Luttenbach-près-Munster walks

This hike covers both sides of the ridge separating the Stosswhir valley and the Metzeral valley, offering views of the ridges, the Col de la Schlucht and the Trois Fours on the way there, and the Petit Ballon massif and the Schnepfenried on the way back. Numerous ruins from the First World War dot both sides of this ridge, which was the dividing line between French and German troops. Eight thousand five hundred men died on these slopes.

Le Petit Ballon is one of the iconic peaks of the Vosges. This challenging hike takes you up to Le Petit Ballon via its northern slope, specifically from Munster. It is divided into two sections, each 8 km long. The first section involves a climb of over 800 metres in elevation between Munster and the summit, whilst the second section takes you back down. From the top, there is a splendid view of the highest peaks of the Vosges as well as the Munster and Florival valleys. It is also worth noting that the descent is more wooded than the ascent.

A short, shaded circular walk at the foot of the Petit Ballon, offering beautiful views of the Munster valley.

This hike is not particularly difficult and follows wide forest paths, offering beautiful views of the Metzeral valley, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest in the distance on the way there. On the way back, you can enjoy views of the Col de la Schlucht and the ridges. The hike can be rounded off with a stop at the Schallern Restaurant or the Gaschney farmhouse inn.

A circular walk in the hills above Muhlbach-sur-Munster, starting from the La Perle des Vosges restaurant, along paths that wind through beautiful mountain forests, heading towards the Col du Sattel and the former First World War front line.

A superb hike that passes along the Steinberg ridge, dotted with large granite boulders rising skywards. The summit of the Petit Ballon offers a beautiful view of the Vosges ridge. The Steinberg is reputed to be a major energy hub in the Hautes-Vosges. This hike is also not particularly difficult, even though it includes a few steep climbs.

A beautiful, challenging hike that takes you around the Petit Ballon via its farm inns and offers superb panoramic views of the surrounding Vosges peaks of Hohneck, Schlucht, Schnepfenried, Grand Ballon and the valleys of Metzeral, Guebwiller, Linthal and Wasserbourg, not to mention, in good weather, the Black Forest and Swiss Alps.

Discover the Petit Ballon and its superb panoramic views of the Hohneck, Schlucht, Schnepfenried and Grand Ballon peaks and the valleys of Metzeral, Linthal and Wasserbourg, not to mention, in good weather, the Black Forest and the Swiss Alps.

A pretty loop around the heights of Metzeral and Muhlbach with beautiful views of the Grande Vallée, the Vosges ridges and the Hohneck massif. The Kuhfeil lookout offers a breathtaking view of Metzeral. It is also a place of remembrance. Bitter fighting took place here during the Battle of Metzeral in 1915.

Hike in the hills above Metzeral, starting from the station, with a gradual climb to Petit-Ballon, before reaching the Steinberg ridge and Grothkopf and descending towards the village via the Brietenbach slope. Throughout the route, you will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills and villages in the valley.

The Petit Ballon tour starts at the Wasenmatten farmhouse inn. A challenging start (+300 m) precedes a gentle descent with superb views of the surrounding mountains - the Vosges, the Black Forest, the Jura and, for the lucky ones, the Alps.

The starting point for this hike in the Petit Ballon massif is at Wassmatt, at an altitude of over 800 m, which reduces the elevation gain. After reaching Buchwald with its hundred-year-old beech trees and panoramic view of the Wasserbourg valley, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest, the route takes us to the peaks and then plunges through the forest to Boenlesgrab. The return journey, which is more peaceful, passes through Dreischoepf and Hanspen before reaching Wassmatt again.

A lovely walk that winds through woodland and stubble fields, with the odd slightly technical section but nothing too difficult (you do need to stay alert). Beautiful views over the Alsace plain and the Kaiserstuhl, and further afield towards the Jura and the Alps. This walk is also dotted with farm inns, all of which are well worth a visit: Wassmatt, Buchwald, Kahlenwasen, Hilsen, Strohberg. But you’ll have to choose...

Enjoy panoramic views of the Munster Valley from the Steinberg stubble fields and the path to Lameysberg, then on the way back, enjoy the scenery on the slopes of Petit Ballon from the Herzog Trail viewpoint.

The Linge region was the scene of bloody clashes in 1914 and 1915. You will discover the remains and traces still very much present on the ground as you follow this route. Between 20 July and 16 October 1915, one of the bloodiest battles of the Great War in the Vosges took place on this section of the Linge-Barrenkopf front, barely 2 km long. It cost the lives of more than 17,000 young French and German soldiers.

Panoramic walk amid sculptural rock formations, witnesses to the ancient past of the Vosges mountains. This site is also famous for being a high-energy place in Alsace!

A short and easy hike that will allow you to discover the imposing granite ‘megaliths’ of the Steinberg, with views stretching far into the distance. Ideal after a meal at one of the farmhouse inns near the Petit Ballon.

A hike with very varied landscapes and paths: small hiking trails, forest paths and exceptional views of the surroundings of the Munster Valley, the Grand Ballon and the Alsace plain from the summits of the Petit Ballon and Steinberg.

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

A pleasant walk in the hills and forest of Griesbach-au-Val. Numerous views of the village, the Munster valley, Gunsbach and Wihr-au-Val, and the Vosges mountain range.

The first part of the route climbs through the forest before arriving at the Ferme-Auberge du Rothenbrunnen, and the return route to Sondernach offers remarkable views stretching from Schnepfenried to the Hohneck massif.

A few kilometres from the town of Munster, the village of Gunsbach is best known for one of its famous residents, Dr Albert Schweitzer, who had his house built here in 1928 in the village where he grew up. His house is now a museum open to visitors. This circular route, following beautiful paths and trails, climbs up to the Heidenruckenkopf, descends via the Hexenplatz, and passes by the Narrenstein with its unique view of the town and the Fecht valley. It circles the town of Munster and its main attractions, then climbs back up via beautiful paths, notably the Heidenbach trail, and finally descends to Albert Schweitzer’s House.

Moderately difficult hike on the heights of Petit Ballon.

A hike offering magnificent views over the Munster Valley, the Alsace Plain, the Black Forest and, on a clear day, the Jura and the Alps!

The aim of this hike is to reach the Petit Ballon with as little climbing as possible. Due to its position, away from the other peaks of the Vosges, the view stretches far into the distance.

A very varied hike possible in all seasons, which first crosses the Linge battlefield to discover the geography and remains of one of the deadliest places of the 1914-18 war. After this moving start, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views as you head towards the highest lake in the Vosges mountains: Lake Forlet. Walking through its majestic glacial cirque, you can admire the exceptional views offered by the ridges overlooking the lake.

This hike follows part of the route for the ascent of Mont Sidi-Brahim, continuing with the ascent of Mont Hilsenfirst (1,274 metres above sea level). This route is ideal for those who enjoy climbing the steep paths of the magnificent Vosges forests, whilst paying respectful and contemplative tribute to the sites of the heroic events of the First World War.