Col du Grand Ballon (1341m) walks

A short, easy route starting from the Grand Ballon car park, offering a chance to take in the scenery from the highest point in the Vosges.

Why not set off to explore the Grand Ballon d’Alsace on a lovely circular walk? We suggest a loop with a gentle, shaded ascent that’s pleasant on hot days. Only the sections before the Grand Ballon are exposed to the sun; the rest of the way, there’ll always be a tree to shelter you from the heat.

For this lovely new stage, which will take you from Belacker to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges, follow the Club Vosgien route, marked with Yellow Rectangles. These markings indicate theGR®532, an iconic walking route across the Vosges linking Woerth in the Bas-Rhin to Belfort. Although the distance is shorter, this stage is by no means easy. After a descent towards Saint Amarin, with a 560m drop in altitude, don’t forget to save your energy, as a 1,000m climb then awaits you to reach the “roof of the Vosges”.

If you’re not used to walking but still want to set off on an adventure, then the 5-day Grand Ballon circuit is perfect for you! Covering a distance of 68 km, at a rate of around 15 km a day, you’ll explore the Vosges countryside and cross the mountain passes, where you’ll be captivated by the beauty of the many viewpoints overlooking the Guebwiller valley. It’s a great way to discover the region from every angle, taking in its natural heritage, local produce and mountain specialities at the many farmhouse inns that offer a warm welcome for a gourmet break. Throughout the hike, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from the foothill forests to the peaks of the Vosges mountains, passing through woodlands and grazing meadows. You’ll also be able to admire the rich flora of the Vosges, which varies according to altitude and season.

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.

The Grand Ballon is the highest peak in the Vosges. Most people reach the Grand Ballon by road. This peak is also accessible on foot from Florival or from Markstein. This route involves ascending from the Étang de la Griedelmatt. It is a route best suited to fit and active walkers, as it involves climbing over 1,000 metres in elevation. The ascent takes place through woodland for 85% of the route. Only the final few kilometres are exposed. From its height of 1,424 metres, the Grand Ballon offers a splendid view that stretches as far as the Alps on a clear day. The descent takes place in two stages: the first part alternates between woodland and meadows down to the pretty village of Goldbach. The rest of the route, and the end of the hike, is entirely through the forest.

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.

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.