Le Grand Hohnack walks

Viticulture is an integral part of the Alsatian landscape. There is even a route named after it. This route is the third stage of the vineyard trail and links Turckheim to Ribeauvillé. 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.

A stage of around twenty kilometres that begins in the shade of the forest, then runs alongside the Hirschsteine and Spitzenfels rocks, with a few sections secured by metal steps and fixed handrails, before continuing along the ridges after the Col de la Schlucht and passing beneath thethird-highest peak in the Vosges, the Hohneck.

This route forms the second part of the 7th stage of a 7-day trek on the Alsatian side of the Vosges. The route follows mainly forest tracks in good condition. The signposting, which is excellent, consists of signs bearing an orange or red mountain bike logo accompanied by the letters TMV (Traversée du Massif Vosgien).

The route begins in alpine pastureland, then passes through very shady forests.

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).

Begin your descent through varied landscapes towards the first villages of the Alsace plain, situated on the Wine Route. After enjoying the 360° view from the Petit Ballon over the valleys of Guebwiller and Munster and the Hohneck and Grand Ballon mountain ranges, it is as you begin the descent at the end of the ridge that you will catch sight of the Petit Ballon glacial cirque. Beautiful little paths, winding through woods and meadows, vineyards and mountains, will take you to the village of Soultzmatt, via Wintzfelden and Osenbach, not forgetting a short stop at the remarkable site of the ruins of Schwartzenthann Convent.

This third day follows the Sentier des Crêtes for the most part, passing through the burnt-out fields with beautiful panoramic views. A walk of moderate difficulty with several opportunities to stop and enjoy a blueberry tart

day1: hike around Hohneck, snowfield route and descent to Schiessrothried Lake.

From Schiessrothried, tour of Petit Hohneck, Dagobert's cave, Frankenthal and Col de Falimont. This route is not accessible in winter. The route is closed between (3), (4), (5) and (6) from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).

The Florival Valley seen from above – a perfect way to end the walk! Setting off from Soultzmatt, you’ll enjoy ‘heritage stops’ along the Val du Pâtre Way of the Cross, pausing to visit the churches and chapels of Soultzmatt, Val de Pâtre and Saint-Gangolphe. This long hike concludes on the balcony paths through the Guebwiller vineyards, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Florival Valley, the Grand Ballon and the Petit Ballon. You’ll be able to look back and admire the routes you’ve covered over the last few days.