Wachtfels rock and Belle Vue rock in Obersteinbach

Wachtfels and Belle Vue rocks are located just above the village of Obersteinbach in the north of Alsace in the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. These two rocks offer a beautiful panorama over the village of Obersteinbach, the Steinbach valley and the surrounding mountains. The particularity of Wachtfels is its magnificent natural arch which is easily accessible on foot. The relatively short route to these two rocks passes through the Petit Arnsbourg castle which can also be visited.

Map of the hiking to Wachtfels and Belle Vue rocks departure from Obersteinbach village

I suggest to start this short hike in the center of Obersteinbach village, on Principale Street at the "Halte des Randonneurs" shelter. When arriving by car, you can park on Principale Street or Wittberg Street for example. Obersteinbach is also served, on certain days, by bus line n ° 317 from "Réseau 67" bus service from Wissembourg (to check timetables, consult the Fluo Grand Est website).

Take the Arnsbourg Street, just opposite the Wittberg Street, straight towards the forest. After walking a few minutes in the forest, you will arrive on a path to cross to reach the Wolfsfelsen climbing rock. Take 5 minutes to admire the vertiginous climbing rock wall that stands at your feet and which on the top is the Belle Vue rock. Continue to the Petit Arnsbourg Castle by the red diamond marker. I advise you to visit the Petit Arnsbourg castle on the return from your walk if you want to admire the sunrise from one of the two rocks.

After the castle, continue on the path uphill following the red rectangle marker until you cross a relatively wide forest path. At this location you will have to choose, continue left towards the Wachtfels rock or right towards the Belle Vue rock! It is also possible to make a complete loop around the Schlossberg, in the direction of your choice and by following the red cross marker, which will allow you to go through the two rocks.

Continuing, on the left therefore, you will arrive in a few minutes on the Wachtfels rock which offers a beautiful panorama on the village of Obersteinbach and the Steinbach valley. To admire the natural arch of the Wachtfels rock, you will have to descend a few meters to the right of the rock. Be careful not to fall, there is no safety railing!

For the Belle Vue rock, retrace your steps from the Wachtfels rock and turn right onto the forest path. After 10-15 minutes, before the path turns to the left, leave the forest path and take your right into the forest. Please note that access to the Belle Vue rock is not signposted and there is no path, I also recommend that you go there during the day so as not to get lost. Remember that you are just above the climbing rock of the Wolfsfelsen! Arriving at the end of the Belle Vue rock, you have a beautiful view of the Petit Arnsbourg castle overlooking the village and the surroundings of Obserteinbach.

To return to your starting point, simply retrace your steps, and passing in front of the Petit Arnsbourg Castle take the time to visit it. The castle alone deserves a walk ...