Linthal – Grand Ballon – Petit Ballon in 2 days

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This multi-day hike allows you to explore, over the course of two days, some of the most interesting routes in the Guebwiller region and the Markstein and Grand Ballon massifs. This hike is long and relatively challenging (over 41 km and a cumulative elevation gain of nearly 1,500 m). It is therefore suitable for regular walkers in good physical condition. Along the route, you’ll discover various farm inns, Lake Ballon, the Grand Ballon, the Markstein resort, the Petit Ballon and the ridges, and the village of Linthal.

Details

n°46072987
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 25.09 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,964 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 4,938 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,669 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,490 ft

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S

    Linthal – Grand Ballon – Markstein

    ↔12.20 mi ↗3,553 ft ↘1,319 ft
    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…
    View the route
  2. E

    Markstein – Petit Ballon – Linthal

    ↔12.88 mi ↗1,407 ft ↘3,619 ft
    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.
    View the route

Worth a visit

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 5456034

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent weekend adventure!

The climb up to the Grand Ballon was pretty tough, but it was worth it because the Haag Pass inn was waiting for us with a hearty menu of the day that kept us going all day long. After lunch, we climbed the Grand Ballon in heavy rain and then continued on to Markstein in welcome sunshine.

The second day seemed easier, but we underestimated the steep final kilometres to Linthal. The route offers splendid views of the Thur Valley and the Munster Valley. Once the aches and pains have subsided, we can't wait to go back!

Machine-translated

Randoyolo
Randoyolo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Review of the Linthal – Grand Ballon – Petit Ballon hike over 2 days

Route completed: Linthal – Grand Ballon – Petit Ballon (2 days)

Date: 8 and 9 June 2024

Participants: 3 people

Comments:

Day 1:

The first day is indeed very challenging, especially the climb. Fortunately, the Haag farmhouse inn is a welcome stop to refuel and rest.
We also decided not to climb the Grand Ballon due to tiredness and the weather conditions.
After the break, we carried on to point 9 and then descended to the Saint Hubert shelter for the night.
Important note: 1 litre of water per person wasn’t enough for the night and the following day. Make sure you take more water, especially if you’re doing the hike in summer.

Day 2:

We were pleasantly surprised to find public toilets open in summer in the ski pass sales building at Markstein. It was the perfect opportunity to freshen up and fill our water bottles.
The rest of the day was sunny and very pleasant. We headed down towards Linthal as soon as possible as we had a long journey home ahead of us.

Conclusion:

This hike is magnificent, but you need to be well prepared, especially when it comes to water.
The self-service shelters are very welcome, and you can find something to eat at the Haag farm inn or in Markstein.
Don’t forget to take plenty of water, especially in hot weather!

Recommendations:

Allow at least 1.5 litres of water per person per day, especially if you’re doing the walk in summer.
Don’t hesitate to stop off at the Haag farm inn to stock up on supplies and have a rest.
Enjoy the magnificent scenery and panoramic views!

Overall rating: 5/5

I hope you find this review helpful!

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Linthal – Grand Ballon – Markstein

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↔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…

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↔8.68 mi ↗+2,641 ft ↘-2,628 ft ◔6h 20 ▲Difficult
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The Petit Ballon is a must-see summit in Alsace. Rising to an altitude of 1,272 metres, it offers a splendid view of the Vosges mountains. There are various ways to reach it. This circular hike takes you to the Petit Ballon from the village of Linthal. The climb starts in the forest, then becomes more open from halfway up to the final viewpoint at the summit. For those who would like to do the hike in the opposite direction, it is more difficult.

Walking Linthal Chapel Trail

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Sentier de la Chapelle de Linthal
↔2.44 mi ↗+505 ft ↘-486 ft ◔1h 35 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Linthal (Haut-Rhin)
Starting from a chapel in the village of Linthal, you’ll climb through the forest overlooking the village, passing through pretty, flower-filled clearings and enjoying lovely views of the village below.

Walking South face of the Petit Ballon from Linthal

Visorando Member
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Visorando Member
Monument Gaston Brun, Grand Ballon d’Alsace et Lac du Ballon
↔9.44 mi ↗+2,995 ft ↘-2,995 ft ◔6h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lautenbachzell (Haut-Rhin)
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.

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↔7.45 mi ↗+1,785 ft ↘-1,781 ft ◔5h 00 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lautenbachzell (Haut-Rhin)
This walk, mainly through woodland, follows the River Lauch before climbing through the Belchenseebach Gorge, past a succession of magnificent waterfalls, to reach the romantic Lac du Ballon.The path is sometimes steep and some sections are slippery, but they are safe and the view is well worth the effort. A relaxing return journey with the option of stopping for a bite to eat at a farmhouse inn.

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