Stosswihr walks

This hike covers both sides of the ridge separating the Stosswhir valley and the Metzeral valley, offering views of the ridges, the Col de la Schlucht and the Trois Fours on the way there, and the Petit Ballon massif and the Schnepfenried on the way back. Numerous ruins from the First World War dot both sides of this ridge, which was the dividing line between French and German troops. Eight thousand five hundred men died on these slopes.

A walk through the painful history of the Vosges mountains, where numerous remains from the First World War can still be found.

This hike is not particularly difficult and follows wide forest paths, offering beautiful views of the Metzeral valley, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest in the distance on the way there. On the way back, you can enjoy views of the Col de la Schlucht and the ridges. The hike can be rounded off with a stop at the Schallern Restaurant or the Gaschney farmhouse inn.

Le Petit Ballon is one of the iconic peaks of the Vosges. This challenging hike takes you up to Le Petit Ballon via its northern slope, specifically from Munster. It is divided into two sections, each 8 km long. The first section involves a climb of over 800 metres in elevation between Munster and the summit, whilst the second section takes you back down. From the top, there is a splendid view of the highest peaks of the Vosges as well as the Munster and Florival valleys. It is also worth noting that the descent is more wooded than the ascent.

The Linge region was the scene of bloody battles in 1914 and 1915. It is the remains and traces still very much visible on the ground that you will discover as you follow this route. On this section of the Linge-Barrenkopf front, barely 2 km long, one of the bloodiest battles of the Great War in the Vosges took place between 20 July and 16 October 1915. It claimed the lives of more than17,000 young French and German soldiers.

This route is just 2.4 km long and not particularly difficult. Two-thirds of the route is shaded, with the remainder in open country offering beautiful panoramic views of Munster and its valley. With an extra 400 metres (there and back), you can reach the summit of the Hoernleskopf.

A walk through the town of Munster and its surroundings, centred on the theme of water. It is suitable for families. Come and discover Munster’s heritage through some twenty fun and educational panels, placed along the route. Do take a moment to explore the old wash houses in particular. The walk also offers a glimpse of the hydroelectric power stations still in operation.

A walk designed for an afternoon, from the upper village towards Lameysberg, through the forest. The viewpoint is at the highest point of the walk. The return route also takes you through the woodland, with the option of stopping for a bite to eat at the Christlesgut farmhouse inn.

A circular walk in the hills above Muhlbach-sur-Munster, starting from the La Perle des Vosges restaurant, along paths that wind through beautiful mountain forests, heading towards the Col du Sattel and the former First World War front line.

This hike offers beautiful views of the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The return route follows the historic Linge Barrenkopf trail.

Superb panoramic views over the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The hike follows the historic route of the Col du Wettstein, the Linge Memorial and the Barrenkopf defence line.

A hike that starts at the foot of the Solberg antennas, runs along the heights of the Wasserbourg valley, then crosses over to the Metzeral valley, offering beautiful views of the ridges. Along the route, you will come across some remains of structures from the First and Second World Wars.

A short, shaded circular walk at the foot of the Petit Ballon, offering beautiful views of the Munster valley.

A fairly varied hike starting from Soultzeren, linking Lac du Forlet to Lac Vert. The route consists of pretty, shaded paths running alongside or through a few meadows. After afirst climb of 600 m, which is a little challenging, the rest of the hike is very pleasant and does not present any particular difficulties. Refreshments are available at the Ferme-auberge du Forlet and the Chalet Erichson run by the Club Vosgien (snacks or packed lunches).

This is a beautiful hike that climbs along the Petite Fecht, offering views of the Stolz Ablass waterfalls, then the Frankenthal and its peat bog. The return journey is via the Gaschney, taking the Bloye trail.

Near the magnificent Hohneck glacial cirque, this hike (not recommended in winter conditions) alternates between little-known wild trails and busy tourist paths, sections through forest and bare ridges, alpine landscapes and damp woodlands. Of particular interest are the Petite Fecht waterfalls, the Franquenthal glacial cirque and the exceptional views from the summit of the Petit Hohneck. Hiking prohibited in winter; see practical information.

This hike is one of the most interesting in the Munster Valley. You will discover the Stolz Abalss waterfalls and, at the foot of the Hohneck, the Frankenthal glacial cirque with its rock faces, a favourite haunt of chamois, which can usually be seen early in the morning or in the evening

This is one of the classic walks in the Munster Valley. Walkers will discover the magnificent and refreshing Stolz Ablass waterfalls and the historic Mule Trail (14-18), all in the shade of the fir trees.

