Fréland walks

The start of this walk, suggested by Passion Vosges magazine as part of its ‘gourmet walks’ series, begins at the car park of the Maison du Pays Welche, which is next to the museum restaurant, the gourmet stop on this outing.

In spring, there is nothing more pleasant than this circular starting from Fréland and passing through the Col de Chamont. Lovely panoramic views of the Pays Welche, the Fréland and Lapoutroie valleys, the magnificent Mont Kalblin and beautiful forest passages.

This route will take you from an ancient Roman road to the heights of Fréland. Done in good weather at the end of winter, it offers a varied and peaceful hike. Along the way, you will see the first primroses, streams and a view of the Lapoutroie valley. On the way back, it is always a pleasure to cross Fréland. A short visit to the Welche country museum and its adjoining inn will be a pleasant way to round off the walk.

A short walk from the village of Lapoutroie, climbing up to see the Tour du Faudé via the Roche du Chat Noir. From a height of 16.50 metres, the tower reappears at the top of the Faudé. It was inaugurated on 15 August 2002, offering visitors the opportunity to take in the superb landscapes of the Welche region and the surrounding area. To round off your day, you can visit the Haxaire cheese dairy, where Munster cheese is made.

This hike starts in the hills above Aubure, offering beautiful views of northern Alsace. When you reach the "Pierre des Trois Bans" chalet, there are a few tables where you can stop for a break. Continuing along the ridge path, you can admire the Sainte Marie-Aux-Mines valley. On the way back, there are beautiful views of the Orbey valley and the mountains to the south of Alsace. On a clear day, if you look carefully, you can see the Grand Ballon, the Petit Ballon and even the Hohneck in the distance.

A pleasant hike above the village of Aubure to discover the Refuge de la Pierre des Trois Bans and enjoy beautiful landscapes over Fréland, Lapoutroie, the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and Aubure.

A short, shaded hike through a beautiful pine forest, surrounded by ferns and blueberry bushes and above Aubure, to Roche du Tétras.

This easy circular route, on small mountain roads and very passable paths, will take you to the heights of Le Bonhomme towards the Col des Bagenelles, offering you beautiful postcard views of the Vosges mountain pastures. Taken in May, this walk can also be done in summer to escape the heatwave in the Alsace plain. The Club Vosgien markings are provided for information purposes only, as they may change over time.

Nestled in the forest at an altitude of 940 m south of the village of Le Bonhomme, the Auberge de l’Étang du Devin is an ideal starting point for the climb up to Tête des Faux (1,208 m). Numerous remnants of the First World War dot the former battlefield, where a magnificent coniferous forest now thrives.

A short two-hour walk, starting from the crossroads above the Saint-Alexis inn. You will walk around the Koenigsstuhl and reach the highest point via the easiest route.

Hike through the pretty town of Kaysersberg, then into the Alsatian vineyards. The climb continues through a forest with different species of trees. The return route follows a stream that winds its way between the rocks.

Breathtaking view of the Vosges peaks and the Tour du Faudé.

This largely shaded hike will take you to hidden corners of Kaysersberg, including its medieval castle and old town.

A hike that will take you to the Club Vosgien's Chalet Jean Weibel, passing through the medieval town of Kayserberg, then along a circular route through the forest. This route takes place entirely in the forest except for the crossing of the historic village.

I suggest a fairly long hike with a significant elevation gain, classified as very difficult, which will allow you to discover the Orbey Valley with various remarkable viewpoints and several interesting sites: the Tour du Faudé, destroyed in 1915 and 1944 and rebuilt in the 1990s, the Duchesne Cemetery, a national necropolis for French soldiers who fell at Tête des Faux during theFirst World War, and the Gazon du Faing with its panoramic trail, a veritable balcony overlooking Lac Blanc and the Orbey Valley. Caution! This route includes a very technical and difficult section on the descent from the ridges to Lac Blanc, between points (14) and (15). Do not attempt in wet weather. Choose the alternative route described in the practical information.

A hike that goes around the Grand Brézouard, one of the peaks over 1,200 metres high located furthest north in the Vosges mountains. A fairly demanding route with the main climb right at the start. Varied terrain and landscapes (undergrowth, rocky ridges, high-altitude meadows). Please note: at (6) => The main purpose of the quiet zone from 1 December to 1 July is to maintain habitats favourable to old-growth forest wildlife. In addition, silence and tranquillity must be guaranteed, especially during winter and breeding seasons. (INPN - ZNIEFF). 20/08/2024: Hike modified to avoid the Grand Brézouard, which has been de-marked to reinforce the quiet zone.

