The hike on video

My summary of the hike

Signposting, hiking map and GPX

This hike is a circuit proposed by the Alsace Verte Tourist Office, entitled Circuit de randonnée entre le col de Niedersteinbach et le Wittberg. It is marked all the way by the Club Vosgien: first follow the red rectangle with white stripes, then the blue cross and the red triangle/yellow rectangle. I’ve traced it for you on Komoot, where you can download the GPX.

Start of the hike in Niedersteinbach

The tour starts in Niedersteinbach, a small village that seems timeless. We can’t talk about the village without mentioning the imposing Au Cheval Blanc hotel-restaurant, whose building sits majestically in the center of the village. A veritable institution in the region, it combines gourmet dining with a more relaxed winstub atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking for lunch or a slice of homemade pie on your return from the trail, this is a good place to go. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so choose your hiking day accordingly if you’re counting on it!

The path to the Col de Niedersteinbach: a forest climb

We quickly leave the village, following the Club Vosgien signs(red rectangle with white stripes). The path rises gently into the cool of the forest.

The climb through the forest is steady and pleasant all the way to the Col de Niedersteinbach.

Pink sandstone crags: typical Vosges landscapes

Once at the pass, we change direction and follow the blue cross. The path becomes a sort of forest balcony overlooking the Wittberg.

When I visited in April, the path was covered with a thick carpet of dead leaves (remember to put your feet up!), but it was still quite passable.

Keep your eyes peeled along the way: imposing pink sandstone boulders line the path. These spectacular geological formations are typical of the Vosges du Nord region and provide a beautiful contrast to the green of the forest.

Panoramic view of Obersteinbach and Petit Arnsberg castle

The hike continues, with the blue cross joining the green triangle. You then leave the forest and enter open pastures.

The descent to Obersteinbach offers one of the finest panoramas on the tour. The village nestles in the valley, with the ruins of the Petit Arnsberg castle dominating the ridge in the background, the impressive Rocher du Wachtfels on the left and the Rocher Belle-Vue on the right. A real postcard setting!

What to see in Obersteinbach Must-see sights and activities

I love the village of Obersteinbach, full of charm and revealing a few curiosities that are well worth a visit:

• Walks to discover the Rocher du Wachtfels, the ruins of Château du Petit Arnsberg and the Rocher Belle-Vue
• La Promenade des femmes peintres: An inspiring thematic trail to discover the village from an artistic angle.
• The Hymenoptera Ecological Garden: Sébastien Heim’s refuge for understanding local biodiversity.
• La Chèvrerie du Steinbach: Ideal for families, you can visit the goat farm, watch the milking, leave with some good farm produce… and even take a break at the Stein’bar to taste cheese platters or goat’s milk ice cream…
• Radwegekirche Protestant Church: A first in France! This church is officially part of the network of churches open to cyclists, offering shelter and documentation to travelers on bicycles.

A place to stay?

If you want to extend the pleasure, I recommend the Alsace Village hotel. It’s an authentic, no-frills place, with a warm welcome and generous cuisine. An excellent base for exploring Alsace Verte.

Back to the river

To complete this hike, the path runs peacefully alongside the Steinbach, the small stream that gives the valley its name. Follow the yellow rectangle or red triangle markings. This last stretch, flat and shady, takes you gently back to Niedersteinbach.