Around the Petit and Grand Hohnack
Two short loops above Labaroche: a maze of boulders on one side, a ruined castle on the other.
Key numbers
What to know before you go
Two twin summits close off the south side of Labaroche: the Grand Hohnack at nearly 980 m, and the Petit Hohnack at 927 m, which carries the ruins of its castle. The tourist office route links them in a figure of eight around the Parking de la Trinque, 7 km and 374 m of climbing for two and a half hours. That shape is what makes it workable with children, because each loop comes back past the car park: the Grand Hohnack loop runs 3 km and ends in a field of sandstone boulders you thread your way through, the Petit Hohnack loop runs 4 km and climbs to the castle. The ground stays pine forest and wide track, with nothing exposed. The climb is real but spread out, and you can save the second loop for another day.
The route, step by step
A breakdown of the loop with the key landmarks and distances.
From the Parking de la Trinque to the Croix de Wihr
Loop 1 · 3 kmFollow the yellow trestle waymark toward the Grand Hohnack as far as the wayside cross. Then take the path on the right marked with a yellow rectangle and climb to the Croix de Wihr.
The Grand Hohnack summit
Without crossing the road, follow the blue cross waymark that winds up to the summit. At the top a field of sandstone blocks opens out, and children explore it in every direction. Look for the cuves des fées, hollows worn into the rock. The way down picks up the blue cross on the far side and drops back to the junction you started from.
Second loop, heading for the castle
Loop 2 · 4 kmSet off again from the Parking de la Trinque along the road marked with a yellow cross, signed Labaroche and Orbey. At the next junction with another road, turn left and switch to the green ring waymark.
The Hohnack castle
The green ring runs through the forest, then branches right toward the castle, on the summit of the Petit Hohnack at 927 m. The inside of the curtain wall is closed after rockfalls: you walk around the outside, along the walls, and the view already reaches 360°.
Down past the houses
Leaving the castle, turn right onto the descending track and stay on the widest one, still on the green ring. The descent passes the houses and brings you back to the Parking de la Trinque.
What you'll see
The main points of interest along the loop, in the order you'll meet them.
Recommended gear
The minimum list to head out with confidence, even in good weather.
- Closed shoes with a gripping sole: you cross the boulder field between the blocks
- Water for everyone, there is no water point on the route
- A windproof layer: both summits are close to 1,000 m
- No pushchair on the Grand Hohnack loop, the gaps between the blocks rule it out
On the trail
A few images to get a feel for it before lacing up.
Our tips for the day
- 1The route is a figure of eight around the Parking de la Trinque: 3 km for the Grand Hohnack loop, 4 km for the Petit Hohnack one. With young children, do one and keep the other for another day.
- 2Access inside the castle walls is forbidden following rockfalls. You walk around the outside. Check with the Labaroche town hall before setting off, since the state of the site changes.
- 3The waymarking changes on every section: yellow trestle, then yellow rectangle and blue cross on the first loop, yellow cross then green ring on the second. Read the signs at junctions rather than following a single colour.
- 4The cuves des fées are the curiosity at the top. Allow time there, children do not come straight back down.
- 5Labaroche is 6.4 km from Orbey by road. The Parking de la Trinque sits above the village.
- 6The Hohnack castle page on this site tells its history in detail. Worth reading before you go up.
Extend the experience, stay on the farm
Our cottage for 9 and our caravan for two are just 5 minutes away, in pure nature.
The Farm Cottage
The Cottage
Large and warm, perfect for families and groups of friends who want a comfortable base to explore the region.
Up to 9 guests
The Romantic Caravan
The Caravan
A quiet escape for two, set in the meadows. Alcove bed, kitchenette, views over the Vosges straight from the bed.
2 adults (+1 child)