A beautiful circular starting from Orbey and taking in two magnificent lakes. First, you will discover Lac Blanc, nestled in a granite basin. On the left, you will see the Rochers du Château Hans topped with a statue. The Chemin Cornélius will take you to Lac Noir, which is lined with fir trees and therefore much darker.

This hike will take you from Le Bonhomme to the 1914-1918 battlefields of Tête des Faux, then to the three passes of Calvaire, Louschbach and Bonhomme. Along the way, depending on the season, you can enjoy the abundance of blueberry bushes along the path.

A circular hike starting from Le Bonhomme. It takes us through the forest to Lac Blanc. The return journey crosses a small section of the battlefields of theFirst World War. There are numerous military structures, as well as a national necropolis and a German military cemetery. An important place of remembrance in the history of the Alsace region.

A lovely snowshoe walk in a place steeped in legends and the history of the 1914-1918 war.

This circular hike starts in the village of Le Bonhomme and follows the "Circuit de la Grande Guerre sur le massif de la Tête des Faux" (Great War Trail on the Tête des Faux massif), which was a fierce battlefield between 1914 and 1915. Here you will find remnants of the 1914-18 war, two imposing cemeteries, as well as fortifications and technical installations erected by the Germans. The Étang du Devin and its bucolic setting offer a place to rest.

A very beautiful circular hike from Le Bonhomme, which is not too busy. We were lucky enough to pass through areas filled with flowering foxgloves... magnificent.A varied route through forests and pastures.

If you want to go on a beautiful hike starting from the Col des Bagenelles, between the valleys of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and Kaysersberg, the Petit and Grand Brezouard tour is for you. Here is the Tour des Petit and Grand Brezouard, which offers views of these two valleys, the Alsace plain and, in the distance, the Black Forest. Very well marked by the Club Vosgien, it is suitable for all types of hikers, including children. 20/08/2024: Hike modified to avoid the Grand Brézouard, which has been unmarked to reinforce the quiet zone.

Beautiful hike in the Val d'Argent, via the Tree of Liberty, to discover the old mines of the village of Échery and its clock tower. Climb to the summit of Grand Brézouard and enjoy a 360° panorama of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and the Vosges mountain ranges.

A beautiful hike alternating between forest, meadows and the neighbourhoods of Labaroche, with beautiful views.

This moderately difficult route passes through beautiful, diverse forests with several points of interest. You can rest or eat at the Clausmatt inn, run by the Espoir association.

Labaroche is a very large commune. This hike takes you around the upper part of the village, so the elevation gain is modest. The route is divided into two parts and goes around Le Cras and Petit Hohnack. The detour around Le Cras follows forest paths to the Herrenwasen pass. This hike includes a few sections on small mountain roads and is particularly recommended in autumn when nature is ablaze with colour.

This short route, starting from the centre of the village of Labaroche, invites you to discover this magnificent village from a slightly higher vantage point. The route skilfully alternates between tarmac and trails, forests and open landscapes, offering a beautiful glimpse of what the region has to offer. The main destination of the hike is the Château du Petit Hohnack, which offers a well-deserved mid-route break with a 360° panoramic view and a bit of history to accompany the landscape. This is the only real difficulty of the route, not technical, but physical. However, it is short and easily avoidable if you don't feel like it, or if you are cycling.

One of the most beautiful slopes in the Vosges to climb one of the highest peaks in the Vosges, with, as a reward on a clear day, a view of the Bernese Jura and its trilogy of legendary peaks: the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau, i.e. the Ogre, the Monk and the Virgin. In autumn, when the mist sets in and the days grow shorter, early morning hikers will be impressed by the bellowing of the stags. This route is far from any noise pollution.

Exploring the old mines of the village of Échery and its Clock Tower. Climb to the summit of the Grand Brézouard and enjoy its 360° panorama of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and the Vosges ridges.

This route is structured around four main routes, four atmospheres, four ways of experiencing the landscape. Panoramic at times, through woodland at others, or deep in the forest, with a rhythm of ascents and descents. They cross or skirt the village, opening up views to the east or west, sometimes wide-open, sometimes more secluded. The route begins with a gentle climb, ideal for warming up, as it crosses through the village. We tackle the hill via a very pleasant forest path. Upon reaching the end of the route, after visiting the ‘Le Gestion’ site, we head south again along a wider path, offering breathtaking views to the west. The grand finale: a mix of trails and wide paths, with a breathtaking view of the Alsace plain.

