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Freundstein walks
The Hartmannswillerkopf from the Col Amic
Visorando Member
8.74 mi
+1,844 ft
-1,867 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
During this hike, we will follow in the footsteps of the poilus who fought at Hartmannswillerkopf during the First World War, and we will cross the Route des Crêtes several times.
Hartmannswillerkopf - Molkenrain - Freundstein circular from Wattwiller
11.92 mi
+4,180 ft
-4,173 ft
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from Wattwiller (Haut-Rhin)
A beautiful hike from Wattwiller to Hartmannswillerkopf, then Molkenrain, Freundstein with the remains of the castle, and back through the bunkers and trenches of the First World War.
There are many places to eat along the hike.
Just under 7 hours of walking, not counting long breaks.
The Col Amic valley
Tourist office5.25 mi
+1,499 ft
-1,483 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
This moderately difficult walk is relatively short. It is suitable for most walkers who, provided they have a minimum level of fitness, should find this route a pleasant half-day walk. Several heritage sites (crosses, a chapel, castle ruins, etc.) can be explored along the way.
The Vieil Armand as seen from Soultz-Haut-Rhin
10.44 mi
+3,087 ft
-3,100 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
The Hartmmannswillerkopf is an Alsatian peak rising to over 950 metres. It is a key site from the First World War. It is accessible by car, but the sense of achievement is even greater when you set off from the foot of the mountain. This walk takes you past remarkable sites such as the Sicurani Chapel, the Rote-Rain Memorial, Freundstein Castle and, of course, the Vieil Armand trenches. The views are stunning in the upper section of the route.
The Kohlschlag farmhouse inn and Molkenrain as seen from the Firstacker Pass
Tourism professional
8.69 mi
+1,847 ft
-1,850 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
This circular mountain route starting from the Col du Firstacker links three farm-inns (the Kohlschlag, the Freundstein and the Molkenrain) whilst offering you the chance to discover the Hartmannswillerkopf Memorial, the famous and deadly Franco-German mountain battlefield of the First World War. Alternating between forests, pastures and ruins, the route subtly blends heritage with farm life and the atmosphere of the forest, all enhanced by magnificent views.
Walks near Freundstein
A day trip to Lac du Ballon
8.50 mi
+1,467 ft
-2,031 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Murbach (Haut-Rhin)
Enjoy a relaxing break at Lac du Ballon before setting off again along the Route des Crêtes.
The route for this second day, starting from the Grand Ballon, includes a short detour to Lac du Ballon, so you can take in the scenery and the tranquillity of this little paradise. The walk continues along the Route des Crêtes to Markstein, with views of the Grand Ballon and the Thur Valley, and, if you wish, you can enjoy the leisure and outdoor activities on offer at the Markstein resort.
On the ridges: Grand Ballon – Markstein – Petit Ballon
13.44 mi
+2,110 ft
-3,022 ft
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.
Le Col du Grand Ballon depuis Soultz
8.15 mi
+3,596 ft
-89 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
Randonnée presque quasiment en montée qui permet de relier Soultz, sympathique village culturel, au Col du Grand Ballon où vous pourrez passer la nuit avant d'aller le lendemain matin au sommet. Bien que cette étape soit courte en kilomètres, elle comporte un important dénivelé à ne pas négliger. Mais que de beautés en revanche entre les forêts et points de vues remarquables dans la dernière partie du parcours.
3-day tour of the Grand Ballon: from Guebwiller to the Grand Ballon
8.23 mi
+3,622 ft
-174 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Guebwiller (Haut-Rhin)
First day of the 3-day Grand Ballon circuit. Starting from Guebwiller, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, which rises to an altitude of 1,424 metres. The ascent is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you can enjoy the varied landscapes and the flora and fauna of the Vosges, and on arrival, the exceptional panoramic views across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and, on a clear day, even the Bernese Alps.
Guebwiller – Grand Ballon
8.25 mi
+3,622 ft
-174 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Guebwiller (Haut-Rhin)
Get straight to the heart of the matter with the ascent of the Grand Ballon, which will delight the fittest walkers!
Starting from Guebwiller, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, which rises to an altitude of 1,424 metres. The climb to this pass is therefore quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the varied landscapes and the flora and fauna of the Vosges, and on arrival, the exceptional panoramic views across the whole of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and even the Bernese Alps if the sky is clear.
Ascent to the Grand Ballon from Sengern (Guebwiller) via the lake
5.78 mi
+2,910 ft
-39 ft
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.
Linthal – Grand Ballon – Markstein
12.20 mi
+3,553 ft
-1,319 ft
8h 40
Difficult
Departure from Linthal (Haut-Rhin)
A very physically demanding first day with a wide variety of landscapes.
Starting from Linthal, the most mountainous village in the Guebwiller region, the first day of this multi-day hike will take you to the Auberge du Steinlebach, via the Grand Ballon – the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, rising to an altitude of 1,424 metres – and the Markstein resort. The ascent is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Along the way, you’ll pass the Gustiberg farmhouse inn, Lake Ballon and the Haag farmhouse inn…
From the ridges towards the Petit Ballon
8.32 mi
+866 ft
-784 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Ranspach (Haut-Rhin)
The Munster Valley, Hohrodberg, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle – just how far will the Col d’Oberlauchen take your view?
Setting off from Markstein, before crossing the resort’s ski slopes, you can stop off to visit the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Chapel for a brief cultural break. Heading towards the Petit Ballon, this route crosses numerous passes and peaks, such as the Klintzkopf and the Hilsenfirst, not to mention the Col d’Oberlauchen, from which you’ll be able to spot many of the area’s distinctive features… Keep your eyes peeled!
Le Markstein – Thann
17.72 mi
+2,359 ft
-5,187 ft
10h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Oderen (Haut-Rhin)
From the Markstein, the sixteenth stage of the journey across the Vosges proposed by Passion Vosges magazine continues along the Great Vosges Ridge towards the massif’s highest point, the Grand Ballon. After a visit to the Hartmannswillerkopf battlefield (1914–1918) and a climb to the summit of the Molkenrain, a long descent through the forest begins, heading towards Thann and its famous Gothic collegiate church. Franck Buchy’s account of this sixteenth stage can be found in *Passion Vosges*.
Easy