Grand Ballon walks

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.

Tour and climb to the Grand Ballon from the Glashutte farmhouse inn. This hike offers beautiful views from the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, over the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and, depending on weather conditions, perhaps even the Alps.

An easy hike that can be enjoyed in all seasons, with a little extra charm in winter.

This circuit will take you to the highest peak in the Vosges, offering views of the Alps in good weather. You can admire the surrounding Vosges peaks and high-altitude villages such as Geishouse and Goldbach-Altenbach. At the start and finish points, you will find various places to eat and a shop selling local products. During the walk, don't hesitate to stop at the Haag farmhouse inn to enjoy their local cuisine or to quench your thirst.

Climb the Grand Ballon via the Saint-Amarin valley. An exceptional hike through unspoilt nature with a thousand visual wonders.

This long hike will allow you to enjoy the many views offered by the Col Amic and the climb to the Grand Ballon. You can also stop for refreshments at the various farm inns located along the route. It's the ideal way to spend a sporty day in the open air on the highest peak in the Vosges.

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 relatively easy walk starting from the Grand Ballon car park, offering a chance to take in the two highest peaks of the Vosges and their magnificent scenery.

A short, easy route starting from the Grand Ballon car park, offering a chance to take in the scenery from the highest point in the 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).

Hike undertaken in July on the Alsatian side. Discover the flora and fauna on the pastures of the Vosges.

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.

A beautiful hike, wild in all seasons, through stubble fields and beautiful forests, passing the summit of the Grand Ballon (360° view) from the Firstacker car park, via the stubble fields of Gerstacker, the Haag Pass, around the Storkenkopf in the forest, then up to the summit of the Grand Ballon (Diables Bleus monument and radar dome) before descending via the modified GR®5 route between the Col du Grand Ballon (La Vue des Alpes restaurant) and the Ferme-auberge du Grand Ballon.

Passion Vosges magazine 2026, dedicated to gourmet hikes, offers a superb circular route around the highest peak in the Vosges. This route passes by the Ferme-auberge du Grand-Ballon and offers magnificent panoramic views.

The Grand Ballon is the highest peak in the Vosges. Most people reach the Grand Ballon by road. This peak is also accessible on foot from Florival or from Markstein. This route involves ascending from the Étang de la Griedelmatt. It is a route best suited to fit and active walkers, as it involves climbing over 1,000 metres in elevation. The ascent takes place through woodland for 85% of the route. Only the final few kilometres are exposed. From its height of 1,424 metres, the Grand Ballon offers a splendid view that stretches as far as the Alps on a clear day. The descent takes place in two stages: the first part alternates between woodland and meadows down to the pretty village of Goldbach. The rest of the route, and the end of the hike, is entirely through the forest.

The Grand Ballon is a legendary peak in the Vosges. It is easily accessible by car. More experienced hikers can reach it on foot via various hiking trails. One of the longest routes starts from Soultz. The climb is steady on the first day and the descent is steady on the second. The more athletic can complete this hike in a single day, but to fully enjoy the scenery, it is better to do it over two days. This hike will leave you with lasting memories of the view from the summit at over 1,400 metres above sea level.