This is a 12-kilometre hike that takes you to most of the interesting rocks in the magical Taennchel area. Start from the Club Vosgien chalet at Schelmenkopf, above Ribeauvillé. To get there from Ribeauvillé, take the road to Aubure, then at the hamlet of La Pépinière, turn towards Grande Verrerie. Please note that this is inaccessible in winter as the road is unpaved. Addendum dated 17 June 2025: storms have badly damaged the unpaved road from the bottom of the Grande Verrerie to Schelmenkopf. It is only suitable for 4x4 vehicles or those that can handle rough terrain.

Starting from the village of Labaroche, nestled and scattered across its plateau between the Munster Valley and the Welche region, this circular route will take you past old farmhouses and the villas of this beautiful mountain suburb of Colmar. The highlight: the medieval ruins of Petit Hohnack Castle.

A very pleasant walk, mainly through vineyards, allowing you to discover several renowned villages in the Haut-Rhin and the beautiful Almond Tree Hill. Best done in March when the almond trees are in bloom!

An uphill section towards Lake Noir on the slope of Orbey.

By following Géovino in Riquewihr, you will learn about the fundamental importance of rocks for vines. You will understand why the soils of the southern slopes of the Vosges mountains are so special, but also the relationship between rocks, soils and vines, and even their influence on the aroma of wines!

This 12-kilometre hike will take you to the main rocks of Taennchel and the amazing Source des Corbeaux, starting from the small car park at the bottom of the Grande Verrerie.

This is a beautiful hike from Ammerschwihr to Trois-Épis via the Christ du Galtz, which overlooks the Alsace plain. Enjoy lovely views of the plain and discover the resort of Trois Épis, which was once a holiday destination for Alsatians and still boasts some beautiful residences.

A scenic walk to discover the wine-growing villages of the Val de Weiss and their rich and tumultuous past. While Kaysersberg is rightly ranked among the French's favourite villages, our favourite is Kientzheim, a village away from the tourist trail but with a remarkable historical heritage. The route follows forest and vineyard paths and tarmac or cobbled roads.

Departure from Ammerschwihr, a famous village in the Alsatian vineyards, crossing the Ammerschwihr golf course and climbing to the Roche du Corbeau before crossing the Trois-Épis health resort and climbing to the Galtz monument, the Alsatian Corcovado. The return to Ammerschwihr is via the Château du Wineck (near Katzenthal) and the famous Kaefferkopf grand cru vineyard.This hike offers the chance to discover varied landscapes, from high-altitude forests to grand cru vineyards, passing by magnificent viewpoints such as the Rocher du Corbeau and the Galtz, and the ruins of the old hamlet of Meywihr near Ammerschwihr, which also has a rich historical heritage.

This is a beautiful hike through lovely forests and magnificent meadows, offering superb views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. You will also discover a whole chapter of the history of Alsace-Moselle: the German occupation from 1870 to 1918, as well as the battles of theFirst World War that took place in the Vosges. The hike presents no difficulty other than a few hundred metres with a 15% gradient after the Col de Sainte-Marie.

Circular route from Trois-Épis to the Galtz monument with, at the top, a magnificent panorama of the Alsace plain, the Vosges and the Black Forest, and even the Swiss and French Alps on a clear day.

A lovely, relatively easy hike that takes you to Lacs Blancs and Lacs Noirs via the lower route. The route is suitable for winter, when the ridges are too snow-covered to hike easily without snowshoes.

An easy hike through pine and blueberry forests, allowing you to discover relics from the 1914-1918 war and offering wide views of the Orbey valley and the Vosges mountain ranges in the first part of the hike.

This circular route, starting from the Lac Blanc resort, takes in some of the most beautiful sites in the Hautes Vosges (Gazon du Faing, Château Hans) and ends at the Ferme-auberge du Pré Bracot.

A memorial hike to a small peak that was the scene of violent clashes in 1914-1915, traces of which are still visible on the ground. Along the way, you will pass the very moving Duchesne Cemetery located in the middle of the forest.

A pretty walk, alternating between rises and descents following sinuous winds and paths over ridges with magnificent views. ‘’The’’ meeting place for local chamois.

Circular hike starting from Hunawihr, passing by the ruins of Sylo Convent, the Seelacker Pass, the ruins of Reichenstein Castle and the village of Riquewihr.The route is mainly through forest, enhanced by visits to the two very typical villages of Hunawihr and Riquewihr.

Five routes are marked out in the Lac Blanc 1200 ski resort, offering several levels of difficulty, with distances ranging from 3 to 14 km. This route is a compilation of sections from three of these routes, forming a circular route of approximately 11 km, taking into account the passages closed due to the marking of quiet zones. The route mainly follows forest paths through a forest of tall fir trees. It includes a beautiful but physically demanding climb on a path winding between the trees, a passage near a First World War necropolis, a short descent through the undergrowth, and then an arrival on a stubble field offering a superb view: first of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest in the distance, then of the Lac Blanc glacial cirque. The route continues through the Lac Blanc Adventure Park before returning to the car park.

