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Vosges mountains walks
The three lakes
Visorando Member
7.16 mi
+1,394 ft
-1,394 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Orbey (Haut-Rhin)
Looking for a varied hike with different terrain? Then look no further than the Three Lakes Hike.
Rooted footpaths, forest tracks, uneven terrain, crossing the Gazon du Faing, Lac Noir, Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites (also known as Lac du Forlet) and, on a clear day, a diversion to the Belmont Rocher observatory or Rocher de Hans.
A lovely hike to do in fine weather. It's better for the scenery.
The Hirschsteine rocks by the stairs
7.01 mi
+1,847 ft
-1,847 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Le Valtin (Vosges)
A beautiful hike through the Hirschsteine rocks, an area less well known than the famous sentier des Roches, but just as impressive! You'll be amazed by the imposing metal staircase leading up to the rocks, the passageway carved into the rock and the vertiginous but safe path on the mountainside. Return via the ridges from Tanet. Beautiful views over the Munster valley and Lac Vert.
This hike is not permitted in winter! (see practical information)
From Wettstein Pass to the Lac des Truites
6.02 mi
+978 ft
-948 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Orbey (Haut-Rhin)
This short hike on trails marked by the Club Vosgien has in the first instance views of the valley of Munster, and also a view of the peaks of the Vosges. The many picnic opportunities around the Lac des Truites or Lac Forlet lakes, the trout spotting opportunities, as well the welcoming farmhouse make for an enjoyable outing.
The three castles of Ribeauvillé
4.44 mi
+1,171 ft
-1,171 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Ribeauvillé (Haut-Rhin) (Haut-Rhin)
It’s a lovely walk that allows you to see the three castles of Ribeauvillé from a slightly different angle to the traditional route.
The GPS track takes the shortest route. To see the three castles, follow the route description.
Avoid at all costs during the Christmas market or on Pfifferday. Ribeauvillé has recently become extremely touristy.
Le Petit Canada
7.53 mi
+607 ft
-584 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Pierre-Percée (Meurthe-et-Moselle)
With its dam, the Roches de la Xaveure – some of which are shaped like animals – Salm Castle (or Château de Pierre-Percée) and the little village that bears its name, Lake Pierre-Percée offers landscapes with a distinctly Canadian feel.
A tour of the Lac des Corbeaux
9.27 mi
+1,952 ft
-1,975 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Start and finish at the Col de Bramont.
This route will let you discover the Lac des Corbeaux from the Belvédère de la Roche du Lac 200m above it.
The view is stunning and its the perfect place for a snack!
A trail takes you down to the lake. It doesn't cross the embankment, but takes you round the lake on a pleasant, shady trail.
Return to the Col de Bramont via the Étang de Sèchemer.
A very beautiful circuit that's not too difficult, although very steep.
Le saut de la Bourrique
5.34 mi
+909 ft
-912 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Gérardmer (Vosges)
Saut de la Bourrique is a waterfall in the Vosges mountains in the commune of Gérardmer.
The legend associated with the name of this waterfall actually comes from a bourrique that belonged to a lord. Returning from the crusades, he was attacked by bandits, and to protect him the animal threw itself on them at the foot of the waterfall, where it perished with the miscreants.
28/05/2024: Hiking not possible at present: Sentier du saut de la bourrique closed from (1) to (2) by municipal by-law since 15 March 2024 for works. See practical information
Le Donon
3.18 mi
+869 ft
-869 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Grandfontaine (Bas-Rhin) (Bas-Rhin)
A short hike up one of the most famous peaks in the Vosges du Nord, famous for its Gallo-Roman remains and from where you can enjoy a wide panorama. The ascent is more gradual and less busy than the descent.
The Sentier des Roches
6.25 mi
+1,644 ft
-1,634 ft
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Le Valtin (Vosges)
The Sentier des Roches is a hiking trail in the Vosges mountains.In 1910, Heinrich Strohmeyer, general warden of the Water and Forestry Department and president of the Club Vosgien de Munster, proposed the creation of a trail linking the Col de Schlucht to Frankenthal near Hohneck.The Sentier des Roches is one of the most popular trails in the Vosges mountains.Please note: this hike is closed in winter (see practical information below).
Pissoire Waterfall and Haut du Tot
3.89 mi
+548 ft
-541 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Vagney (Vosges)
A lovely walk at altitude towards the highest village in the Vosges department.
The Lakes of Neuweiher and Gresson
5.00 mi
+1,345 ft
-1,348 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Rimbach-près-Masevaux (Haut-Rhin)
In the Doller valley, this walk will let you discover the lakes of Neuweiher and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Vosges. It's an easy walk and accessible to anyone.
