Hike from Jaegerthal forges to Windstein castles

My summary

Video overview

Signposting, hiking map and GPX

The route of this hike is proposed by the Alsace Verte Tourist Office. It is signposted all the way by the Club Vosgien, but you’ll need to follow different signs and pay close attention: first follow the signs for Château du Nouveau Windstein, then Vieux Windstein, then Col de Guensthal and finally Jagerthal.

There was a slight tracking problem at the first intersection with the GPX found on the site, so I’ve retraced the route on Komoot so you can access the corrected version and download the track. Otherwise, just make sure you follow the signs and you’ll be fine 😉

What to see on the course

The astonishing forges of Jaegerthal

The hike begins in the unusual hamlet of Jaegerthal, home to the De Dietrich family’s former forges. A place steeped in history, now partly in ruins, but given a new lease of life by an arts festival: La Voix des Forges. Imagine a stage set up between these red brick walls, with the forest as a backdrop… I’ve never had the chance to attend, but it must be incredible!

It’s in this timeless atmosphere that the walk begins, which I was lucky enough to do on a sunny autumn day.

From the very first metres, the ruins bathed in golden light (and autumn leaves!) set the tone: we’re here to walk, but also to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of early October.

A gentle start, then some climbing

The start of the hike is easy and flat, perfect for warming up. A fairly steep climb soon requires a little effort (I assure you, it’s not too long) before continuing more gently. The trail crosses meadows, a small hamlet and then enters the forest.

This is where the charm really kicks in, especially in autumn, with its flamboyant colors and fallen chestnuts (yes, you can pick some up on the way!).

Newindstein Castle: a pleasant surprise

First stop: Château du Nouveau-Windstein, built in the 13th century. Not the best-known castle in Alsace, but a beautiful ruin. I’d never seen it before, so it was a nice surprise!

Thanks to the work of the New Windstein Watchmen association, the site is well maintained and secure. You can tour the site, enter the grounds and even climb a restored tower.

From up there, the view of the Vosges du Nord and the ruins themselves is superb , especially in the beautiful autumn colors!

Then the wilder Oldindstein

After a descent followed by a short ascent, we reach the ruins of Vieux-Windstein, a semi-troglodytic castle built in the 12th century. Here, the site is steeper and less accessible, but the atmosphere is also wilder, and you’ll enjoy admiring the imposing blocks of pink sandstone rising up from the trees.

Return via the Col de Guensthal and the Maginot Line

The rest of the trail climbs gently up a forest track to the Col de Guensthal, before descending gently to Jaegerthal.

Along the way, we come across a Maginot Line blockhouse from another era. It is well preserved and visible from the path. If you’re interested in the Maginot Line, there are several places to visit in the area, including the must-see Fort Schœnenbourg in Hunspach.

Picnic at the foot of the forges

The return to Jaegerthal is perfect for a lunch break. You can sit down in front of the forge ruins to enjoy the peace and beauty of the setting.

For my part, the picnic had been bought at the Lorentz bakery in Climbach before the hike: their sandwiches are good and well-stocked, and their plum Linzertorte is well worth a visit.

A little local originality that I discovered on occasion: here, this tart is made with plum rather than raspberry (which is the traditional Austrian version and commonly found elsewhere in Alsace). A must-try for connoisseurs, I personally loved it!