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Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Frankenthal-Missheimle: A Vosges Mountain Jewel

Discover a protected alpine landscape in the Vosges Mountains, offering stunning views, diverse habitats, and exceptional hiking trails.

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The Frankenthal-Missheimle National Nature Reserve, nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Vosges mountains, offers a stunning landscape of glacial cirques, peat bogs, and subalpine flora. This protected area is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking dramatic scenery and diverse ecosystems.

A brief summary to Réserve naturelle nationale de Frankenthal-Missheimle

  • Stosswihr, FR

Local tips

  • Check trail conditions and closures before visiting, especially during winter, as some paths are prone to avalanches.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots and appropriate clothing, as the terrain can be steep and the weather unpredictable.
  • Bring binoculars to spot local wildlife, including chamois and various bird species.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery, but remember to leave no trace.
  • Visit the Frankenthal Inn (Auberge) for local food (open June to September, closed Thursdays).
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Colmar, take bus line 248 towards Stosswihr. From Stosswihr, the reserve is accessible via hiking trails. Bus fare from Colmar to Stosswihr is approximately €3. Check the Réseau interurbain Haut-Rhin - Fluo for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Walking

    From the Col de la Schlucht, a well-known pass in the Vosges, several hiking trails lead into the Frankenthal-Missheimle National Nature Reserve. The Sentier des Roches is a popular, though challenging, option. From Stosswihr, follow local trails into the reserve. Be prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.

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Discover more about Réserve naturelle nationale de Frankenthal-Missheimle

The Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Frankenthal-Missheimle, established in 1989, protects 746 hectares on the Alsatian side of the Vosges Mountains. This area showcases a remarkable alpine landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring cirques, rocky cliffs, and diverse natural habitats. The reserve is a haven for biodiversity, boasting subalpine forests, grasslands, and peat bogs. The varied terrain supports a wide array of plant species, making it a hotspot for botany. Wildlife includes the elusive lynx, chamois, deer, and various bird species like the peregrine falcon and black woodpecker. Visitors can explore over 50 km of marked trails, including the popular Sentier des Roches, offering breathtaking views. The reserve is particularly beautiful in winter, with good snow cover for winter hiking. However, some trails, including the Sentier des Roches, are closed from November 1st to April 30th due to avalanche risk. The reserve's history is intertwined with human activity, with evidence of pasturing and forestry shaping the landscape. Today, the focus is on conservation, balancing ecological preservation with sustainable tourism.

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