the viewpoint on the right, which offers an impressive view of the Nideck Waterfall.

(6) Retrace your steps and rejoin the route on the right, following a series of tight hairpin bends and keeping to the red rectangle markings to reach the foot of the waterfall. This is the perfect place to take a refreshing break before completing the circular route.

(7) Follow the red rectangle trail along the bottom of the valley to return to the Auberge du Nideck and the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,112 ft - Auberge Nideck car park - Hasel (rivière)
  2. 1 : mi 0.39 - alt. 1,335 ft - Red Triangle trail junction
  3. 2 : mi 0.92 - alt. 1,781 ft - Hirschfels Rock - Hirschfels
  4. 3 : mi 1.93 - alt. 1,972 ft - Nideck Forest House
  5. 4 : mi 2.26 - alt. 1,975 ft - Leave the road, take the path on the left.
  6. 5 : mi 2.57 - alt. 1,818 ft - Nideck Castle - Château du Nideck (ruine)
  7. 6 : mi 2.94 - alt. 1,581 ft - Nideck Waterfall viewpoint
  8. 7 : mi 3.12 - alt. 1,444 ft - Foot of Nideck Waterfall - Cascade du Nideck (Nideck Waterfall)
  9. S/E : mi 3.9 - alt. 1,109 ft - Auberge Nideck car park

Notes

Make sure you have good shoes and water!

Worth a visit

(2) Hirschfels Rock.

(5) Ruins of Nideck Castle.

(6) and (7) Beautiful views of the Nideck Waterfall.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.