Florival / Vallée de la Lauch / Guebwiller walks

An original route to get to Lac du Grand Ballon avoiding the road. You will discover beautiful trees, a waterfall and views over the Petit Ballon and the Black Forest along the way.

This hike could also be called 'Les Balcons de Buhl' (the Buhl balconies). It crosses the Buhlois vineyard, offering magnificent views of the Florival and the Grand Ballon. An additional point of interest is that the circuit crosses old abandoned red sandstone quarries in the Vosges.

The hike starts in Murbach and allows you to discover several attractions in the valley: Murbach Abbey, the Notre Dame de Lorette Chapel and the ruins of an ancient castle, the Hohrupf.

This is a very pleasant hike that also offers views of the Alsace plain. The different environments you will pass through will delight walkers who take the time to look around.

This walk, mainly through woodland, follows the River Lauch before climbing through the Belchenseebach Gorge, past a succession of magnificent waterfalls, to reach the romantic Lac du Ballon.The path is sometimes steep and some sections are slippery, but they are safe and the view is well worth the effort. A relaxing return journey with the option of stopping for a bite to eat at a farmhouse inn.

Above Lautenbachzell, this day hike will take you through several different landscapes of the Vosges: orchards and villages in the valley, pine forests, beech woods and stumps. You will reach the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges, after walking along the Lac du Grand Ballon and passing near waterfalls.

This hike takes you around the thatched roofs of the Petit Ballon, allowing you to enjoy views of the surrounding peaks and the thatched roofs that are so characteristic of these Vosges peaks.

The hike starts in Jungholtz and crosses the communal forest of Guebwiller to take you to the Col de Peternit. Hike between the Guebwiller and Rimbach valleys, among conifers and deciduous trees. The hike can also be done by mountain bike.

This is a varied route, as it winds through the forest and the Vosges hills, offering magnificent views of the valleys and surrounding ridges at every turn. The Lac de la Lauch, whose dam dates back to 1894, is as beautiful as ever in its green setting.

This is an ideal short walk in hot weather, starting from the Col du Haag and passing successively by Lac du Ballon, the Roedelen farm and the Grand Ballon. As the circuit is located on the northern slope of the Grand Ballon at an altitude of over 1,000 metres, there is no need to worry about excessive heat.

A beautiful hike in the Vosges, alternating between forest and stubble fields. Stunning views from the Grand Ballon.

An easy walk (except for a slightly steep initial climb) that passes through the beautiful and wild pink sandstone quarries of Buhl. The pretty quarry trail continues to the famous Menhirs de l'Appenthal and its cyclopean wall. The walk ends along the vineyards, offering a beautiful view of Hugstein Castle and passing by the strange birthing chair, which is said to have been used in ancient times for childbirth.

With its lake, forests, scree slopes, waterfalls, peat bogs and rushing streams, the bottom of the Florival valley around the Lauch river is home to many wonders. This is a short hike, but it requires a good level of fitness to tackle some steep slopes and tricky sections.

A beautiful hike, done in January. You'll discover the snow-covered ridge road and the ridge trail, which is a pleasure to walk along!

An easy walk full of discoveries that passes through the beautiful Grossberg clearing (look for its totem tree!). Nearby is the Heidenbuckel menhir, which was once used as a ceremonial site. Further on, we arrive at Dietrichstein, which was probably a place of sacrifice in the 8th century BC.

Lakes and waterfalls, stubble fields and forests, peat bogs and scree slopes, springs, high-altitude beech forests... the Hautes Vosges sometimes offer a remarkable variety of landscapes within just a few kilometres, provided you are willing to climb a few slopes.

Discover the landscapes of the Vosges mountains on this beautiful hike, which starts at Lac de la Lauch and takes you along the ridge road to Markstein.

This walk takes us to the Kletterbach waterfalls, the Gustiberg farm and the magnificent Lac du Ballon in its picturesque setting.

The starting point for this hike in the Petit Ballon massif is at Wassmatt, at an altitude of over 800 m, which reduces the elevation gain. After reaching Buchwald with its hundred-year-old beech trees and panoramic view of the Wasserbourg valley, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest, the route takes us to the peaks and then plunges through the forest to Boenlesgrab. The return journey, which is more peaceful, passes through Dreischoepf and Hanspen before reaching Wassmatt again.

This hike will allow you to discover the Murbach valley and the ruins of Hohrupf Castle.

This hike connects Gustiberg, Lac du Ballon, Col du Haag and Grand Ballon, starting from Firstacker and alternating between typical mountain landscapes: forests, stubble fields, pastures, scree, etc.

A hike with very varied landscapes and paths: small hiking trails, forest paths and exceptional views of the surroundings of the Munster Valley, the Grand Ballon and the Alsace plain from the summits of the Petit Ballon and Steinberg.

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 short forest hike that goes around the Rundkopf and passes over its summit. The undergrowth is truly magnificent, especially in autumn, when the fallen leaves offer some beautiful views.

This walk or snowshoe hike offers superb views all around the Petit Ballon. Alternating between wide tracks and narrower paths, the route passes through both wooded areas and perfectly open ridges. Numerous farm inns (some of which are closed in winter) and mountain huts line the route.