A very varied hike possible in all seasons, which first crosses the Linge battlefield to discover the geography and remains of one of the deadliest places of the 1914-18 war. After this moving start, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views as you head towards the highest lake in the Vosges mountains: Lake Forlet. Walking through its majestic glacial cirque, you can admire the exceptional views offered by the ridges overlooking the lake.

An almost perfect circular route, worthy of a postcard. Along the entire route, points of interest follow one after another: military remains, historic sites, impressive rocks with remarkable shapes, magnificent panoramas and breathtaking scenery guaranteed. Between the Col du Wettstein, the Rain des Chênes, the village of Les Basses-Huttes, the small pass of Linge, the Schratzmaennele and the Glasborn, with trails and a few forest tracks, charming villages, authentic farm-inns and magnificent views of the Vosges ridges, every kilometre holds its own share of discoveries. A comprehensive hike that has it all: nature, history, heritage, gastronomy and exceptional scenery, for an experience as varied as it is unforgettable.

This is an easy hike with beautiful views of the Keysersberg valley to the east and the ridges to the west. You will always find a sunny spot for a picnic around Lac des Truites. The Auberge du Lac Noir welcomes you for a break and the Ferme Auberge du Forlet is open at the end of April. You can also eat at the Mussmiss farmhouse inn, which is clearly signposted on arrival at the Col du Wettstein.

A beautiful hike starting from the Col du Wettstein, with steep climbs up to the ridge above Lac Noir and Lac Forlet, a descent towards Forlet, where caution is advised, then a gentle stretch to the Musmiss Farm Inn (a gourmet stop) and then, in ten minutes, back to the Col du Wettstein.

An easy hike around the Basses Huttes towards the Ferme Auberge du Rain des Chênes on wide, shaded paths offering beautiful views of the Val d'Orbey through the gaps in the forest.

This short hike on trails marked by the Club Vosgien has in the first instance views of the valley of Munster, and also a view of the peaks of the Vosges. The many picnic opportunities around the Lac des Truites or Lac Forlet lakes, the trout spotting opportunities, as well the welcoming farmhouse make for an enjoyable outing.

Explore the forest, lakes and the Hautes Chaumes, the highlights of this hike that follows Vosges Club trails.

A very pretty, varied walk with scenic views and fairly easy going, I've rated it as moderate as a precaution.

Set amongst forests, with lovely views and idyllic, rural streets, discover Metzeral, a charming mountain village nestled in the heart of the Vosges.

Discover the southern part of the village of Metzeral, nestled in the heart of the Vosges, via little-known trails. As well as magnificent views of the village, you’ll pass by the Church of the Emm, an iconic monument to the Great War in the Munster Valley!

A pretty loop around the heights of Metzeral and Muhlbach with beautiful views of the Grande Vallée, the Vosges ridges and the Hohneck massif. The Kuhfeil lookout offers a breathtaking view of Metzeral. It is also a place of remembrance. Bitter fighting took place here during the Battle of Metzeral in 1915.

Hike in the hills above Metzeral, starting from the station, with a gradual climb to Petit-Ballon, before reaching the Steinberg ridge and Grothkopf and descending towards the village via the Brietenbach slope. Throughout the route, you will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills and villages in the valley.

A superb hike that passes along the Steinberg ridge, dotted with large granite boulders rising skywards. The summit of the Petit Ballon offers a beautiful view of the Vosges ridge. The Steinberg is reputed to be a major energy hub in the Hautes-Vosges. This hike is also not particularly difficult, even though it includes a few steep climbs.

This hike allows you to discover varied landscapes, access the ridge and enjoy superb views of the entire Vosges mountains and the Alsace plain. It crosses two nature reserves: the Franckenthal-Missheimle Reserve and the Tanet Gazon du Faing Reserve.The hike also passes by the Rocher de Hirchsteine, the summit of Tanet and Lac Vert. The entire climb is through forest. ⚠️ 21/07/2025: starting point of the hike changed.

A lovely little family circular path to discover Lac Vert nestled in the heart of the Vosges pine trees.

A beautiful hike with views of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet (Lac des Truites) and a lovely stretch along the ridges.

A beautiful, challenging hike that takes you around the Petit Ballon via its farm inns and offers superb panoramic views of the surrounding Vosges peaks of Hohneck, Schlucht, Schnepfenried, Grand Ballon and the valleys of Metzeral, Guebwiller, Linthal and Wasserbourg, not to mention, in good weather, the Black Forest and Swiss Alps.

A beautiful hike that takes you up to the “Gazons”, the famous pastures of the Hautes Vosges, and along the steep slopes overlooking the magnificent cirques where the lakes of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet lie. All of this is situated at an altitude and in landscapes that are reminiscent of the Alps.

