- Plenty of places to refuel in Soultz (S/E)
- For overnight accommodation, remember to book at the Chalet-hotel du Grand Ballon
- You can eat at La Vue des Alpes or the Ferme Auberge du Grand Ballon: in both cases, remember to book in advance.
- There are numerous tables and shelters along the route, particularly during the second stage
The Grand Ballon from Soultz loop
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.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 28.26 km -
Average duration: 2 days -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 1,282 m -
Descent: - 1,281 m -
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Highest point: 1,423 m -
Lowest point: 276 m
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Country:
France
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Area: Vosges mountains -
District:
Soultz-Haut-Rhin (68360) -
Start/End: N 47.883048° / E 7.225401° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Stages of the route
This route needs several days, find the details below:
Notes
Worth a visit
Things to see:
First day:
- Soultz
- Stork park at the start of the route
- Gros Chêne
- Panoramic view of Sudel
- Sudel Chapel
Day two:
- Redslob monument
- Monument to the Blue Devils
- Grand Ballon and its viewpoint
- Fuchfelsen viewpoint
- Nez de Soultz viewpoint
- Soultz
Other walks in the area
Route de découverte de Soultz-Haut-Rhin
Visorando member 7.41 km
+13 m
-13 m
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Soultz-Haut-Rhin (Haut-Rhin)
Soultz-Haut-Rhin is a small town with a population of 7,000 located at the gateway to the Florival Valley. It is home to two museums: the Nef des Jouets (Toy Museum) and the Bucheneck Museum. This walk takes you on a tour of the town and other historical sites such as the old railway line, the Capuchin monastery of Saint-Maurice, the old synagogue, memorials and various green spaces.
From Soultz-Haut-Rhin to Cernay
Visorando member 27.42 km
+196 m
-193 m
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.
Route de découverte de Wuenheim
Visorando member 
2.75 km
+20 m
-13 m
0h 50
Easy
Departure from Wuenheim (Haut-Rhin)
Wuenheim is a small village of 800 inhabitants, situated between Soultz and Cernay. With a history deeply rooted in winegrowing, this route takes you past various winegrowers’ houses that withstood both world wars. Indeed, the village of Wuenheim was severely affected by the First World War. This route allows you to discover Wuenheim’s wine-growing heritage, whilst exploring the theme of the village’s reconstruction following the First World War and learning about the impact that conflict had on the village.
Wuenheim and the vineyards of Ollwiller
Visorando member 
5.94 km
+105 m
-106 m
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Wuenheim (Haut-Rhin)
Starting from Wuenheim, this circular route will take you through the vineyards of Ollwiller after a short stretch through the forest.
The heights of Jungholtz
Visorando member 
10.45 km
+432 m
-430 m
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Jungholtz (Haut-Rhin)
The hike starts in Jungholtz and crosses the communal forest of Guebwiller to take you to the Col de Peternit. Hike between the Guebwiller and Rimbach valleys, among conifers and deciduous trees.
The hike can also be done by mountain bike.
Bergholtz quarries, Dreibannstein Pass and Croix de Mission
Visorando member 
9.59 km
+345 m
-337 m
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Guebwiller (Haut-Rhin)
Starting from the Guebwiller cemetery, this hike will allow you to discover the Bergholtz quarries, the Col du Dreibannstein and the Croix de Mission with beautiful views of Guebwiller, the Grand Ballon and the entire Alsace plain.
Route de découverte de Hartmannswiller
Visorando member 
2.09 km
+12 m
-12 m
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Hartmannswiller (Haut-Rhin)
Hartmannswiller is a small village situated at the foot of the Vieil Armand. It is best known for its church and its fortified cemetery. This walk allows you to discover other sites, marked by cultural information boards, such as the town hall, the well on Grand'Rue and the crosses. To round off your exploration of the area, you can combine this walk with a visit to the neighbouring village of Wuenheim.
Ascent of Hartmannswillerkopf
Visorando member 
10.96 km
+661 m
-662 m
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Jungholtz (Haut-Rhin)
A beautiful hike on Hartmannswillerkopf mountain, also known as "The Man-Eater", where a battle took place during the First World War.
You can discover various historical remains (old cemeteries, old shelters, ruins, trenches) and a magnificent view of the Alsace Plain.
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