In this video, I go on a hike around Obersteinbach, a small village in the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park in northeastern France. This quiet corner of the North Vosges is known for its sandstone cliffs, dense forests, castle ruins, and peaceful valleys. Hiking here combines natural beauty with history, offering trails that feel both remote and full of stories from the past.
Obersteinbach is a typical Alsatian village, surrounded by green hills and forested slopes. Its location makes it a perfect starting point for hikes into the Vosges du Nord. The area is less crowded than other parts of Alsace, which gives the trails a calm and almost hidden quality. Walking here feels like stepping into a different pace of life, far from busy towns and cities.
The landscape around Obersteinbach is shaped by dramatic sandstone formations. Red cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the trees, creating impressive natural landmarks. Many hiking trails lead to viewpoints on top of these rocks, where wide panoramas open over the forests and valleys of the North Vosges. The sandstone also gave rise to centuries of history, with castles built directly into or on top of the cliffs.
One of the highlights of hiking in this region is discovering the castle ruins hidden in the forest. Around Obersteinbach, several medieval fortresses once stood guard over the valleys, and their remains still mark the landscape. Walking up to these ruins, often perched high on sandstone outcrops, combines a sense of adventure with a touch of history. The views from these sites are some of the most memorable in the Vosges du Nord.
The forests here are part of the UNESCO-designated Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest cross-border protected areas in Europe. The mix of oak, beech, and pine trees creates a varied landscape, home to diverse wildlife. Birds of prey, deer, and wild boar live in the area, though hikers are more likely to see smaller animals and hear the sounds of the forest all around.
The trails around Obersteinbach vary from gentle walks through valleys and meadows to more challenging climbs up rocky ridges. Along the way, small villages with half-timbered houses and quiet streets provide places to rest and experience local culture. The region feels both distinctly Alsatian and influenced by nearby Germany, reflecting the history of the borderlands.
Hiking here changes with the seasons. In spring, the forests are full of fresh green leaves; in summer, the shade of the trees makes the trails cool; in autumn, the sandstone cliffs contrast beautifully with the golden colours of the forest; and in winter, the quiet valleys take on a calm and atmospheric mood. Each season brings a new character to the hike.
This video captures the general impression of hiking around Obersteinbach: the sandstone cliffs, the forest trails, the castle ruins, and the peaceful villages of the North Vosges. It is not a detailed guide but a look at the atmosphere of this unique part of France.
For travelers, Obersteinbach and the North Vosges offer a different side of Alsace and northeastern France. It is a place where nature and history meet, where trails lead to both natural wonders and human heritage, and where the pace of life feels slow and connected to the landscape. Hiking here is a chance to discover one of Europe’s quieter but deeply rewarding hiking regions.