Abri du Holzwasen walks

Enjoy a relaxing break at Lac du Ballon before setting off again along the Route des Crêtes. The route for this second day, starting from the Grand Ballon, includes a short detour to Lac du Ballon, so you can take in the scenery and the tranquillity of this little paradise. The walk continues along the Route des Crêtes to Markstein, with views of the Grand Ballon and the Thur Valley, and, if you wish, you can enjoy the leisure and outdoor activities on offer at the Markstein resort.

An easy route, gently undulating across the highest peaks of the Vosges, through stubble fields and forests. Magnificent views over the surrounding valleys.

First day of the 3-day Grand Ballon circuit. Starting from Guebwiller, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, which rises to an altitude of 1,424 metres. The ascent is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you can enjoy the varied landscapes and the flora and fauna of the Vosges, and on arrival, the exceptional panoramic views across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and, on a clear day, even the Bernese Alps.

Get straight to the heart of the matter with the ascent of the Grand Ballon, which will delight the fittest walkers! Starting from Guebwiller, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, which rises to an altitude of 1,424 metres. The climb to this pass is therefore quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the varied landscapes and the flora and fauna of the Vosges, and on arrival, the exceptional panoramic views across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and even the Bernese Alps if the sky is clear.

A challenging climb to the Grand Ballon from Sengern (past Guebwiller). The route passes by the beautiful Lac du Ballon and the Gustiberg farmhouse inn, both of which offer very pleasant places to stop for a break.

A very physically demanding first day with a wide variety of landscapes. Starting from Linthal, the most mountainous village in the Guebwiller region, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Auberge du Steinlebach, via the Grand Ballon – the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, rising to an altitude of 1,424 metres – and the Markstein resort. The ascent is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you’ll pass the Gustiberg farmhouse inn, Lake Ballon and the Haag farmhouse inn…

The Munster Valley, Hohrodberg, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle – just how far will the Col d’Oberlauchen take your view? Setting off from Markstein, before crossing the resort’s ski slopes, you can stop off to visit the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Chapel for a brief cultural break. Heading towards the Petit Ballon, this route crosses numerous passes and peaks, such as the Klintzkopf and the Hilsenfirst, not to mention the Col d’Oberlauchen, from which you’ll be able to spot many of the area’s distinctive features… Keep your eyes peeled!

From the Markstein, the sixteenth stage of the journey across the Vosges proposed by Passion Vosges magazine continues along the Great Vosges Ridge towards the massif’s highest point, the Grand Ballon. After a visit to the Hartmannswillerkopf battlefield (1914–1918) and a climb to the summit of the Molkenrain, a long descent through the forest begins, heading towards Thann and its famous Gothic collegiate church. Franck Buchy’s account of this sixteenth stage can be found in *Passion Vosges*.

The Florival Valley seen from above – a perfect way to end the walk! Setting off from Soultzmatt, you’ll enjoy ‘heritage stops’ along the Val du Pâtre Way of the Cross, pausing to visit the churches and chapels of Soultzmatt, Val de Pâtre and Saint-Gangolphe. This long hike concludes on the balcony paths through the Guebwiller vineyards, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Florival Valley, the Grand Ballon and the Petit Ballon. You’ll be able to look back and admire the routes you’ve covered over the last few days.

Take the time to admire the landscapes and views that make this second day’s walk so special. The route follows the ridges for the most part, leading to the Petit Ballon via the Klintzkopf. Once again, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the panoramic views over the plains and valleys on either side of the mountain. This route, which passes through forests and stubble fields, will allow you to discover the richness of the local flora.