Col du Firstacker walks

A beautiful, gentle hike through the foothills of the Vosges between the Thann and Guebwiller valleys. The route is circular, with about a quarter of the way being a return trip. It will allow you to discover a few farmhouse inns where you can stop for a bite to eat: Kohlschlag and Freundstein. There are also some great viewpoints: the Château du Freundstein, the Molkenrain, the Rocher d'Ostein and the Chêne Wotan.

The Grand Ballon is a legendary peak in the Vosges. It is easily accessible by car. More experienced hikers can reach it on foot via various hiking trails. One of the longest routes starts from Soultz. The climb is steady on the first day and the descent is steady on the second. The more athletic can complete this hike in a single day, but to fully enjoy the scenery, it is better to do it over two days. This hike will leave you with lasting memories of the view from the summit at over 1,400 metres above sea level.

A beautiful hike, wild in all seasons, through stubble fields and beautiful forests, passing the summit of the Grand Ballon (360° view) from the Firstacker car park, via the stubble fields of Gerstacker, the Haag Pass, around the Storkenkopf in the forest, then up to the summit of the Grand Ballon (Diables Bleus monument and radar dome) before descending via the modified GR®5 route between the Col du Grand Ballon (La Vue des Alpes restaurant) and the Ferme-auberge du Grand Ballon.