4.7
(170)
584
hikers
Green Ring Trail
02:01
7.14km
160m
Hiking
Hike the moderate Green Ring Trail in Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord, featuring lakes, rock formations, and Ramstein Castle.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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887 m
Schmalenthalerweiher
Highlight • Lake
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2.54 km
Impressive Rock Formation
Highlight • Natural Monument
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5.20 km
Petit Dunkelthal Pass — Rock Formations
Highlight • Natural Monument
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5.56 km
Beautiful rock formation
Highlight • Other
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6.01 km
Ramstein Castle
Highlight • Castle
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7.14 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.40 km
2.23 km
1.07 km
416 m
Surfaces
3.51 km
1.33 km
857 m
813 m
594 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (350 m)
Lowest point (210 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 12 May
14°C
2°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difficulty level of the Green Ring Trail?
The Green Ring Trail is rated as moderate. While it's a relatively short loop, it includes some elevation changes, making it suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. It's a great option for those looking for a rewarding hike without extreme challenges.
Is the Green Ring Trail a loop or an out-and-back route?
The Green Ring Trail is a loop trail. It circles around the Chateau de Ramstein, offering a continuous journey back to your starting point in Baerenthal.
Where can I park to access the Green Ring Trail?
The trail typically starts from Baerenthal, which is a good place to look for parking. Specific parking areas are usually well-marked near the village center or close to the trailhead for routes around the Chateau de Ramstein.
Are dogs allowed on the Green Ring Trail?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Green Ring Trail. However, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Please remember to clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The best time to hike the Green Ring Trail is typically from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the natural scenery, including the lake and rock formations, is at its most vibrant. Winter hiking might be possible but could involve snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the Green Ring Trail or the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord?
No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required to hike the Green Ring Trail or to access the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord. The park is open to the public for recreational activities, though standard regulations for nature protection apply.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the Green Ring Trail?
The trail features varied terrain, including forest paths, some rocky sections, and possibly dirt tracks. You'll traverse areas with impressive rock formations and pass by the Schmalenthalerweiher lake, offering a mix of natural surfaces.
What are the main points of interest along the route?
Along the Green Ring Trail, you'll encounter several notable sights. Highlights include the serene Schmalenthalerweiher lake, various Impressive Rock Formations, particularly around the Petit Dunkelthal Pass, and the historic Ramstein Castle.
Does the Green Ring Trail intersect with other hiking paths?
Yes, the Green Ring Trail (which covers 94% of this route) intersects with and shares sections of several other official trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Yellow diamond, Red ring, Yellow dot, Grand tour of the castles, Alsatian castles path, GR 532, and the Zaberntrail (Tres Tabernae trail).
Is the Green Ring Trail suitable for families with children?
Given its moderate difficulty and relatively short length (~7.1 km), the Green Ring Trail can be suitable for families with older children who are accustomed to hiking. The varied scenery and points of interest like Ramstein Castle can keep younger adventurers engaged. For very young children, consider if they can manage the full distance and elevation changes.
Are there any facilities like restrooms or refreshment stops along the trail?
While the trail itself is primarily a natural route, you'll find facilities in the nearby village of Baerenthal at the start/end of your hike. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, as refreshment stops directly on the trail are limited.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Beautiful tour at a pleasant 18° through the Bitscher Land from Bärenthal. The wonderful section at the Étang de Ramstein began shortly after the start. A dream in the autumn sun. Shortly before the end, the Ramstein castle ruins were waiting for us. My wife would have liked the tour even more if there hadn't been a hunt TODAY in the forest we were in. Hunters asked if we hadn't seen any signs. They were supposedly "everywhere". We only saw one. At the end of the tour when we left the forest 😉 Even with flying bullets, it was a beautiful day and we will come back. The template for today's tour: https://www.tourisme-paysdebitche.fr/loisirs/les-circuits-de-randonnee-au-pays-de-bitche.html?titre=sentier-d-excellence-1-autour-du-chateau-de-ramstein&fiche=853146146
We stayed at Le Falken in Phillipsbourg. Strolled through Bitsch in the evening. Dinner in the Tower of Aromas. The recommended sweet wine goes perfectly with the entrées. Entrées of little frogs and stuffed goose. With the little frogs, it's clear: if you're so hungry, everything goes into the pot with the question: is it enough to fill you up? Can I live? Oops, and then they're really tasty. And how did the tube get into the goose? Martin Walker lays a trail. If the goose wants to head south in the autumn, it eats everything that isn't nailed down. A clever hunter may have really appreciated the little fat treat in the autumn, but the goose almost has the stuffing tube in its throat. And then the foie gras is so outrageously tasty. Entrées fantastic. Sea bream wonderful. Duck breast delicious. A velvety Pinot Noir. Desserts? Le café gourmand, wow. Le café ou chocolat liégeois, oh my, how good. Fireworks for the senses, how wonderful. Not a victorious day for my ethical self-image. But: Around Ramstein Castle. At 7 at the start of the first tour today. It will take another 15 minutes until some light breaks the black. The damp morning mist paints the land eerily beautiful. Wonderfully simple paths lead into and through the forest. It is getting cold. Even the mushrooms no longer have much desire to poke their heads out of the ground. The old stone structures don't care at all. The leaves fall silently. A reminder of what is to come, silently falling. Is everyone prepared? The guys who are blocking my way here - cutting down trees, BEWARE, and whatever they plan to do in the forest - won't care. But there will be a little party - or why else would you light a fire? Nice supporting pillars have been added to the vaults under the Ramstein. The view from the plateau is very beautiful, shadowy in the fog. It's time for breakfast at Le Falken. PS: Surprisingly, a drop of milk has done a lot of damage to this coffee - drunk black, it's a real treat.
Another wonderfully quiet autumn walk in the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park. This time we walk via Baerenthal to the Château de Ramstein, a castle ruin from the 13th century. I am impressed by the rugged red rock formations that we encounter in various places in the forests. These are the result of millions of years of erosion by wind, water and frost after Europe was still largely covered by shallow seas.
Thanks to @Kauai for the inspiration for this beautiful hike
The start of this tour worth seeing is in a parking lot directly in front of a bakery with groceries. The path then leads along the beautiful waters. Then it was up the mountain. There were great rock formations to admire. The "Räuberburg" Rammstein is really great. Info in the photos.
We really enjoyed the untouched nature in the Vosges Mountains. There were very few hikers on the trails.