Hike in the Alsatian Vosges from Lac Blanc to Lac Vert and return via Lac des Truites and Lac Noir. These are three loops that follow on from each other so well that you can shorten the route at two points.

A magnificent hike with trails that are sometimes alpine in character.

An exceptional hike offering panoramic views of successive lakes. There are a few challenging climbs, but it's well worth the effort. Best done in good weather to fully enjoy the views available to hikers.

A tour of the vineyards above one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace!

This short walk takes you up to the Dusenbach, avoiding the dangerous road to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. From the Dusenbach, you can climb up to the Taennchel or the castles.

A beautiful historical hike near the Wisembach National Forest.A reminder of the facts:1871 - Alsace/Moselle are annexed by Germany, which modernises many areas.1914 - The heir to the Austrian throne is assassinated / Germany declares war on Russia, France and Belgium. Soldiers occupy villages and mountains.November 1918: the trenches are filled in, the blockhouses and other structures destroyed, but around a hundred remain visible in the heights of the Val d'Argent.

This circular hike links the Col de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines to Chaume de Lusse, through typical Vosges forests of beech, fir, blueberry and high-altitude meadows. The forest paths and roads offer beautiful panoramic views of the Val d'Argent and Meurthe valleys. This is a fairly dynamic route that leads to Chaume de Lusse via a varied course, including sustained climbs (which is why we rate it as difficult), forest passages and open ridges. Part of the route runs between Alsace and Lorraine on paths and trails marked by the GR®531, the former border from 1871 to 1918, with boundary stones marked D (Deutschland), often hammered, and F, marking the historic border and named "Chemins de la Grande Guerre" (Paths of the Great War).

A beautiful hike that is not too long but includes a few steep hills. While the old town's heritage is remarkable, the route on the heights of Ribeauvillé is also worth a detour with its three castles and the monastery of Notre-Dame de Dusenbach.

Looking for a varied hike with different terrain? Then look no further than the Three Lakes Hike. Rooted footpaths, forest tracks, uneven terrain, crossing the Gazon du Faing, Lac Noir, Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites (also known as Lac du Forlet) and, on a clear day, a diversion to the Belmont Rocher observatory or Rocher de Hans. A lovely hike to do in fine weather. It's better for the scenery.

10 km with beautiful views of two glacial lakes. The largest and highest, Lac Blanc (depth 72 m), covers 29 ha at an altitude of 1,055 m, while Lac Noir (depth 45 m) covers 14 ha at 955 m. Breathtaking views from the Belmont Observatory. Don't forget your camera.

A varied hike starting from Lac Noir, progressing through the beautiful Vosges forest, taking us to the Hans rock overlooking Lac Blanc. The return route, which is less busy, allows you to discover the source of the lake and the stubble fields near Gazon du Faing.

If you enjoy panoramic views from the hillsides of Alsace, on a wide path overlooking Colmar and its surroundings, you will love this hike.

A simple loop along a forest path with the magnificent panorama of the Alsace plain and the Vosges mountains from the Galtz monument as your destination. The climb to the Galtz is a little steep, but in good weather it is a beautiful viewpoint over the Alsace plain and the Black Forest.

Circular hike starting from Katzenthal and Wineck Castle, taking us to the Galtz Monument. Return via the Pfaffenrod Rocks, the Roggenmoser Cross, the hamlet of Hunnabuhl, Saint Wendelin Chapel and the beautiful village of Niedermorschwihr. Two-thirds of the route is through forest and one-third through vineyards. A steady but fairly strenuous climb to the Galtz, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view. In good weather, you can even see the Alps!

A pleasant hike between the Vosges forest and stubble fields, passing through the commune of Trois Épis.

Discover the Taennchel massif and its impressive sandstone rocks of the Vosges from the picturesque village of Thannenkirch.

Hiking route starting from Thannenkirch to visit the castles of Haut Ribeaupierre, Girsberg and Saint-Ulrich, as well as the monastery of Notre-Dame de Dusenbach.

A circular hike from Thannenkirch to discover the Taennchel massif, renowned for its positive telluric energy and dotted with numerous remarkable rocks. The route is mainly through forest, offering some beautiful views of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley to the north, the Colmar plain to the south and east.

