Ballon d'Alsace walks

This magnificent hike starting from the summit of the Ballon d'Alsace offers spectacular views of the Vosges, the Jura and the Swiss Alps. The hike is signposted.

The summit of the Ballon d'Alsace offers magnificent 360° views of the Alps on a clear day. The route crosses the moraines of three ancient glaciers and unspoilt, wild areas in classified natural spaces. (Please note that the route crosses a protected natural area (between (4) and (5)). Dogs are not allowed and access is prohibited between 15/12 and 14/07)

The ultimate Sunday outing for Belfort residents! In good weather, this short circuit allows you to get a breath of fresh air accompanied by a magnificent view of the Vosges, the Jura and the Alps (you can even see Mont Blanc on a very clear day!).

A very beautiful hike with a stunning view from the summit of Ballon d'Alsace over two other ballons. This hike takes us to the remarkable sites of Saut de la Truite, Rummel Waterfall, Étang du Petit Haut and Vierge du Ballon.

Discover the Roches de Morteville, Lake Sewen and Lake Alfeld, the large rock, the statue of Joan of Arc and the waterfalls. A hike bordering on the (very) difficult. GPX track strongly recommended. Route between (5) and (7) updated on 13 May 2025

This is a pleasant hike, starting with a slight descent into the woods, with almost the entire climb being open.

It is very easy to walk around the summit of Ballon d'Alsace on a wide, easily accessible path. The route I suggest here is much longer but also more spectacular. It is a real little hike, sometimes a little alpine, along picturesque, little-known and little-used paths. It is more demanding than what we are used to in the Vosges and is reserved for experienced and well-equipped walkers. As with any hike, do not start it at the end of the day, as the duration can vary greatly depending on your fitness and experience, and it is dangerous at night. Please note that in spring there may still be snow (or even a lot of snow). Moderator's note added on 26/08/2021: Some hikers have found this hike to be quite difficult in certain sections. See the reviews at the bottom of this page.

A short distance but a steep climb await you. This is therefore a fairly challenging hike. The main attraction of the hike is discovering the steep slopes of the Vosges on the Alsace side. The summit of Ballon d'Alsace is accessible by car.

If you want an alternative between several circuits between Lac d'Alfeld and the summit of Ballon d'Alsace, here is one that combines routes ranging from easy to difficult and takes you past the old farm ruins that dotted the massif before the Second World War. Here is one that combines routes ranging from easy to difficult and allows you to discover the old ruined farms that dotted the mountains before the Second World War.

Belle randonnée en montagne entre forêts et chaumes d'altitude.

The Ballon d'Alsace is accessible from several points. Its summit is accessible by road. The more athletic may wish to attempt this circular route starting from Sewen, which offers a few points of interest, notably Lake Alfeld. The return route follows the ridges for the most part, offering views that sometimes stretch as far as the first Alpine peaks when the weather permits. There are numerous shortcuts available to shorten the circular route. Hike accessible via Sewen station (11 GD RUE).

A lovely walk with views over the lakes, the summit of the Ballon d’Alsace and the Sewen valley. Our group opted to hike without snowshoes; snow cover was patchy, with more in the wooded areas.

This hike takes you over the summit of Ballon d'Alsace with its wonderful views, then along the northern slope with a possible break at the magnificent Petite Chaume chalet or Baraque de Morteville. Once the footbridges have been repaired, it will be possible to shorten the route by taking the superb path under the Roches de Morteville.

Starting from the Col du Ballon d'Alsace, this circular route takes you on a circuit around the summit before crossing wild maple forests and the rocky, steep south-eastern slopes of the mountain. A visit to the summit plateau, a future Grand Site de France, is a highlight of this hike, offering breathtaking views over Lorraine, Alsace and Franche-Comté. On the other side, far from the “crowds” of the Ballon, the unassuming farmhouse inn at Grand Langenberg is a peaceful haven where it’s lovely to stop for a break before setting off again.

This hike takes you down from Ballon d'Alsace to Giromagny. It is the continuation of the Vosges crossing, proposed by DNA, Passion Vosges and the Journal d'Alsace (see practical information). The first few kilometres are along the ridges, with views of the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley and even the Alps. During this same section, you may come across several ski resorts, such as La Chaumière and La Gentiane. A farmhouse inn at Wissgrut offers lunch. Further on, a shelter at the Col du Chantoiseau provides a place to picnic. The descent then continues, sometimes more steeply than others. The arrival in Giromagny offers views of the city of Belfort.

This beautiful route begins with two remarkable peaks in the Vosges and offers beautiful views of the upper Moselle valley, before reaching the Pays des Étangs.

This long circular hike will take you through or past a large number of remarkable, picturesque and spectacular spots, and you’ll have the satisfaction of having climbed the Ballon d’Alsace with a significant elevation gain – something not everyone gets to do. The route can be completed in a long day’s walk, provided you are in good shape and set off early in the morning. It is very manageable over two days at a more leisurely pace, with an overnight stay at the Ballon d’Alsace.