Cabane du Eckgrod walks

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…

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

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.

Begin your descent through varied landscapes towards the first villages of the Alsace plain, situated on the Wine Route. After enjoying the 360° view from the Petit Ballon over the valleys of Guebwiller and Munster and the Hohneck and Grand Ballon mountain ranges, it is as you begin the descent at the end of the ridge that you will catch sight of the Petit Ballon glacial cirque. Beautiful little paths, winding through woods and meadows, vineyards and mountains, will take you to the village of Soultzmatt, via Wintzfelden and Osenbach, not forgetting a short stop at the remarkable site of the ruins of Schwartzenthann Convent.

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!

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.

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 route begins in alpine pastureland, then passes through very shady forests.

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.

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.