Around Le Markstein
8.70 mi
+1,158 ft
-1,129 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Ranspach (Haut-Rhin)
A walk around Markstein on a typical Vosges ridge.
This route has all the ingredients for a great hike in the Vosges mountains, including panoramic views of the peaks and valleys, well-marked trails laid out by the Club Vosgien, including over thatch, and visits to a number of farm inns.
Lac de la Maix and Haut du Bon Dieu
6.02 mi
+771 ft
-745 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Vexaincourt (Vosges)
Leaving from the Lac de la Maix, in a beautiful setting, we pass through the Clairière de Prayé, the Haut du Bon Dieu and the charming Fontaine Colas Lorrain spring. We also visit two sites of trough or cup rock. A hike through beautiful woodland with pleasant stretches of open country.
Lakes and pastures
6.83 mi
+1,421 ft
-1,394 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Soultzeren (Haut-Rhin)
A beautiful hike that takes you up to the “Gazons”, the famous pastures of the Hautes Vosges, and along the steep slopes overlooking the magnificent cirques where the lakes of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet lie. All of this is situated at an altitude and in landscapes that are reminiscent of the Alps.
Andlau and Spesbourg castles from Andlau
6.75 mi
+1,263 ft
-1,257 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Andlau (Bas-Rhin)
A beautiful circular walk from Andlau, accessible to all.
The circuit passes through vineyards at the start, then takes you to the Haut-Andlau and Spesbourg castles.
There are beautiful views along the route (Kastelberg - Rocher Sainte Richarde - Spesbourg).
There is a fun section via the "Chemin des Espiègles" (Path of the Mischievous Ones), with little wooden gnomes placed on the trees.
Five lakes around Kastelberg
11.49 mi
+3,304 ft
-3,301 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Mittlach (Haut-Rhin)
This hike will take us on a day-long journey to discover some of the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges, four of which are nestled in remarkable glacial cirques.
Lac des Corbeaux and Croix Louis via the belvedere
2.98 mi
+778 ft
-774 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
A lovely little hike with a beautiful view of Lac des Corbeaux and perhaps a welcome swim.
Les Deux Donon
10.59 mi
+2,543 ft
-2,546 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Grandfontaine (Bas-Rhin) (Bas-Rhin)
Circuit passing through the peaks of Grand and Petit Donon, using the marked trails of the Club Vosgiens and theGR®5.
Forestry work is taking place for one month until May 2024 between (10) and (11).
Circuit of the Perches, Grand and Petit Neuweiher lakes
7.30 mi
+2,060 ft
-2,057 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Rimbach-près-Masevaux (Haut-Rhin)
This short hike offers breathtaking views of the Col des Perches and the lake of the same name, Sternsee. A bench and a small table above the scree overlooking the lake are ideal for a snack break while admiring the landscape.
At the Grand Neuweiher lake, stop at the refuge inn to quench your thirst before heading back to Rimbach.
Moderator's note: the Blue Disc trail between (6) and Ermensbach is closed to the public and should not be used as an alternative to the Yellow Horse trail (Steinweg).
Lake Pierre Percée – Discovering the battles of the Great War
9.72 mi
+1,499 ft
-1,490 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Pierre-Percée (Meurthe-et-Moselle)
Discover an artificial lake that supplies water to the cooling system of the Cattenom nuclear power station. The battles of the Great War near Celles-sur-Plaine.
The Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
7.75 mi
+1,650 ft
-1,631 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Hippolyte (Haut-Rhin) (Haut-Rhin)
A beautiful circular hike from the wine route to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. Climb up through the beautiful valley of the mills. Loop around Haut-Koenigsbourg and return via Langenberg. Beautiful views of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest, with an orientation table.
The castle courtyard is free to visit. Don't hesitate to make a detour from (6) or (7).
From Haut-Barr Castle to Brotsch Cave
5.14 mi
+840 ft
-863 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Haegen (Bas-Rhin)
A forest walk with some stunning views of the Vosges foothills. Visit the ruins of three castles: Haut-Barr, Grand Geroldseck and Petit Geroldseck, as well as the Brotsch Tower (built in 1897 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Club Vosgien’s founding in Saverne), and the cave.
From Sewen to Lake Alfeld
3.99 mi
+384 ft
-387 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Sewen (Haut-Rhin)
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.
The Lac du Grand Ballon and waterfall of Kletterbach
5.35 mi
+991 ft
-981 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Lautenbachzell (Haut-Rhin)
An original route to get to Lac du Grand Ballon avoiding the road. You will discover beautiful trees, a waterfall and views over the Petit Ballon and the Black Forest along the way.
In the centre of the thousand ponds
10.13 mi
+919 ft
-906 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Beulotte-Saint-Laurent (Haute-Saône)
Route slightly modified, description revised and corrected.
