Mountain refuge Le Pranze du Bornichon

Between the forest loins on Barembach

Under half-tops like Pfriemenkopf and La Schleife, Le Pranze du Bornichon remains in a half-mountain strip of Alsatian where the relief gains height quickly on the bottom of the valley. Its 500 meters of altitude do not place it in the alpine environment, but it does place it in a useful transition ground for those who move along the slopes and cords of the Lower Rhine, in the surroundings of Barembach and the historic Alsace. This position makes it more interesting as a step-by-step coat or logistical support than as a destination in itself, especially when weather changes, the day is extended or a journey should be broken before winning higher levels.

In the planning it fits well within routes that link long-range paths in the Vosgos, with clear references such as the GR 5 and GR 532 in the area. It can also serve to order a shorter stage by local itineraries, without losing sight that the wooded terrain and the multiple variants require well-revised map or track. For water, the closest reference is Fontaine Léopold, at a little more than half a kilometre, a useful closeness but that should be confirmed on the ground before relying on it. If used as a mountain shelter within a long day, it is reasonable to have basic autonomy and to value its use especially when time, fatigue or visibility do not advise to continue to advance towards higher levels.