The Nideck waterfall, a natural wonder

Around 25 metres high, the Nideck waterfall tumbles down a wall of volcanic rock deep in the forest, just below the ruins of the castle of the same name. A short walk from Oberhaslach takes you to one of the most romantic natural sites in the Vosges mountains.

A waterfall at the foot of a legendary castle

The Nideck waterfall lies in the municipality of Oberhaslach, in the Bas-Rhin, at an altitude of about 534 metres, above the Hasel valley. Here the Nideck stream plunges some 25 metres between dark cliffs of volcanic origin, before continuing on its way through a wooded valley strewn with mossy boulders. The setting, among firs, beeches and rocks, is particularly photogenic.

Don’t expect a lake or a swimming spot: the waterfall is viewed from the trail and from a purpose-built lookout. Its flow varies greatly with the seasons, which is also part of its charm.

Nideck castle and the legend of the giant’s daughter

Above the waterfall, on a rocky ridge, stand the remains of Nideck castle. There were in fact two castles: the Grand-Nideck, on the upper part, of which only a few sections of wall survive, and the lower castle, dominated by an imposing square keep some twenty metres high. The whole complex was destroyed by fire in 1636, during the Thirty Years’ War. The ruins, owned by the State, have been listed as a historic monument since 1898. The keep cannot be visited inside, but you are free to explore its surroundings.

The site is famous for a legend collected by the Brothers Grimm in 1816: the daughter of a Nideck giant goes down to the plain and scoops up a farmer, his plough and his oxen in her apron to take home as toys. Her father orders her to put them back, because these farmers feed the giants. The poet Adelbert von Chamisso turned it into a poem that did much to make the place famous.

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Getting there and the walk to the waterfall

From Oberhaslach, follow the D218 towards Wangenbourg. Two starting points are commonly used:

• From below: a car park beside the D218, from where you reach the foot of the waterfall in about 15 to 20 minutes.
• From above: the car park below the Nideck forester’s lodge, from where a waymarked loop of about 4.5 km (nearly 2 hours, around 200 m of ascent) links the castle ruins, the lookout and the waterfall.

The Club Vosgien waymarking (red rectangles on part of the route) makes it easy to find your way. Steps and rocky passages link the waterfall to the castle: wear good shoes, as they can be slippery after rain. To make a day of it, other hiking routes start from the area, for example towards the Schneeberg.

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When to visit?

• Late winter and spring: snowmelt and rain give the waterfall its most spectacular flow.
• Summer: the forest offers welcome coolness, but the flow can become very weak in dry weather.
• Autumn: the colours of the beech trees show off the site and the ruins at their best.
• Winter: in very cold weather the waterfall can freeze over; the trail then becomes tricky, so check conditions before you go. Find more ideas for enjoying Alsace in winter.

Our tips for your visit

• Combine the waterfall and the castle in a single loop: allow half a day, including time for photos.
• Stay on the paths and platforms: the area around the falls is steep.
• Bring water and a snack, as no facilities are guaranteed along the way.
• Dogs are welcome on a lead; with a pushchair, use a baby carrier instead because of the steps.

Enzo

Hi, I'm Enzo! I'm the guy who loves lacing up his hiking boots to explore the rugged trails of the Vosges. Passionate about nature and photography, I take you along through articles that capture the scent of fir forests and the charm of mountain lakes. I live for those moments when the sun rises over the Haut-Koenigsbourg or when I stumble upon an authentic inn along the way. My goal? To inspire you to get out, breathe in the fresh Alsatian air, and always have a great spot for a tarte flambée to share at the end of the day.

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