This is a lovely, easy route that allows you to admire around sixty ponds. Information boards help you discover and understand how these ponds were formed and are used. Much of the route is on small paved roads.
This route is partly based on signposts in the field, so be sure to follow the description carefully.
Lac Vert - Gazon du Faing - Forlet Lake (Lac des Truites)
10.49 mi
+1,903 ft
-1,873 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Orbey (Haut-Rhin)
Explore the forest, lakes and the Hautes Chaumes, the highlights of this hike that follows Vosges Club trails.
Eguisheim - Hagueneck Castle - Three Castles above Husseren
8.83 mi
+1,634 ft
-1,621 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Eguisheim (Haut-Rhin)
This is a beautiful hike starting from Eguisheim, offering stunning views over the Alsace plain. We pass by Hagueneck Castle and the Three Castles above Husseren. On the way back, a visit to the picturesque village of Eguisheim is a must, with its beautiful circular rampart street.
The southern trenches of Hartmannswillerkopf
4.28 mi
+1,532 ft
-1,529 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Wattwiller (Haut-Rhin)
The Hartmannswillerkopf (Viel Armand in French) was the scene of fierce fighting throughout 1915. Losses amounted to 50,000 dead, evenly divided between the two sides. This hike pays tribute to these soldiers by following part of their trenches. It begins with the ascent of the massif, following the German fortified trenches to the summit where the necropolis is located. The return route descends via the French side, the "Chemin des Dames".
Four Lakes Circuit in the Vosges
10.47 mi
+2,615 ft
-2,644 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Orbey (Haut-Rhin)
Hike in the Alsatian Vosges from Lac Blanc to Lac Vert and return via Lac des Truites and Lac Noir. These are three loops that follow on from each other so well that you can shorten the route at two points.
Mont Sainte-Odile
8.71 mi
+1,585 ft
-1,611 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Nabor (Bas-Rhin)
This is a circular hike, with Mont Sainte Odile as its highlight, an iconic place of pilgrimage dedicated to the patron saint of Alsace.
There are beautiful views of the Alsace plain from the site, with orientation tables. In good weather, you may be lucky enough to see Strasbourg Cathedral.
The route also takes you along the mysterious Mur Païen (Pagan Wall). On the way back, you will see the ruins of Hagelschlos and Ottrott castles (which are not open to visitors).
Please note: dogs are not allowed inside the monastery grounds.
The Hohneck The Frankenthal-Missheimle National Nature Reserve IBP 65
6.63 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,057 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Stosswihr (Haut-Rhin)
Spotting chamois in the Wormspel, dipping your feet in the clear waters of Lake Schiessrothried, and enjoying the beauty of the Frankenthal-Missheimle Nature Reserve are the highlights of this hike. And if you can also stop off at a farmhouse inn, then... it’s a brilliant day!
A variation of this hike, passing via the Falimont Pass, is suggested in the practical information section.
The BloyGR®®531trail between (6) and (7) is closed from 1 November to 30 April by prefectural decree dated 18 May 2022.
In Le Ménil-Thillot: Tête des Champs, Chapelles de la Salette and Chapelles de Pitié
7.20 mi
+1,660 ft
-1,647 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Le Ménil (Vosges)
A superb four-hour walk in the hills above Ménil-Thillot (between Cornimont and Le Thillot), best done in May or June when the meadows and broom are in bloom! This easy walk is an unforgettable foray into the bountiful nature of the Hautes-Vosges.
Piton du Falkenstein and Schelmeck from Grendelbruch
4.55 mi
+761 ft
-768 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Grendelbruch (Bas-Rhin)
A lovely, easy walk with many breathtaking views of the Bruche Valley, the Donon, the Wisches quarry, the Alsace plain and the Château du Guirabden.
This is a simple circuit in terms of length and elevation, with a mix of forest paths and trails through either forest or pastureland.
The Tendon waterfalls
4.82 mi
+778 ft
-804 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Tendon (Vosges)
A trail in the heart of the Vosges forest will take you to two magnificent waterfalls and across a few small streams. Of course, like all water trails, it is best to visit outside the dry seasons, otherwise it loses all its appeal. The trail is fairly well marked (red rings) and there are picnic tables along the way (especially in the first part).
Guirbaden Castle from Grendelbruch
4.60 mi
+479 ft
-476 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Grendelbruch (Bas-Rhin)
Rediscover the largest fortified castle in Alsace, currently undergoing restoration.
Le Mettey, Le Bouchot and La Hazelle
6.82 mi
+1,411 ft
-1,391 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Vagney (Vosges)
Very beautiful panoramic views of the Moselotte valley with picturesque little balcony paths.
