Col du Hilsenfirst walks

A beautiful, challenging hike that takes you around the Petit Ballon via its farm inns and offers superb panoramic views of the surrounding Vosges peaks of Hohneck, Schlucht, Schnepfenried, Grand Ballon and the valleys of Metzeral, Guebwiller, Linthal and Wasserbourg, not to mention, in good weather, the Black Forest and Swiss Alps.

The Petit Ballon is a must-see summit in Alsace. Rising to an altitude of 1,272 metres, it offers a splendid view of the Vosges mountains. There are various ways to reach it. This circular hike takes you to the Petit Ballon from the village of Linthal. The climb starts in the forest, then becomes more open from halfway up to the final viewpoint at the summit. For those who would like to do the hike in the opposite direction, it is more difficult.

A very varied route to reach the highest point of the Vosges and walk along the ridges, enjoying numerous panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The Petit Ballon massif also offers a very beautiful setting.

A pleasant circular route for tackling the Petit Ballon from the south through forests and pastures. The gradient is fairly steady and the paths are well signposted. The climb is quite shaded, which is a welcome feature.

Starting from the Hilsen farmhouse inn, this walk follows a ridge leading to the Petit Ballon. There are numerous viewpoints overlooking the Vosges, the Alsace plain and beyond.

This multi-day hike allows you to explore, over the course of two days, some of the most interesting routes in the Guebwiller region and the Markstein and Grand Ballon massifs. This hike is long and relatively challenging (over 41 km and a cumulative elevation gain of nearly 1,500 m). It is therefore suitable for regular walkers in good physical condition. Along the route, you’ll discover various farm inns, Lake Ballon, the Grand Ballon, the Markstein resort, the Petit Ballon and the ridges, and the village of Linthal.

An easy route, gently undulating across the highest peaks of the Vosges, through stubble fields and forests. Magnificent views over the surrounding valleys.

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.

The Munster Valley, Hohrodberg, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle – just how far will the Col d’Oberlauchen take your view? Setting off from Markstein, before crossing the resort’s ski slopes, you can stop off to visit the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Chapel for a brief cultural break. Heading towards the Petit Ballon, this route crosses numerous passes and peaks, such as the Klintzkopf and the Hilsenfirst, not to mention the Col d’Oberlauchen, from which you’ll be able to spot many of the area’s distinctive features… Keep your eyes peeled!

Take the time to admire the landscapes and views that make this second day’s walk so special. The route follows the ridges for the most part, leading to the Petit Ballon via the Klintzkopf. Once again, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the panoramic views over the plains and valleys on either side of the mountain. This route, which passes through forests and stubble fields, will allow you to discover the richness of the local flora.