Ferme-auberge du Grand Langenberg walks

Along the banks of the Doller and then the Wagenstall waterfalls, reach the peaceful stubble fields of the narrow Grand Langenberg valley near an authentic farmhouse inn. Then descend to the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace towards the impressive glacial basin of Lake Alfeld, which dominates the Doller valley. Finally, return along the tumultuous Seebach, which calms down in a wet and marshy meadow, before dying in the peat bogs of Lake Sewen. Please note that theGR®®531is sometimes obstructed (forestry work, overgrown vegetation, fallen trees, etc.) and maintenance is sometimes delayed. In this case, take the Fennematt path along the left bank of the Doller (marked with triangles and red trestles) and rejoin the route at point (1) or point (3).

The summit peaks of the Vosges are always a delight for hikers because of the magnificent views they offer. Those of the Wissgrut (or Wisskritt) between the Belfort gap and the Masevaux valley are remarkable. You will reach them via the beautiful Wagenstall waterfalls and continue along the ridge and the upper Fennematt valley, where the Doller river has its source, and its beautiful panoramic trail.

This circular walk starts and ends near the Grand Langenberg farmhouse inn. It follows the north-facing slope of the Ballon d’Alsace National Forest above the Wagenstallbach and Doller valleys. It leads to the ridge of the Wissgrut and Gentiane scree slopes, which marks the border between departments 68 and 90, then passes beneath the Tête des Redoutes to return to the starting point.

This walk takes you through the upper Doller valley from its source near Fennematt to Sewen, crossing the Wissgrut moorland and beautiful deciduous forests. From the Fennematt Road (near the hamlet of Lerchenmatt), climb up the Wissgrut stubble fields past the Wagenstallbach waterfalls, passing the Grand Langenberg farmhouse inn. Cross the moors to the Tremonkopf, passing by the Virgin of Wissgrut to enjoy magnificent views, then descend via a pleasant forest path through unnamed passes and the Hirtzelach Pass to the Lochberg Pass. Return via Fennematt, the source of the Doller and the magnificent Graber shelter – built of log walls and with a thatched roof – before reaching the valley.

Starting from the Col du Ballon d'Alsace, this circular route takes you on a circuit around the summit before crossing wild maple forests and the rocky, steep south-eastern slopes of the mountain. A visit to the summit plateau, a future Grand Site de France, is a highlight of this hike, offering breathtaking views over Lorraine, Alsace and Franche-Comté. On the other side, far from the “crowds” of the Ballon, the unassuming farmhouse inn at Grand Langenberg is a peaceful haven where it’s lovely to stop for a break before setting off again.