From the Étang de Machais to the Rainkopf via the Blanchemer and La Lande lakes
9.36 mi
+1,650 ft
-1,627 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Where the ridge splits in two, one towards the Grand Ballon and the other towards the Grand Ventron, the Rainkopf offers an exceptional 360° panorama. There are many points of interest along the route, including Lac de Blanchemer and its floating peat bog, Lac de La Lande and its dam, Chaume du Firsmiss, the beautiful Machais peat bog, the glacial cirques and their scree slopes, and views of the Vosges and Alsace peaks and the Fecht and Thur valleys.
Les Roches d'Ormont - Les Molières waterfall
7.36 mi
+1,768 ft
-1,772 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges (Vosges)
A beautiful circular route near Saint-Dié, featuring the many remarkable rocks of the Ormont massif, with viewing points offering beautiful views of Saint-Dié.
You will also discover part of the "Sentier du Capitaine Bonnefoy" trail with some remains from the First World War. Return via the bucolic site of the Molières waterfall.
Tour around Blanc and Noir lakes
5.61 mi
+1,834 ft
-1,808 ft
4h 10
Difficult
Departure from Orbey (Haut-Rhin)
A pretty walk, alternating between rises and descents following sinuous winds and paths over ridges with magnificent views. ‘’The’’ meeting place for local chamois.
Esmoulières circuit
5.30 mi
+456 ft
-427 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Esmoulières (Haute-Saône)
An easy route that runs alongside numerous ponds. Very pleasant in the October sunshine, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful colours of our forests as they turn golden and purple.
Please note, however, that there is a short section on the road (with little traffic).
Ventron circuit
7.67 mi
+2,133 ft
-2,149 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Kruth (Haut-Rhin)
This is a must-do circuit for all hiking enthusiasts.
Southern pagan wall
3.06 mi
+338 ft
-338 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Ottrott (Bas-Rhin)
The Mur Païen, 10.5 km long, is the remains of an ancient wall located around the perimeter of Mont Sainte-Odile. At an altitude of 764 m, the summit overlooks the Alsace plain. The Abbey of Hohenbourg, founded by Saint Odile, stands there.
Ribeauvillé castles through the vineyards and the Schluesselstein
6.40 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,430 ft
4h 15
Easy
Departure from Ribeauvillé (Haut-Rhin) (Haut-Rhin)
This is a pleasant hike that will take you through vineyards and woods to the amazing Rocher du Schlüsselstein, then to the foot of the Taennchel and finally to two of the three castles of Ribeauvillé.
There are a few climbs, but overall it is an easy route.
Le Haut Barr - the Hexentisch - The Brotsch Tower - The Schaeferplatz IBP 47
8.55 mi
+1,175 ft
-1,168 ft
4h 55
Easy
Departure from Saverne (Bas-Rhin)
Haut Barr, Hexentisch, Brotsch Tower, Schaeferplatz: a whole menu for discovering this tiny part of the Vosges.
This easy hike, suitable for the whole family, will delight you with its many viewpoints, such as the Devil's Bridge, the Brotsch Tower, the Huck Rock and many others waiting to be discovered.
What's more, the many picnic spots make this hike even more enjoyable.
The quarries of Buhl
3.74 mi
+728 ft
-699 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Buhl (Haut-Rhin) (Haut-Rhin)
This hike could also be called 'Les Balcons de Buhl' (the Buhl balconies). It crosses the Buhlois vineyard, offering magnificent views of the Florival and the Grand Ballon. An additional point of interest is that the circuit crosses old abandoned red sandstone quarries in the Vosges.
Around the Petit Ballon, starting from Wasenmatten
7.51 mi
+1,401 ft
-1,398 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Wasserbourg (Haut-Rhin)
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 Taennchel massif from Thannenkirch
9.49 mi
+1,860 ft
-1,864 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Thannenkirch (Haut-Rhin)
Discover the Taennchel massif and its impressive sandstone rocks of the Vosges from the picturesque village of Thannenkirch.
The source of the Doller at the start of the Lachtelweiher
5.17 mi
+1,142 ft
-1,155 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Haut-Rhin
This hike will take you to the Source de la Doller, which, contrary to what you might think, does not originate at the Ballon d'Alsace, but below the Schlumpf. During the hike, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Doller valley and have the opportunity to eat at one of the farmhouse inns along the route.
The Hohneck loop via Schlessroth and Le Gaschney
5.49 mi
+1,900 ft
-1,900 ft
4h 10
Difficult
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
The Hohneck, showcasing all the beauty of the Vosges massif: the great rocky escarpments, the cirques, the trickling springs, the traces of the Ice Age, the flora and fauna, and the famous farmhouse inns.
More walks in Vosges mountains
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