A beautiful hike around the Murbach Valley with elevation gain and length suitable for experienced walkers. Mainly in the forest, it offers two beautiful viewpoints at the ruins of Hohrupf Castle and at the end of the walk at Ebeneck.

Lake, high-altitude forest and stubble fields: a concentration of the beauty of the Vosges with the added bonus of a magnificent panorama. Refreshments available at a farmhouse inn along the route. Particularly pleasant in autumn when the beech trees turn yellow and mushrooms abound in the undergrowth.

A circular walk leading to the Ebeneck hilltops, offering superb views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and, weather permitting, the Alps on a clear day.

Two circular routes around Buhl: varied route offering beautiful views and sights. Several variations or shortcuts are possible.

Near the source of the Lauch, on the secondary ridge between Breitfirst and Petit Ballon, Lauchen is an area of stubble fields with remarkable views and forests, including the most beautiful and highest altitude beech forests in the Vosges mountains. It is also a peaceful area, within the Guebwiller integral biological reserves, dominated by the Klintzkopf, home to the emblematic animal of the Vosges, the capercaillie or wood grouse.

This walk takes you to Hugstein Castle. It is mainly through woodland and offers the chance to spot wildlife or, at the very least, the many tracks they leave behind.

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.

This hike, suitable for those with some hiking experience and/or good physical fitness, will allow you to discover the Murbach valley and its famous abbey, which exerted political, spiritual and cultural influence over a vast territory for over a thousand years. Along the way, you can enjoy several views of the abbey and the Murbach valley, as well as tables and benches where you can rest or have a picnic.

This walk, suitable for most people, presents no particular difficulties. It will allow you to discover the heritage of the village of Lautenbach and enjoy a beautiful view of the Florival Valley and the Vosges ridges.

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 route offers a comprehensive tour of the three beautiful sandstone quarries above Guebwiller, which were in operation until the early 20th century. Starting north of Buhl, the route crosses and explores the major sandstone quarries of this massif, those of Buhl, as well as Guebwiller and Bergholtz. This route will take you beneath and above the quarries, passing through the Col du Dreibannstein, which features a Club Vosgien shelter and tables. After skirting the quarry walls, the route offers views of Guebwiller, its Grand Ballon and the Florival valley. The quarries and the very pleasant trails are a delight for the region’s rock climbers. But they also appeal to hikers, with views of the valley, the Vosges, the plain, the sandstone cliffs, and more...

This walk offers beautiful views of Guebwiller and the Florival, and allows you to explore the old quarries of Buhl as well as the ruins of Hugstein. It can be combined with a visit to Guebwiller: industrial wastelands and villas, Saint-Léger Church, the Dominican Convent, the former Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, the Deck Museum, etc.

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.

This hike will take you up to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, rising to 1,424 metres. From the summit, weather permitting, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and even as far as the Alps. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from coniferous and deciduous forests to clearings and pastures. As you gain altitude, you’ll notice how the flora of the Vosges changes.

A lovely little forest walk offering several picnic spots with wooden benches and tables. Along the route, you’ll also come across a multitude of streams and a fountain at the Col du Judenhut. After a climb of about 1 km that will warm up your legs, you can enjoy the rest of the walk, which will seem relatively easy.

Starting from a chapel in the village of Linthal, you’ll climb through the forest overlooking the village, passing through pretty, flower-filled clearings and enjoying lovely views of the village below.

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.

A walk exploring the fortified castles around Guebwiller

Guebwiller is a small wine-growing town. As the "capital" of Florival, it is nonetheless well worth a visit. In addition to major tourist attractions such as the Saint-Léger and Notre-Dame churches and the Théodore Deck Museum, there are several other points of interest, such as the Parc de la Marseillaise, the military cemetery and Neuenbourg Castle and its grounds. Of course, there are other lesser-known curiosities along this route.

The route begins in alpine pastureland, then passes through very shady forests.

There are numerous lakes and passes in the Vosges. Among them are Lac du Ballon and the Col du Haag. It is possible to walk from Lac du Ballon to the Haag. Of course, those who wish to do so can continue the hike to the summit of the Grand Ballon, which is a further 30 minutes’ walk away. From the pass, the view opens out over the Thann valley and the Thanner Hubel. It is a short hike that can easily be completed in 1½ hours there and back.

A lovely walk that winds through woodland and stubble fields, with the odd slightly technical section but nothing too difficult (you do need to stay alert). Beautiful views over the Alsace plain and the Kaiserstuhl, and further afield towards the Jura and the Alps. This walk is also dotted with farm inns, all of which are well worth a visit: Wassmatt, Buchwald, Kahlenwasen, Hilsen, Strohberg. But you’ll have to choose...

Departure from the Col de Boenlesgrab, passing by the Refuge de la Schellimat, near Hilzen, via Bockswasen, then by the Refuge des Amis de la Nature below the summit of the Petit Ballon, then continuing after the summit along the ridges via the Col du Petit Ballon, Steinberg and its megaliths, then Grothkopf.Return via the farmsteads of Kahlenwassen (near the Virage Pinot) and Buchwald, the former intermediate station of the German cable car, then via the Strohberg farmstead before descending via Brudermatt to the Col du Boenlesgrab. This hike takes you across magnificent high-altitude stubble fields and offers numerous 360° views of the Vosges peaks and nearby Alsatian valleys.