Hike to the Julius Tower, on the heights of the Climont

Updated on 2024-04-23

I love hikes that climb well when you know there is a great view waiting for you at the top as a reward! This is the case for this 9 km loop tour, about 4 hours of walking, to reach the Julius tower located at the top of the Climont, in the beautiful Bruche valley.

Léa

As a journalist in real life, and a blogger for pleasure, Léa has always enjoyed tracking down little-known gourmet addresses, unusual activities, off-the-beaten-track hikes and places with history and soul... And Alsace is full of them!

Park on the parking of the pass of Steige, on the departmental road 50, and follow the blue rectangle markings. The path climbs slowly through the forest. Take a right once you reach a paved but lightly traveled road with beautiful pasture landscapes.

You will pass in front of the farm inn of Cîmes, which proposes restoration and products to the sale of which ice creams, delicatessen and cheeses. I would have loved to stop there for lunch or a drink but it is only open from April to mid-November. So remember to check opening days and times!

For the rest of the walk, follow the road for a few hundred meters and take the small path on your right, marked with a yellow cross, in the direction of Climont.

A beautiful view from the Julius Tower

The climb, steeper this time, continues under the shelter of the forest and then with beautiful views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. After a last stony passage, you are at the Julius Tower, at 965 meters of altitude. This square building, 17 meters high, was built in 1897 by the Club Vosgien. It honors Julius Euting, the club’s founding president, whose portrait can be seen at the entrance to the tower. It is of course at its summit that you will enjoy the most beautiful landscapes!

Once your eyes are full, you can enjoy a picnic at the tables set up under the trees. I really liked the next part of the walk (yellow cross markings) because the descent is on the side of the Climont, with very nice views. Nothing very dangerous, but be careful, especially if you are with children, or if you are afraid of heights! You will take a part of the path made in the outward journey, marked out blue Rectangle, to join your starting point.

Other ideas for discovering the area

We took the opportunity to make a small detour to the Climont jam store, very popular in the region! It is possible to visit the workshop and taste their homemade jams, it is free and very interesting so do not hesitate.

There are many other things to discover in the Bruche valley. Personally, I recommend theexcellent hotel and/or spa of La Cheneaudière or the waterfall of Hohwald, another shorter and easier hike.

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