Lac d'Alfeld walks

A peaceful hike that will take you to Sewen Lake and its peat bogs, then to Alfeld Lake, which is very different with its dam. The path is flat until you reach the foot of the dam, then climbs a little.

Along the banks of the Doller and then the Wagenstall waterfalls, reach the peaceful stubble fields of the narrow Grand Langenberg valley near an authentic farmhouse inn. Then descend to the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace towards the impressive glacial basin of Lake Alfeld, which dominates the Doller valley. Finally, return along the tumultuous Seebach, which calms down in a wet and marshy meadow, before dying in the peat bogs of Lake Sewen. Please note that theGR®®531is sometimes obstructed (forestry work, overgrown vegetation, fallen trees, etc.) and maintenance is sometimes delayed. In this case, take the Fennematt path along the left bank of the Doller (marked with triangles and red trestles) and rejoin the route at point (1) or point (3).

Enjoy the hike! It's not very long, but there's quite a bit of elevation gain. The first part is quite steep, but the trails are pleasant

This is a beautiful hike offering views of and above the lakes. You will feel cool as most of the hike takes place in the forest (open areas: downstream from the Baerenbach farmhouse inn, the same for the Gresson moyen and the Haute Bers).

Discover the Roches de Morteville, Sewen and Alfeld lakes, the large stone, the statue of Joan of Arc and the waterfalls. Hike on the verge of (very) difficult. GPX track strongly recommended. (!) 20 November 2023. Please note that part of the route has been closed by municipal decree since 2021 between the section and (5) and (7). A detour has been put in place (Blue Triangle and Yellow-White-Yellow Rectangle at the end). This extends the route by 15 to 20 minutes and adds 100 m of elevation gain. Route between (5) and (7) updated on 13 May 2025

A short distance but a steep climb await you. This is therefore a fairly challenging hike. The main attraction of the hike is discovering the steep slopes of the Vosges on the Alsace side. The summit of Ballon d'Alsace is accessible by car.

If you want an alternative between several circuits between Lac d'Alfeld and the summit of Ballon d'Alsace, here is one that combines routes ranging from easy to difficult and takes you past the old farm ruins that dotted the massif before the Second World War. Here is one that combines routes ranging from easy to difficult and allows you to discover the old ruined farms that dotted the mountains before the Second World War.

A very beautiful circular trail with a wide variety of landscapes: beech and fir forests, meadows and pastures, and Vosges lakes nestled in their green surroundings. The trails themselves are equally varied: steep and rocky, wide and gently sloping, or narrow paths between the trees. Some beautiful viewpoints. Several possible stops in inns (check closing days) or mountain huts.

Belle randonnée en montagne entre forêts et chaumes d'altitude.