Cascade de la Wormsa

Cascade de la Wormsa is a series of waterfalls in the commune of Metzeral, at the head of the Munster valley in Alsace, in the Haut-Rhin department of France's Grand Est region. The falls tumble through the narrow, glacially carved Wormsa valley, right at the foot of the Hohneck and Kastelberg massifs, two of the higher summits of the Vosges range. The whole Wormsa valley is protected as a classified natural site, a designation that reflects how highly its landscape is regarded.

Where exactly is the waterfall?

The Wormsa is a small mountain stream that flows down from the high Vosges and joins the Munster valley near Metzeral, a village sitting at the point where the valley narrows and climbs into the mountains proper. Along the trail heading upstream, the water drops over a series of rocky steps and glacial moraine, forming the multi-tiered cascades that give the site its name. The steep gradient and rugged terrain are what give the stream its energy at this point in its course.

How do you reach the cascades?

The hike starts at Steinabruck, roughly 2 kilometers from Metzeral train station. There is parking near the Chalets de la Wormsa; from there the route crosses a bridge and follows an earthen forest path uphill along the stream. The section running alongside the falls themselves is fitted with wooden footbridges and walkways, installed by the Club Vosgien hiking association in 2011, allowing walkers to pass safely close to the falling water even where the ground is steep and often damp.

What else is there along the way?

Past the cascades, the trail continues upward to Lac de Fischboedle, sitting at an altitude of 794 meters. The lake is easy to recognize thanks to the small pavilion on its shore, a long-standing resting spot for hikers. Those looking for a longer outing can extend the walk by roughly another 45 minutes to reach Lac de Schiessrothried, set higher in the mountains.

How long does the hike take, and who is it suited for?

The full loop combining the Wormsa cascades and Lac de Fischboedle typically takes between 2.5 and 3 hours round trip. The path runs through forest alongside the stream over uneven, sometimes rocky ground, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. It suits walkers with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy natural scenery and want to pair a waterfall visit with a longer excursion into the Vosges.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the trail to Cascade de la Wormsa start? The trailhead is at Steinabruck, about 2 kilometers from Metzeral train station, with parking near the Chalets de la Wormsa.

Is it safe to walk past the waterfall? Yes — on the steepest and wettest sections, wooden footbridges and walkways (built by the Club Vosgien in 2011) make it possible to walk right alongside the cascades.

What is there beyond the waterfall? The trail continues to Lac de Fischboedle at 794 meters altitude, and for those who want to go further, on to Lac de Schiessrothried (about 45 extra minutes of walking).

How much time should I set aside for this hike? Depending on the route chosen, anywhere from about 2.5 hours for the loop with the cascades and Lac de Fischboedle, up to a longer, full-day outing that includes Lac de Schiessrothried.

Is the Wormsa valley a protected area? Yes, the Wormsa valley holds classified natural site status because of its glacial origins and scenic value.

What kind of terrain should hikers expect? An earthen forest path with varying gradients, damp in places near the water, so solid footwear is advisable.