Saverne Wangenbourg-Engenthal

Take in the sights

25,7 km
7h
Medium

Highlights

  • Haut-Barr Castle

  • The Brotsch Tower

  • The Rocher de Dabo

From the remains of medieval castles to spectacular views of the Vosges forest: this 6th stage of the Traversée du Massif des Vosges promises to be breathtaking!

Leaving Saverne, your walk soon takes you to the remains of some major castles. The first on your route is the Haut Barr castle, the most imposing and undoubtedly the best preserved. Nicknamed "The Eye of Alsace", this imposing edifice is built on pink sandstone rocks at an altitude of 470m. With its strategic position on the border between Alsace and Lorraine, a 360° panoramic view awaits you at the summit. If you're not afraid of heights, cross the Pont du Diable footbridge linking two rocks. The view is spectacular!

A short walk away, the tower of the Old Chappe Telegraph is a reminder of Saverne's strategic position in the development of telecommunications in the 18th century. Shortly afterwards, the remains of the Grand and Petit Geroldseck, two other medieval castles, stand on your route.

The climb continues to the panoramic Brotsch Tower, at 530 m, the highest point in the Saverne area. At the top, you can take in views of the châteaux that have crossed your path, as well as Dabo, which will be your next visit!

Emerging from the forest like a lighthouse for hikers, the Dabo rock is unique. Rising to 664 m, the site was once a Celtic place of worship. The medieval castle, destroyed like its neighbours in the 17th century, has now been replaced by a pink sandstone chapel dedicated to Pope Leo IX. Climb to the top of the Rocher: your efforts will be rewarded with an imposing view of the vast Vosges forest and the Lorraine plateau.

Continue on your way for the last few kilometres to Wangenbourg-Engenthal, the finish village of this 6th stage, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest!

Practical info

  • Access by train: Saverne station

Red rectangle markings from the Club Vosgien. Route de Grande Randonnée GR® 53 by the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.
If you want to do this route in two stages, you can stop off at La Hoube or Le Dabo.