Hiking on the “Gold digger circuit” from Grendelbruch

My summary

Video summary

Why the gold digger circuit?

The name of the circuit may seem a little unusual, but it is said that gold was found in a stream on the route… This is confirmed by the maps, which show an ancient stream known as the “goldenbrunnen” (golden fountain) and a place known as the “golden quarries”. Quite a program, isn’t it?

However, I have to disappoint you: even if the tour passes through these two places, the gold digger in you will have to curb his enthusiasm: the stream no longer flows, so there’s little chance of finding any more gold. But who knows?

What to see on your hike

The route normally starts from the village of Saegmuehl, but I started from the village of Grendelbruch. It’s easier to park there, as it’s close to my gîte, so it’s very easy to reach the route. We only add 2km to the total.

Just follow the blue cross signposting, which quickly leads to the Magel path and the green circle signposting for the gold prospectors’ trail, which you then follow all the way (except, of course, at the end, where you take the blue cross signposting back to the center of Grendelbruch).

Through the forest to the Holderbusch Pass

The hike gets off to a leisurely start: we descend from the village of Grendelbruch to join the Magel trail, a pleasantly flat path that runs alongside the Magel (which can only be seen from the trail, as the river is below). You’re plunged straight into the Rosheim forest, which is pleasant, especially in midsummer, as this hike takes place in the shade all the time. The trail continues to wind its way through the trees, and along the way you come across some impressive boulders.

Along the way, at one point you can see an old millstone quarry. If I’d been alone, I’m sure I’d have missed it. Keep your eyes peeled for openings in the trees, and you’ll be able to see the ruins of Guirbaden castle in the distance. We also pass by the famous goldenbrunnen, which unfortunately no longer flows.

The route starts out slightly uphill at Saegmuehl, then climbs a little more steeply to reach the Holderbusch pass. I assure you, the climb is gentle and very accessible, you’ll just feel your heart beating a little harder 😉 Picnic tables can be found at the pass, as well as a little further on, at the foot of the Purpurkopf.

Le Purpurkopf, probably the oldest castle in Alsace!

There’s still a short, but steeper, climb to the astonishing Purpurkopf site at 570m altitude. This is a site where archaeological excavations have just been completed (at least for the time being). These have revealed the remains of a rectangular building surrounded by a vast enclosure, probably dating from the late 9th/early 10th century, although the site is thought to have been occupied as early as Roman times, if not earlier. This would make it the oldest castle in Alsace!

The site is protected by railings , but you can still see it and appreciate its impressive size. Archéologie Alsace has also installed useful information panels to help visitors understand the history of the site.

End of the loop, watch out for the mud!

We then take the same path back down from the site to find our green circle markers and finish the hike quietly on a path winding through the forest. Beware, this part of the trail is quite damp in places, which is not a problem in summer, but can quickly become a quagmire in winter 😉 Then it’s back up to the center of Grendelbruch.

A little gourmet break?

For a pre-hike breakfast or a post-hike lunch or snack , I can’t recommend enough a stop at L’Artisterie. This café and boutique for local designers, located just outside the village of Grendebruch, is a little cocoon run by Caroline, who offers good food and drinks in a very pleasant atmosphere, whether inside or on the large terrace. Mandatory gourmet stop!

Hiking map and GPX track

The basis of this hike is the Gold Seekers circuit, which I’ve adapted by adding just one round trip from the center of Grendelbruch. Don’t be fooled by the height difference advertised by Komoot, it’s often a bit generous 😉 It’s more like 250m than 300!