Discover Wildenstein

Wildenstein in the Vosges Massif combines hiking trails, natural surroundings and local glassmaking heritage. When planning your stay, you can use the different themes and trail details as a guide: short hikes to the waterfall, circular trails, nature watching and insights into local history are spread across Wildenstein and its surroundings.

Hiking and Waterfalls

The very easy eco-hike to the Cascade du Heidenbad is 1.5 km long and has an elevation gain of 57 metres. Check local conditions before setting out. The Cascade itself is a 23-metre-high waterfall in the Vosges Massif, located within the municipality of Wildenstein.

The 4 km-long Sentier de la Pierre Sauvage is a circular trail around the municipality of Wildenstein. Along the route are numerous curiosities and playful areas; the trail also tells everyday stories of local residents dating back to the early 20th century. The hike therefore offers a glimpse into local history.

Near Wildenstein, the Sentier de découverte du Schlossberg leads to the ruins of Château du Wildenstein. The route is 1.2 km long, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and has an elevation gain of 130 metres. There are also 17 information panels along the way. Compared with the Heidenbad hike, the stated route is shorter, while the elevation gain is greater; an approximate duration is also given for the Schlossberg trail.

Another option is the circular trail through the narrow Hinterbockloch Valley: near Wildenstein, the Cascade du Bockloch can serve as the starting point for this 1.5-hour tour with an elevation gain of 360 metres. Trail conditions may vary depending on the season.

Natural Surroundings and Event Dates

The Prairies humides de la Thur à Kruth et Wildenstein wetland is located in the municipalities of Kruth and Wildenstein and covers 90.98 hectares. It is botanically and ornithologically significant and includes several populations of the white crocus. This nature-focused area therefore extends beyond Wildenstein itself to include Kruth as well.

The Courses du lac de Kruth-Wildenstein are annual races held in the municipalities of Kruth and Wildenstein. They usually take place on the first Saturday in June. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for the current edition.

Glassmaking History and Activities by the Lake

The village of Wildenstein was founded in 1699. The first document mentioning the settlement of glassmakers also dates from that year. The exhibition room of the Association des Amis des Verriers de Wildenstein in Wildenstein Town Hall can be visited by request; arrange your visit in advance.

The association's activities include exhibitions, conferences, a glass fair, publications, as well as excursions and guided tours. These activities form part of the association's aims; the programme may vary. The exhibition room offers a tangible way to explore the glassmaking heritage, while the trails also feature local stories and landscape themes.

Near Wildenstein, Parc Arbre Aventure at Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein offers a high ropes course, Via Ferrata, a zip line over the lake and geocaching. The facilities also include mountain bike and e-mountain bike hire, pedal boats and canoes. Check the availability of activities before your trip.

A Nat’Mouv course is also available at Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein. A smartphone app guides you through your chosen exercise circuit and difficulty level; check the availability of this app-based activity before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Illhaeusern, Zellenberg, Blotzheim, Ottmarsheim, Ranspach-Le-Bas, Bantzenheim, Mittlach, Guémar.

For the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.