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Col du Firstacker walks
From Guebwiller to the Grand Ballon
Tourist office
11.92 mi
+3,406 ft
-3,406 ft
8h 25
Difficult
Departure from Guebwiller (Haut-Rhin)
This hike will take you up to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, rising to 1,424 metres. From the summit, weather permitting, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and even as far as the Alps. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from coniferous and deciduous forests to clearings and pastures. As you gain altitude, you’ll notice how the flora of the Vosges changes.
Circular between Col du Haag, Storkenkopf and Grand Ballon from Firstacker
Visorando Member10.10 mi
+2,228 ft
-2,228 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
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.
Glashütte Col de Judenhut Firstacker
4.20 mi
+581 ft
-581 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
A hike entirely through the forest, suitable even in hot weather. On the way to the Col de Judenhut, we choose to take the stony path only for part of the way, preferring the wide track leading to the pass. There, a lovely shaded picnic area awaits us, along with a shelter and a fountain. The path towards Firstacker runs along the hillside, with very little elevation gain, and crosses numerous streams. For the return journey to the Glashütte, we’ll follow the wide track downhill.
A tour of the Grand Ballon from the Glashutte
7.93 mi
+1,860 ft
-1,903 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
This route leads to the Col du Grand Ballon, starting from the Glashutte. It crosses forests, including beautiful beech woods, and stubble fields where the view can be very beautiful. Please note that crampons and snowshoes are required in winter.
The Kohlschlag farmhouse inn and Molkenrain as seen from the Firstacker Pass
Tourism professional
8.69 mi
+1,847 ft
-1,850 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
This circular mountain route starting from the Col du Firstacker links three farm-inns (the Kohlschlag, the Freundstein and the Molkenrain) whilst offering you the chance to discover the Hartmannswillerkopf Memorial, the famous and deadly Franco-German mountain battlefield of the First World War. Alternating between forests, pastures and ruins, the route subtly blends heritage with farm life and the atmosphere of the forest, all enhanced by magnificent views.
The Grand Ballon from Soultz loop
17.91 mi
+4,206 ft
-4,203 ft
2 days
Difficult
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
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.
Le Col du Grand Ballon depuis Soultz
8.15 mi
+3,596 ft
-89 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
Randonnée presque quasiment en montée qui permet de relier Soultz, sympathique village culturel, au Col du Grand Ballon où vous pourrez passer la nuit avant d'aller le lendemain matin au sommet. Bien que cette étape soit courte en kilomètres, elle comporte un important dénivelé à ne pas négliger. Mais que de beautés en revanche entre les forêts et points de vues remarquables dans la dernière partie du parcours.