Refuge du Baerenkopf

The Refuge du Bärenkopf is a traditional, simple refuge at an altitude of around 1060 m on the Baerenkopf, not far from the Ballon d'Alsace. The small wooden building is located in a Natura 2000 protection zone above the Doller Valley and belongs to the Fédération française des clubs alpins et de montagne; the Club Alpin Français de Belfort is responsible. The hut is not manned, remains locked and can only be used by prior reservation; this is precisely why it is an exceptionally quiet base for hikers, snowshoe hikers and small groups looking for some seclusion. Inside, the Baerenkopf Refuge offers a large dormitory with a total of 18 sleeping places, simple blankets, wooden tables and benches and a wood-burning stove with a baking compartment. Lighting is provided by solar power and is only available for light. In summer, there is running water at the sink; in the cold season, water has to be fetched from a barrel, from snow or from a spring around 15 minutes away; jerry cans and a stretcher are provided to help. The sanitary facilities are "à l'ancienne" and very basic. Bed linen is not provided, so it is essential to bring your own sleeping bag and personal equipment. Payment is usually made by check or bank transfer, card payment is not accepted. Access is only possible on foot. From the French side, the frequently used starting point of Riervescemont with a signposted parking lot leads to the refuge: from there it is about 3.6 km and around 410 meters in altitude, first on a path marked with a yellow triangle to the Col du Chat, then on a path marked in blue to the Baerenkopf. From the Alsace side, you usually start at the Lachtelweiher parking lot above Kirchberg; the ascent here is around 2.7 km and 300 meters in altitude. The hut is generally open all year round by reservation, but is mainly used for quiet weekends, hikes around the Ballon d'Alsace and winter tours with snowshoes. As with all mountain tours in the Vosges, current route and closure information, avalanche and weather conditions should be checked carefully before setting off. The Baerenkopf is considered a "refuge centenaire" with a special history. Even before the First World War, a French tricolour was hoisted here near the former border; in 1907, mountain sports enthusiasts from Mulhouse and the Belfort Ski Club founded their association at the refuge. During the Second World War, the Baerenkopf served as a staging post for many Alsatians who wanted to secretly join the ranks of the Resistance in the interior of the country. Many generations of skiers and hikers have spent New Year's Eve and long hut evenings here - this tradition of a simple but very atmospheric retreat still characterizes the hut today.