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Gros Chêne (Forêt reculée de Soultz) walks
The remains of Vieil Armand as seen from the Gros Chêne
Tourist office
10.13 mi
+2,310 ft
-2,333 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
A long walk with a relatively gentle gradient, but one that is nevertheless recommended for
hikers who are reasonably experienced walkers. History enthusiasts will be delighted by the walk across the Vieil Armand or Hartmannswillerkopf battlefield and by discovering the many monuments linked to the history of the First World War.
The Vieil Armand as seen from Soultz-Haut-Rhin
Visorando Member10.44 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.
From Soultz-Haut-Rhin to Cernay
17.04 mi
+643 ft
-633 ft
8h 25
Very difficult
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
A long hike, almost flat, but covering a significant number of kilometres. This route will take you through villages and towns such as Hartmannswiller and Cernay. When conditions allow, the view stretches as far as the Alps. Apart from the theme of religion, which is very prominent with the various small churches and the Thierenbach Basilica, the theme of the First World War is also present on the way back. Most of the hike is in open country. Only a quarter of the hike is covered between Wattwiller and the basilica of Thierenbach.
The Grand Ballon from Soultz loop
17.91 mi
+4,206 ft
-4,203 ft
2 days
Difficult
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
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.
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.
Walks near Gros Chêne (Forêt reculée de Soultz)
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.
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.
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…
Rouffach – Turckheim
14.19 mi
+1,375 ft
-1,250 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Rouffach (Haut-Rhin)
Wine-growing is an integral part of the Alsatian landscape. There is also a route named after it. This route is the third stage of the ‘Traversée des Vignes’ and links Rouffach to Turckheim. There are numerous vantage points, indeed they are almost everywhere outside the villages. The villages themselves are very traditional, with pretty half-timbered houses, and possess an undeniable charm. The region’s heritage is equally well represented.
Le Markstein – Thann
Tourism professional
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*.
Petit Ballon - Sengern
5.91 mi
+604 ft
-2,608 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Luttenbach-près-Munster (Haut-Rhin)
The route begins in alpine pastureland, then passes through very shady forests.
Markstein – Petit Ballon – Linthal
12.88 mi
+1,407 ft
-3,619 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Oderen (Haut-Rhin)
Take the time to admire the landscapes and views that make this second day’s walk so special. The route follows the ridges for the most part, leading to the Petit Ballon via the Klintzkopf. Once again, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the panoramic views over the plains and valleys on either side of the mountain. This route, which passes through forests and stubble fields, will allow you to discover the richness of the local flora.
Gsang towards the Hundsruck Pass
4.44 mi
+499 ft
-1,444 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Moosch (Haut-Rhin)
Return to the Hundrunck Pass via the summit of the Vogelstein.
Hahnenbrunnen – Willer-sur-Thur
13.02 mi
+886 ft
-3,524 ft
6h 45
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
The final stage passes via the Markstein and beneath the Grand Ballon, with more downhill sections and shade provided by the trees, ending in the Thur Valley where you can catch a train to Mulhouse.