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Start at the junction of Rue d'Oberhof and Rue des Comtes de Rosen; there is a car park at the start of this street.
Another possible starting point is the car park at the village exit on Rue d'Oberhof.
Red Disc markings
(S/E) Follow Rue d’Oberhof towards the village exit, heading west. After the mill, follow the path behind the crash barrier. Continue to the footbridge over the Zinsel du Sud on the left.
(1) Cross the footbridge and walk alongside the Highland Cattle Park. Turn right and walk alongside the park for about 250 m.
(2) Head up the path on the left. Cross a main track three times and continue along the path heading south-west. After a fairly steep climb, you’ll reach the ruins of Warthenberg Castle.
(3) Explore the site and enjoy the view over the Zinsel Valley.
Continue the hike by following the Red Disc trail, to the right of the ruins, heading south. Stay on the ridge line until you reach the junction leading to Frohnberg.
(4) Take the path on the right. The spot known as “Opferteller” (offering plate), situated at an altitude of 419 m, is characterised by the presence of flat monoliths, carved with cup marks filled with water. Not far from there is the Frohnberg quarry, which was used in the construction of Warthenberg Castle. Take the path southwards, which joins the Grand Chemin de la Heidenstadt.
(5) Follow this path and, after several hundred metres, you will reach a crossroads near the remains of the entrance gate to the Oppidum of Heidenstadt (city of the pagans) on the left.
(6) Continue straight on until you reach the Langenthal Cross. There is a picnic area with tables and benches where you can rest.
(7) Cross the road and take the path that starts in front of the cross. The route turns left, heading east. You will reach the crossroads at the Chapelle Saint-Michel.
(8) After visiting the site, and in particular the Grotte des Fées (highly recommended), continue along the path that descends towards the forest road. Cross the road and follow the dual Red Disc / Blue Ring markings.
(9) At the crossroads, take the path leading down to the right towards the Plattenweg.
This is an ancient Roman road that provided access from the valley to the Roman town of Heidenstadt and the Lorraine plateau.
As you approach Ernolsheim, leave Rue de Phalsbourg on your right and continue straight on until you reach Rue du Château.
(10) Shortly after the Club Vosgien shelter, turn right downhill towards the main road to Ernolsheim. Once on this road, turn left and follow the dual Red Disc / Red Triangle markings.
(11) At the next Fork in the road, head left up Rue de Zinsel. This continues along a path at the edge of the forest to a T-junction.
(12) Turn right, then at the crossroads, turn left to enter Dossenheim. Turn left onto the Grand Rue (D14) towards the centre and the Museum to explore the fortified refuge.
(13) After your visit, return to the Grand Rue on the right, reach the junction with Rue d’Oberhof and head left to the car park (S/E).
Lovely walk. Thank you for recommending it!
Visorando Member
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