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 
7.01 km
+404 m
-402 m
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
Visorando member 22.99 km
+1,190 m
-1,188 m
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
Visorando member 15.54 km
+969 m
-973 m
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
Visorando member 13.51 km
+668 m
-669 m
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.
Tour of the Hohneck via Frankenthal and Lake Schiessrothried
Visorando member 7.96 km
+591 m
-582 m
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
Visorando member 
8.18 km
+717 m
-426 m
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
Visorando member 
9.40 km
+222 m
-513 m
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
Visorando member 
26.67 km
+987 m
-779 m
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
Visorando member 
10.39 km
+225 m
-467 m
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 Lake Longemer to Lake Blanchemer
Visorando member 
17.75 km
+908 m
-661 m
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.
Petit Ballon - Sengern
Visorando member 
9.52 km
+184 m
-795 m
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Luttenbach-près-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
The route begins in alpine pastureland, then passes through very shady forests.
Gérardmer - Les Champis
Visorando member 12.04 km
+756 m
-279 m
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
First stage of the Gérardmer Mini-Trek. On this first day, you will discover the aerial landscapes of Le Poli and the heights of Lispach, as well as the isolated stubble fields above the Vologne Valley. This stage allows you to make steady progress towards the Chalet des Champis, where you will spend the night. It is also an opportunity to spend a night in an unguarded cabin that has (almost) everything to please: isolated and at least a 30-minute walk from any built-up area, in the middle of the thatched cottages, accessible to all and all year round...It is a must-see in the area.
Ascent to the Grand Ballon from Sengern (Guebwiller) via the lake
Visorando member 
9.30 km
+887 m
-12 m
5h 10
Difficult
Departure from Lautenbachzell (Haut-Rhin)
A challenging climb to the Grand Ballon from Sengern (past Guebwiller). The route passes by the beautiful Lac du Ballon and the Gustiberg farmhouse inn, both of which offer very pleasant places to stop for a break.
On the ridges: Grand Ballon – Markstein – Petit Ballon
Visorando member 
21.63 km
+643 m
-921 m
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Murbach (Haut-Rhin)
An easy route, gently undulating across the highest peaks of the Vosges, through stubble fields and forests. Magnificent views over the surrounding valleys.