Oberhaslach brings together a variety of discoveries: the Cascade du Nideck waterfall, castle ruins, art history and evidence of pilgrimage. The seasonal Sens'Hasel barefoot trail adds another highlight. When planning, you can choose between landscapes, hiking destinations and cultural themes.
The Waterfall and Its Trail Connections
The Cascade du Nideck is in Oberhaslach at an altitude of 534 m. Its water plunges over a wall of volcanic rock about 25 m high. A hiking trail leads to the waterfall from the D218, opposite the Nideck forest lodge. The waterfall is also connected to the GR 5, the Chemin des châteaux forts d'Alsace and the Traversée du Massif des Vosges mountain biking route (TMV). These trail connections complement the striking landscape with hiking and mountain biking options.
Castle Ruins in the Heights Above Oberhaslach
The ruins of the Nideck castles can only be reached by hiking trail. The ruins of Hohenstein Castle and Grand Ringelstein are also accessible by hiking trails. Ringelstein, also called Ringelsbourg, has several distinctive features: it lies in the heights above Oberhaslach, is listed as a historic monument, and its summit area is at an altitude of 644 m. Two large sandstone rocks crown this area. For Hohenstein Castle, its setting is the defining feature: it overlooks the entrance to the Bruche Valley. The historic sites therefore differ not only in name, but also in their respective landscape features and access information.
A Sculpture Trail with Its Own Origin Story
In spring 2003, a sculpture symposium held in Oberhaslach brought together eight international artists. The following year, the sculptures were installed in the state forest to create the first international contemporary sculpture trail in Alsace. The sequence of events provides a clear context for the art: the symposium was followed in 2004 by the installation of the works, with the aim of creating this trail. For travelers interested in culture, this offers a different way of seeing Oberhaslach than through its waterfall and castle ruins—the trail grew out of a specific collaborative art project.
Ex-votos and the History of Pilgrimage
An ex-voto created in 1843 by an anonymous painter in the Saint-Florent pilgrimage chapel documents a pilgrimage to Oberhaslach by the parish of Wangenbourg-Engenthal. The painting thus records a specific pilgrimage connection and identifies the parish involved. The Chapelle d'Oberhaslach houses 18th-century ex-votos listed in the inventory of historic monuments. An ex-voto in the chapel of Oberhaslach was donated in 1848 by two farmers from Willgotheim. Chronologically, this spans the 18th-century objects, the 1843 painting and the 1848 donation. These examples bring the history of pilgrimage to life across several points in time.
Sens'Hasel: A Seasonal Activity
The Sens'Hasel barefoot trail is 400 m long and passes through a river, a meadow, a wetland and a forest. It is located in the Engelmatt recreational area, behind the Oberhaslach community hall. The variety of landscape features gives this short trail a different focus from the historic sites and the sculpture trail. The activity is seasonal, so take the season into account when planning a visit.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Climbach, Molsheim, Wasselonne, Weiterswiller, Boofzheim, Eichhoffen, Marmoutier, Baldenheim
Back to the main travel guide: Bas-Rhin.