A very varied hike possible in all seasons, which first crosses the Linge battlefield to discover the geography and remains of one of the deadliest places of the 1914-18 war. After this moving start, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views as you head towards the highest lake in the Vosges mountains: Lake Forlet. Walking through its majestic glacial cirque, you can admire the exceptional views offered by the ridges overlooking the lake.

A very pretty, varied walk with scenic views and fairly easy going, I've rated it as moderate as a precaution.

Explore the forest, lakes and the Hautes Chaumes, the highlights of this hike that follows Vosges Club trails.

This short hike on trails marked by the Club Vosgien has in the first instance views of the valley of Munster, and also a view of the peaks of the Vosges. The many picnic opportunities around the Lac des Truites or Lac Forlet lakes, the trout spotting opportunities, as well the welcoming farmhouse make for an enjoyable outing.

An easy hike around the Basses Huttes towards the Ferme Auberge du Rain des Chênes on wide, shaded paths offering beautiful views of the Val d'Orbey through the gaps in the forest.

A beautiful hike starting from the Col du Wettstein, with steep climbs up to the ridge above Lac Noir and Lac Forlet, a descent towards Forlet, where caution is advised, then a gentle stretch to the Musmiss Farm Inn (a gourmet stop) and then, in ten minutes, back to the Col du Wettstein.

This is an easy hike with beautiful views of the Keysersberg valley to the east and the ridges to the west. You will always find a sunny spot for a picnic around Lac des Truites. The Auberge du Lac Noir welcomes you for a break and the Ferme Auberge du Forlet is open at the end of April. You can also eat at the Mussmiss farmhouse inn, which is clearly signposted on arrival at the Col du Wettstein.

Reach the Obschel via the Rotenbuch and the Bruderhauskapelle.Return via Meierhof, Trois Épis, Hunabuhl and Saint-Wendelin Chapel, before returning to Turckheim, which you can cross and visit like good tourists.A word of advice: check your route using .gpx. It's fun and you'll never get lost again.

This walk offers breathtaking views of the Alsace plain and the town of Colmar, the entrance to the Val Saint-Grégoire with the ruins of Hohlandsbourg and Pflixbourg, the small town of Turckheim and the incomparable site of Niedermorschwihr. It is particularly recommended in autumn when the vineyards are ablaze with colour

A short walk through the vineyards offering beautiful views over the Alsace plain.

A loop from Turckheim through the vineyards. Climb up through the forest via the Ehrbergkopf rock to discover the castles of Hohlandsbourg (wide views over the Alsace plain) and Pflixbourg (view of Trois Epis).

An ideal walk to start the season, taking you around Colmar and across the Alsace plain to the Rhine. It mainly follows cycle paths or routes, rural roads or quiet roads, with the exception of a few sections where you need to pay attention to traffic.

La Galtz is an iconic peak located at the gateway to the Munster Valley. It is easily accessible from Trois-Épis. The climb from Turckheim requires more experience, but is not difficult. Two-thirds of the route is through forest. The return journey, arriving at the gates of Ammerschir, is entirely through vineyards, passing through two villages: Katzenthal and Niedermorschwihr. The area's heritage is also well represented, first in Turckheim, then in the other villages you pass through, as well as at the Christ the Redeemer statue, erected in memory of the First World War. From this statue of Christ at the summit of the Galtz, there is a magnificent view of both the mountains and the plains.

This circuit, which mainly follows wine and forest trails, cycle paths and small mountain roads to avoid traffic, is designed for mountain bikes and electric mountain bikes. It allows you to discover some picturesque villages in the foothills, such as Turckheim, Ammerschwihr, Kientzheim, Kaysersberg, Hunawihr and Zellenberg, as well as the green Fréland valley and the steeper, forest-covered slopes of the Brézouard and Kaelblin mountains.

Walk, mountain bike or electric mountain bike ride in the Stauffen and Petit Ballon mountains. The proposed circuit includes sections on roads, forest paths and cycle paths. There are no major difficulties, except for a short but steep climb after the Col de Marbach, which may require you to dismount, and the steady but also fairly steep climb from Boenlesgrab to Strohberg.

A fairly varied hike starting from Soultzeren, linking Lac du Forlet to Lac Vert. The route consists of pretty, shaded paths running alongside or through a few meadows. After afirst climb of 600 m, which is a little challenging, the rest of the hike is very pleasant and does not present any particular difficulties. Refreshments are available at the Ferme-auberge du Forlet and the Chalet Erichson run by the Club Vosgien (snacks or packed lunches).

This hike offers beautiful views of the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The return route follows the historic Linge Barrenkopf trail.

Superb panoramic views over the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The hike follows the historic route of the Col du Wettstein, the Linge Memorial and the Barrenkopf defence line.