Col d'Oberlauchen walks

A walk around Markstein on a typical Vosges ridge. This route has all the ingredients for a great hike in the Vosges mountains, including panoramic views of the peaks and valleys, well-marked trails laid out by the Club Vosgien, including over thatch, and visits to a number of farm inns.

The first half of the route, up to (5), is wooded, which is pleasant in hot weather. The second part, however, follows theGR®5in open country. There are no major difficulties, except perhaps the slightly steep climb to the Col d'Oberlauchen. There are beautiful views during this hike, particularly at the Col d'Oberlauchen, then all along theGR®5and at the summit of the Trehkopft.

Lakes and waterfalls, stubble fields and forests, peat bogs and scree slopes, springs, high-altitude beech forests... the Hautes Vosges sometimes offer a remarkable variety of landscapes within just a few kilometres, provided you are willing to climb a few slopes.