Discover the Petit Ballon and its superb panoramic views of the Hohneck, Schlucht, Schnepfenried and Grand Ballon peaks and the valleys of Metzeral, Linthal and Wasserbourg, not to mention, in good weather, the Black Forest and the Swiss Alps.

A magnificent walk along the Wormsabach stream and its waterfalls.

A very pretty walk in the magnificent Wormsa valley, with its succession of glacial moraine fields, small waterfalls and a succession of wooden footbridges. You reach the pretty little Lac du Fischboedle with its gazebo, then further up the Lac du Schiessrothried. This section has a few technical sections, but the reward is there for the effort. The return journey is easier and takes wide, shady forest paths.

The Wormsa Valley offers spectacular, unspoilt landscapes. Steep trails, waterfalls, rocky cirques and glacial moraines await you on this beautiful walk. A classic in the Vosges mountains.

This is a moderately difficult hike from Metzeral to the Ferme-Auberge du Schiessroth via the Gaschney, before descending to the Schiessrothried and Fischboedle lakes. This route avoids a very steep climb from the lakes to the Ferme-Auberge du Schiessroth.

A long hike around the third highest peak in the Vosges mountains and the highest in the Vosges department, following six lakes. The route offers beautiful views and all types of terrain (paths, roads, trails, forest, clearings, alpine pastures, etc.). This is a very difficult hike for experienced hikers only (length, duration and significant elevation gain). Not to be attempted in winter; best done in late spring, summer or early autumn.

Discover the Wormsa Valley, created by a Vosges glacier during the Quaternary period. Climb up to the glacial cirque that is home to Lake Fischboedle. From there, you will quickly reach the second lake, Lake Schiessrothried, at the foot of Hohneck. The slightly more technical return journey will take you under the terminal ridge of the Spitzkoepfe and its granite scree. The final descent will take you to the ruins of the old cable car from the First World War.This route is best enjoyed from April to November.

Beautiful forest and mountain trail from Metzeral to the summit of Hohneck along the magnificent Wormsa valley, beside two lakes and through the impressive Combe du Wormspel, then back to the starting point on the other side of the Wormsa.

Lac Vert (1,044 m) owes its name to the colour it takes on in summer due to the proliferation of algae. Lac des Truites (or Forlet) is the highest lake in the Vosges mountains at 1,066 m. Both are located in former glacial cirques dominated by the Hautes Chaumes.

A magnificent circuit on the Vosges ridges with views of the Black Forest and, on clear, dry days, the Alps. 400 m of paved road, the rest on trails or wide paths.

This easy loop allows you to discover Tanet, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Vosges, with stunning views and the Haut-Fourneau stone cairns. In late June or early July, you can also enjoy the mountain flowers. The return journey is sheltered by Lac Vert.

A walk along the ridges of the Hautes-Vosges, taking in both well-known and lesser-known paths. The route passes near three lakes and offers magnificent views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and the Alps on clear days. Plenty of blueberries in season.

Starting from the Route des Crêtes between the Col du Calvaire and the Col de la Schlucht, this walk begins with a panoramic view of Lac du Forlet from the Crête du Gazon du Faing. The route continues, alternating between woodland and open terrain, taking you to discover Lac Noir, Lac du Forlet (also known as Lac des Truites) and Lac Vert.

A hike with very varied landscapes and paths: small hiking trails, forest paths and exceptional views of the surroundings of the Munster Valley, the Grand Ballon and the Alsace plain from the summits of the Petit Ballon and Steinberg.

Discover the Hohneck ridge and its Alsatian side, with its panoramic views, flora and fauna, on well-maintained forest trails in a well-preserved environment. A breath of fresh air to be enjoyed without moderation! Please note: this hike is not possible in winter (see practical information below).

This route will allow you to discover the landscapes of the Hohneck massif with beautiful views of the Munster valley and you may even spot chamois on the slopes of the snowfield trail. Please note that some sections of this hike are particularly difficult, especially the descent from Rainkopf and the ascent from Séestaedtle to Kerbholz. Avoid this route in wet weather, as the rocks are particularly slippery and a fall could be fatal.

Spotting chamois in the Wormspel, dipping your feet in the clear waters of Lake Schiessrothried, and enjoying the beauty of the Frankenthal-Missheimle Nature Reserve are the highlights of this hike. And if you can also stop off at a farmhouse inn, then... it’s a brilliant day! A variation of this hike, passing via the Falimont Pass, is suggested in the practical information section. The BloyGR®®531trail between (6) and (7) is closed from 1 November to 30 April by prefectural decree dated 18 May 2022.