Col de Ronde Tête walks

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)

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

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.

A challenging hike to discover the secrets of the Ballon d'Alsace! It is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo.

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).

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.