Let's head off for themust-do Alsatian hiking trail that all walkers must do once, the Sentier des Roches, known as one of the most beautiful hikes in Alsace! In fact, with a little effort, you'll be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful views in the Vosges;)
My summary
I liked
- The variety of landscapes: rocks, high stubble, forests, meadows, …
I liked a little less
- Good differences in altitude (+/- 600m), but it’s worth it!
Sentier des Roches Route
It all begins (and ends!) at the Col de la Schlucht in the heart of the Vosges mountains, on the border between the Haut-Rhin and Vosges departments. Park in the newly refurbished “domaine skiable” parking lots, then walk past the “Tétras” tourist building (store, toilets and information) to see the “sentier des roches” starting sign next to the “auberge du chalet”.
Attention to safety
The sentier des Roches isn’t Mont Blanc, but there are accidents every year.
You need tobe in good shape, used to hiking, have stable feet and suitable footwear (no city sneakers!). This is definitely not a family outing for young children.
And be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave: avoid slippery rainy days.
The trail is closed in winter, from November 1 to April 30.
The signposts are clearly visible (thanks Club Vosgien), just remember these key points: blue rectangle to Frankenthal – red triangle to Hohneck (with or without a drop-off at the summit) – Col de Falimont (by corridor path, but there’s a less pleasant shortcut to Frankenthal) – Trois Fours – Col de la Schlucht. The opposite direction seems less pleasant to me.
It must be said that the trail is well named, rocks will be under your feet most of the way, so it is better to stop to look up and observe the beautiful views. In the first part of the course, it goes down stairs, it takes footbridges and goes up with railings but you are in a shady area; what is not the case of the second part on the clear heights where it blows!
Also on the blog
Gourmet break
As far as the snack is concerned, if you leave around 10:30 am you will arrive just in time for the aperitif at theFrankenthal inn which seems to offer good farm products and a breathtaking view of the Hohneck cirque and the courageous climbers of the Martinswand cliffs. But after that, the ascent to the Hohneck will be waiting for you: so I preferred the sandwich option in the backpack to ensure a good ascent before the meal. You can take a break at the Dagobert cave or just before leaving the forest near the summit. On the other hand, I deserved for dessert a blueberry tartlet at the 3 fours alpine refuge (I don’t know the quality of the inn next door), just before the arrival without difficulty – signified by the surprising chapel of the Col de la Schlucht.
In the end, it took us 5.5 hours to get there, with no aches and pains the next day, but with beautiful images in our heads!
To make the memory last, don’t miss a stop in one of the many farms on the road, for example the Schmidt Farm in Soultzeren to fill the fridge with munster, pie, bargkass and other local specialties, yum!
Practical information
Itinerary
You can find this route on Visorando.
Departure and arrival
Col de la Schlucht. Park on the “ski area” parking lots, then pass in front of the “Tétras” tourist building to see the “sentier des roches” starting sign next to the “auberge du chalet”.
Features
- Distance: 10km
- Ascent: approx. 630m
- Duration: about 5h30
Access
By car
The Col de la Schlucht is located at:
- 35km from Colmar (about 45 minutes)
- 76km from Mulhouse (about 1h10)
- 105km from Strasbourg (about 1h30)
By public transport
It seems difficult :-/