Metzeral: Hiking in the Wormsa Valley and finding hotels

Hiking between the valley and mountain ridges

Metzeral’s town centre is a starting point for numerous hikes to the mountain ridges. The entrance to the Wormsa Valley is in the hamlet of Steinabruck, at the edge of Metzeral. The valley is a classified site and illustrates the effects of a Vosges glacier during the Quaternary. So an outing is about more than just the route: the valley’s classification also points to its glacial origins and offers a perspective on natural history. Check local conditions before setting out.

A path through the Wormsa Valley leads towards Mittlach and Lac du Fischboedlé. One suggested route links Lac du Fischboedlé and Lac du Schiessrothried, starting from the Wormsa; it takes about four hours on foot. The two lakes differ in elevation: Fischboedlé is at 794 metres, while Schiessrothried is at 930 metres. The latter lies between the Spitzekoepfe and the foot of the Hohneck and covers 5.6 hectares. The approximate four-hour duration applies to this suggested route. Route conditions may vary; check them before setting out. Schiessrothried is therefore 136 metres higher than Fischboedlé.

Along the GR5, you can enjoy a view of the Wormspel corridor, which is rich in flora and fauna. Examples include Turk’s cap lilies and chamois. The nature descriptions focus on different aspects: the Wormsa Valley is notable for its glacial origins, while the GR5 highlights the corridor’s plant and animal life. If you plan your hike around a particular nature theme, you can distinguish between geological history and biodiversity.

Culture and history

The Cimetière militaire français du Chêne Millet is now a national necropolis. The remains of 2,630 French and two Russian soldiers who fell in the First World War are buried there. Lac du Fischboedlé tells a different story: around 1850, the industrialist Jacques Hartmann from Münster raised the lake’s water level so it could serve as a fish reserve. The two sites represent different historical connections—the remembrance of those killed in war and the lake’s former use.

Climbing at Spitzkoepfe

The natural climbing site at Spitzkoepfe is unequipped, classified as adventure terrain and has restricted access. It is reserved for experienced alpinists. These conditions are central to deciding whether to climb here; check access restrictions before your trip. The approach goes through Metzeral to the car park near the Chalets de la Wormsa, followed by a walk via Lac du Fischboedlé and Lac du Schiessrothried. This walk takes one hour. Also check parking and trail conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Buhl, Niedermorschwihr, Magstatt-le-Bas, Hohrod, Hagenthal-Le-Bas, Wasserbourg, Illhaeusern, Berrwiller

Go to the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.