The Climbronn circuit in video

My summary of the hike

Signposting, hiking map and GPX

This hike is proposed by the Alsace Verte Tourist Office. It is signposted all the way by the Club Vosgien: first follow the yellow rectangle, then the green triangle and then the yellow rectangle again. I’ve made the trail for you on Komoot, where you can download the GPX.

La Chapelle de Climbach: an enchanting start

The hike starts from the Climbach caravan park. The first steps along the yellow rectangle reveal the remains of the Climbach chapel. It’s a truly enchanting place: a stone arch and an altar stand in the middle of a soothing clearing.

Erected in the 14th century on the remains of a pagan sanctuary, this chapel of the Virgin Mary was once a place of pilgrimage: people came for its spring, reputed for its curative virtues. Destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, all that remains today is the pink sandstone skeleton (a Gothic arch and an altar), which give it all its charm.

It may be a little early for a break, but this is the perfect place to take one. There are some welcoming picnic tables, as well as the Climbronn spring mentioned above, where you can fill your flask with fresh, excellent water! Fortunately, you can always come back at the end of the hike to enjoy the place even more 😉

The anti-tank ditch: an impressive vestige

The path then climbs gently through the magnificent forest of the Hochwald massif, before becoming flatter. The scenery suddenly changes as you reach the anti-tank ditch, an impressive vestige of the Maginot Line.

The size of the ditch is impressive. To discover it in complete safety, a pathway with a wide, stabilized walkway and a footbridge have been laid out. This section is also accessible to wheelchair users and baby carriages.

Along the way, educational panels provide information on the history of the area, as well as on the local flora and fauna: interesting for young and old alike.

The Chemin des Cimes Alsace: for panoramic views

This safe path leads directly to the Chemin des Cimes Alsace. If you feel like it, climbing this monumental wooden tower is a great experience, even if the price is quite high.

The structure is a work of art in itself, and once at the top, the panoramic view is incredible: over the Rhine Plain and Black Forest on one side, the Northern Vosges on the other, it’s splendid. On a clear day, and if you’ve got good eyes, you might even catch a glimpse of the tower of Strasbourg Cathedral!

If you fancy a break or a bite to eat, Chemin des Cimes has a small self-service restaurant and picnic tables.

Back to the forest via Col du Luchsenkopf

For the return journey, you need to turn around on the same path to the Col de Stiefelsberg. From here, change direction and follow the green triangle to the Col du Luchsenkopf.

This part of the hike is very pleasant: the path winds quietly through a typical Vosges du Nord forest, offering absolute peace and quiet. At the final junction, the yellow rectangle leads back gently to our starting point in Climbach.

Gourmet break: Auberge du Pfaffenschlick

After 8 km of walking, there’s nothing like a good meal! I recommend taking your car for a few minutes to the Pfaffenschlick pass, 3km away. TheAuberge du Pfaffenschlick offers a pleasant terrace. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a local dish or snack before hitting the road again.