Refine your search for walks in Col du Schaeferthal (1224m)
Col du Schaeferthal (1224m) walks
The Hohneck massif, between Grande Vallée and Petite Vallée de Munster
Visorando Member
4.35 mi
+1,325 ft
-1,319 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Muhlbach-sur-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
Not to be missed! This is one of the most iconic and famous hikes in the Vosges. The landscapes and views of the entire Vosges mountain range, the Black Forest and even the Alps (on a clear day) are simply magnificent. If you're lucky, you may even spot chamois on the slopes of Hohneck, so don't forget your binoculars!
⚠️ This route is not accessible in winter. The route between (4), (2) and (5) is closed from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).
From Hohneck to three lakes via Sapin de Kolben
14.29 mi
+3,904 ft
-3,898 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
On the agenda: a full day of breathtaking views!
Starting from the summit of Hohneck, this hike will take you to a less frequented slope to the east of the Col du Rothenbach. This will lead you to the Sapin de Kolben and the chapel, before discovering the three lakes: Altenweiher, Fischboedle and Schiessrothried. Finally, return to the summit via the Col de Schaeferthal.
This hike is classified as very difficult: see the Practical Information section.
From Mittlach to Hohneck via the Fischboedle and Schiessrothried lakes
9.65 mi
+3,179 ft
-3,192 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
A beautiful hike with varied, technical trails and magnificent landscapes. The hike starts in the valley before passing close to the lakes and climbing up the ridges to Hohneck. It then descends via the Schiessroth farmhouse inn, Lake Schiessrothried, Lake Fischboedle, and returns to Mittlach via the Wormsa valley.
06/02/2023: Hiking is prohibited until further notice by municipal decree due to a rock and stone slide on theGR®531.
Circular loop starting from the Col de la Schlucht
8.40 mi
+2,192 ft
-2,195 ft
5h 45
Difficult
Departure from Le Valtin (Vosges)
Circular route starting from the Col de la Schlucht, passing via the Hohneck and the Petit Hohneck, and returning via the challenging but magnificent Sentier des Roches.
This hike is not possible in winter. See the practical information below.
The Hohneck and the Frankenthal
3.21 mi
+1,273 ft
-1,260 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
This short hike is one of the most classic in the region and therefore deserves a brief description. Ascent to the Hohneck from the Route des Crêtes, descent towards the Col du Schaeferthal then into the Frankenthal (and its alpine dairy) before climbing back up to the Col du Falimont via the magnificent Sentier de Falimont.360° views, cliffs, pastures and, occasionally, chamois.
Tour of the Hohneck via Frankenthal and Lake Schiessrothried
4.94 mi
+1,939 ft
-1,909 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
This wonderful hike, the quintessence of the Hautes Vosges, will take you from the Route des Crêtes to the lovely Frankenthal valley and the beautiful Lac du Schiessrothried. Through (very) rocky paths, stubble fields, peat bogs and deep forest. Dotted with inns and climbing rocks. With a bit of luck, you might spot some chamois, or even grass snakes.
Walks near Col du Schaeferthal (1224m)
Schiessrothried Lake - Charlemagne car park
5.08 mi
+2,352 ft
-1,398 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
From Schiessrothried, tour of Petit Hohneck, Dagobert's cave, Frankenthal and Col de Falimont.
This route is not accessible in winter. The route is closed between (3), (4), (5) and (6) from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).
Charlemagne car park - Schiessrothried Lake
5.84 mi
+728 ft
-1,683 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
day1: hike around Hohneck, snowfield route and descent to Schiessrothried Lake.
Col de la Schlucht – Le Grand Ballon: the Sentier des Crêtes
16.57 mi
+3,238 ft
-2,556 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Le Valtin (Vosges)
A very beautiful hike, taking in some remarkable sights: the Martinswand rocks, the summit of the Hohneck, the summit of the Kastelberg and the Grand Ballon (with the ‘Boule’ at the summit).
From Lac de Blanchemer to Lac de Longemer
6.46 mi
+738 ft
-1,532 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Second stage of this hike with bivouac. This time, Lac Lalande, Lac de Retournemer, Cascade Charlemagne and Cascade de Retournemer will be on your route, allowing you to discover magnificent colours.
From Lac de Blanchemer to the Chalet de Rouge Mousse
7.13 mi
+1,880 ft
-2,054 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Starting from Lac de Blanchemer, the route follows theGR®531, taking you via the Rainkopf (alt. 1,305 m), before descending towards the Tourbière de Machais, the Col de Bramont and the Étang de Sèchemer to reach the Chalet de Rouge Mousse.
From Lake Longemer to Lake Blanchemer
11.03 mi
+2,979 ft
-2,169 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
The first stage of a two-day bivouac hike with an overnight stay at Lac de Blanchemer, passing by Lac du Lispach, which is reminiscent of a Canadian landscape, and the Machais peat bog.
Difficulty and beautiful views sum up this first stage.
Gérardmer – Honneck – Sotré
12.06 mi
+1,220 ft
-2,782 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
This second stage of the Gérardmer Mini-Trek links the Chalet des Champis to Petit Xonrupt, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Hautes-Vosges. After a descent into the Vologne valley, the route climbs back up to the heights of La Bresse-Hohneck, before reaching Lac de la Lande, the Schmargult farmhouse inn and the famous Route des Crêtes. The walk continues with a long descent past the Sotré mountain refuge, Lake Retournemer and the shores of Lake Longemer, before reaching the centre of Xonrupt-Longemer. A varied stage combining forests, high-altitude scree slopes, glacial lakes and remarkable panoramic views.
From the Cabane des Champis to Lac de Blanchemer
8.77 mi
+1,627 ft
-2,201 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Starting from Les Champis, the route passes through the Marécage Rouge Feigne, the Col de Thiaville (alt. 1,112 m), the Hohneck (alt. 1,363 m) and the Col du Wormspel (alt. 1,277 m) before descending towards Lac de Blanchemer.
Petit Ballon - Sengern
5.91 mi
+604 ft
-2,608 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Luttenbach-près-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
The route begins in alpine pastureland, then passes through very shady forests.
From the Chalet de Rouge Mousse to the Cabane des Champis
6.55 mi
+1,732 ft
-968 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Starting from the Chalet de Rouge Mousse, the route takes you to Lac des Corbeaux, then via the GR®533 to La Roche Beauty (viewpoint), and on to Mont Moyenmont (alt. 969 m) to reach La Chaume des Champis and its hut.