Crossing the Southern Vosges from Kintzheim to Willer-sur-Thur

This route takes you across the Vosges in the Haut-Rhin, with moderate daily stages ranging from 15 to 20 km and an elevation gain generally between 800 and 900 m. These stages take between 6 and 7 hours, always ending near a mountain refuge, which must be booked in advance. The route follows paths marked by the Club Vosgien and passes through a wide variety of landscapes.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Kintzheim – Schelmenkopf

   9.38 mi 2,949 ft 1,188 ft

   This first stage starts in Kintzheim, passes by Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, then crosses the pretty village of Thanenkirch before heading up alongside the ‘pagan wall’ with its beautiful rock formations to the Schelmenkopf mountain hut. It is not particularly difficult and is a good way to warm up for the rest of the journey.

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2. 2
   

   Schelmenkopf – Col des Bagenelles

   10.60 mi 1,818 ft 1,289 ft

   A leisurely second stage, apart perhaps from the total distance. It takes place mainly in the shade on mostly flat paths. You’ll pass beneath the Petit Brézouard and give the Grand Brézouard a wide berth – as it is a wildlife sanctuary – before heading directly to Le Haïcot and then on to the Col des Bagenelles.

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3. 3
   

   Col de Bagenelles – Schupferen

   10.77 mi 2,694 ft 1,847 ft

   This third day follows the Sentier des Crêtes for the most part, passing through the burnt-out fields with beautiful panoramic views. A walk of moderate difficulty with several opportunities to stop and enjoy a blueberry tart

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4. 4
   

   Schupferen – Hahnenbrunnen

   12.27 mi 1,798 ft 1,762 ft

   A stage of around twenty kilometres that begins in the shade of the forest, then runs alongside the Hirschsteine and Spitzenfels rocks, with a few sections secured by metal steps and fixed handrails, before continuing along the ridges after the Col de la Schlucht and passing beneath thethird-highest peak in the Vosges, the Hohneck.

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5. E
   

   Hahnenbrunnen – Willer-sur-Thur

   13.02 mi 886 ft 3,524 ft

   The final stage passes via the Markstein and beneath the Grand Ballon, with more downhill sections and shade provided by the trees, ending in the Thur Valley where you can catch a train to Mulhouse.

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